Nvidia and SoftBank are pioneering a network solution that integrates advanced AI processing capabilities with 5G technology. This initiative, dubbed the 5G AI-RAN (Radio Access Network), represents a transformative approach for telecom providers by leveraging existing 5G network infrastructure to process AI workloads, offering both increased operational efficiencies and potential revenue streams.
This development, which was announced during the Nvidia AI Summit Japan by CEO Jensen Huang, builds upon the companies' earlier cooperation through the AI-RAN Alliance, introduced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona earlier this year. According to SoftBank, their 5G AI-RAN concept has the potential to unlock significant revenue opportunities, projecting returns of up to $5 for every $1 invested, with an impressive server ROI of up to 219%.
In another significant move, SoftBank will be the first to deploy Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell chips as part of a state-of-the-art AI supercomputer project. This next-gen system is poised to support a range of AI-driven applications, including generative AI and more. SoftBank’s planned AI marketplace aims to cater to Japan’s growing demand for secure, localised AI solutions, with capabilities for both AI training and edge inference across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation. Although a timeline for this initiative has yet to be disclosed, the prospects it presents for Japan’s AI infrastructure are notable.
This collaboration underscores Nvidia’s expanding presence across Asia. Following the establishment of an AI research and development hub in Taiwan in August 2024, Nvidia is set to announce further major investments in Thailand, reinforcing its strategic growth in the region.
