Nvidia and SoftBank have reached a significant milestone, piloting the world’s first integrated network that combines AI processing with 5G. SoftBank’s groundbreaking 5G AI-RAN network aims to revolutionize telecom operations by enabling providers to leverage spare capacity for AI tasks, unlocking new revenue streams.
The announcement, made during the Nvidia AI Summit in Japan on November 12, highlighted successful testing of this innovative system. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang revealed the progress, emphasizing the potential to transform traditional base stations into revenue-generating AI computing hubs.
From Costs to Profits: Redefining Base Stations
SoftBank showcased this innovation in a real-world trial in Kanagawa, Japan, where base stations equipped with Nvidia technology sustained full 5G performance while concurrently running AI workloads. This dual functionality utilizes spare network capacity, turning infrastructure costs into profitable ventures.
According to SoftBank, the 5G AI-RAN network could yield impressive financial benefits, projecting returns of $5 for every $1 invested and server-level ROI of up to 219%.
SoftBank Secures Nvidia’s Cutting-Edge Blackwell Chips
During the summit, Huang announced that SoftBank would be the first to deploy Nvidia’s next-generation Grace Blackwell chips. These chips will power Japan’s most advanced AI supercomputer, designed for diverse applications, including generative AI development.
SoftBank plans to harness Nvidia AI Enterprise software to launch an AI marketplace tailored to Japan’s demand for localized and secure AI solutions. Although no timeline was specified, the marketplace will support AI training and edge inference across industries such as healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.
Expanding Horizons: Nvidia’s Asian Growth Strategy
The Nvidia-SoftBank collaboration underscores Nvidia’s deepening commitment to the Asian market. Following the establishment of an AI R&D center in Taiwan in August 2024, Nvidia is preparing to announce a major investment in Thailand next month.
This partnership represents a transformative step in integrating AI and telecom, with far-reaching implications for technology, business models, and industry profitability.
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