Nokia Partners with NTT DOCOMO to Deploy AI-Driven 5G Automation in Japan

Nokia has partnered with Japan’s NTT DOCOMO, INC. (“DOCOMO”) to implement its autonomous MantaRay SON Self-Organizing Networks solution within DOCOMO’s multi-vendor LTE and 5G radio access network (RAN). This deployment marks the first instance in Japan where Nokia’s 5G base stations integrate with DOCOMO’s operational systems, bringing advanced automation and heightened operational efficiency to 5G network operations. The rollout is currently underway and aims to enhance both network performance and customer experience.

Designed to address the growing complexity of 5G networks, Nokia’s MantaRay SON solution manages thousands of base stations and millions of network cells. By automating routine network operations, the solution boosts network quality, operational efficiency, and end-user experience, while significantly lowering operational costs.

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With MantaRay SON now integrated into DOCOMO’s network, the telecom operator can automate planning, provisioning, and verification processes seamlessly. Moreover, the solution enables closed-loop operations, allowing configuration changes in 5G systems to be detected and executed automatically without human intervention. This capability improves alignment across operational systems, ensuring timely quality upgrades and enhanced network performance. Moving forward, DOCOMO’s network will further leverage MantaRay SON’s multi-vendor support, AutoPilot features, and Non-RT RIC capabilities to deliver even higher levels of automation and intelligence.

Mark Atkinson, Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, stated: “Nokia is proud to partner with NTT DOCOMO to bring cutting-edge AI-driven automation to Japan’s telecom industry. MantaRay SON represents a significant leap forward in managing the complexity of 5G networks, delivering superior efficiency and customer experience. Together, we are shaping the future of network operations.”

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Masafumi Masuda, General Manager of Radio Access Design Department and Senior Vice President at NTT DOCOMO, INC., added: “Nokia’s highly automated MantaRay SON solution will help us deliver an enhanced customer experience by accelerating our quality improvement cycles. Its open interface capabilities will strengthen our O-RAN 5G commercial network, while its advanced AI features will reduce operational costs and further improve service quality. We are excited to continue this journey with Nokia, a trusted partner that has supported us every step of the way as we move toward more open networks.”

As a crucial component of Nokia’s Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework, MantaRay SON uses AI to optimize network operations. Its deployment also supports DOCOMO’s vision of achieving Level 4 autonomous network operations, accelerating automation across the operator’s infrastructure and reinforcing its leadership in next-generation 5G networks.

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