Japan's NTT Docomo Deploys Nokia's Latest Open RAN Kit in World-First Commercial Rollout

NTT Docomo has begun commercial operation of Nokia's latest base station equipment, marking the first deployment of the Finnish vendor's newest Open RAN-compliant kit anywhere in the world, the Japanese carrier said.

The deployment represents a significant milestone in the global push toward multi-vendor Open RAN architectures, which promise to reduce operator dependence on single suppliers and lower network costs. For NTT Docomo, Japan's largest mobile network operator, the move underscores its ambition to lead in open, interoperable network infrastructure as the industry begins early preparations for the 6G era.

The base station equipment is designed to connect with gear from different vendors, consistent with the core premise of Open RAN networks. It runs on two distinct software packages: Levante, which handles data processing, and Ponente, which manages control processing. The kit supports both 4G and 5G connectivity and incorporates Nokia's Dual Boost massive MIMO antenna technology, engineered to improve connection quality during peak traffic periods.

Nokia's latest base station was installed on a mobile base station vehicle and deployed at the Joso Kinugawa Fireworks Festival in Japan over the weekend. According to NTT Docomo, the equipment can support a greater number of radio units while consuming less power than the operator's existing infrastructure. "This will improve the operational efficiency and reduce costs of the communication network, contributing to the construction of a sustainable network," the carrier said.

The deployment builds on a series of agreements between the two companies. NTT Docomo signed an Open RAN agreement with Nokia in 2023 to deploy the vendor's Open RAN 5G AirScale baseband kit for its commercial network, followed by a separate deal last year for Nokia's autonomous MantaRay SON solution. NTT Docomo said it plans to expand the deployment of the new equipment nationwide to venues such as sports stadiums and will continue working with Nokia on Open RAN development into the 6G era.