Orange to Test Nokia AI-RAN in Live Network

Sep 24, 2026
Orange will test Nokia's AI-RAN platform in a small live network deployment after completing lab evaluations. The trial will measure performance, energy use, operational effects, and total cost of ownership.

Orange will test Nokia Corporation's AI-RAN platform in a small live network deployment after completing lab evaluations, according to RCR Wireless. The operator will assess performance, energy efficiency, operational effects, and total cost of ownership before considering a wider rollout.

Orange expects to evaluate three deployment models: AI-RAN plugins for existing AirScale sites, standalone AI-RAN nodes, and cloud native systems using commercial servers. Nokia claims about a 20% improvement in spectral efficiency under test conditions, with targets of 50% by mid 2027 and more than 100% in 2028.

The trial will examine whether those gains remain consistent across different traffic loads and radio conditions. Orange and Nokia will also assess whether spare computing capacity can support tasks such as interference management, automated radio configuration, positioning, infrastructure monitoring, industrial safety, and drone detection. Orange has not selected an architecture or committed to a commercial rollout.

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