SoftBank and NVIDIA have launched a groundbreaking project in Japan that could fundamentally change the telecommunications industry. In Kanagawa, SoftBank operates the world's first infrastructure that seamlessly combines artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G. The so-called AI-RAN technology, based on NVIDIA's AI Aerial platform, enables base stations not only to provide network solutions but also to process AI workloads.

According to Reuters, AI-RAN technology offers significant economic advantages for network operators. Every dollar invested could potentially generate up to 5 USD in revenue. Additionally, a remarkable return of 219 percent per server is projected. The integration of networks and AI opens up new monetization opportunities for previously unused capacities, as reported by Techopedia. This could provide telecommunications companies with access to additional revenue sources and sustainably transform the industry.

At the center of this innovation are NVIDIA's new Blackwell chips, which are used for the first time at SoftBank. According to RCR Wireless News, they offer up to 30 times the performance in certain AI applications compared to previous models. The chips are used in SoftBank's DGX SuperPOD supercomputer, which is employed for both internal research projects and the development of a national AI platform. This platform aims to provide secure and locally available AI services in areas such as healthcare, industry, and mobility.

The partnership with SoftBank is an important step for NVIDIA to expand its position in Asia. Japan, which is increasingly establishing itself as a center for AI innovations, could take on a leadership role in the Asian telecommunications industry through this collaboration. For SoftBank, the merger of AI and telecommunications not only offers efficiency gains but also the opening up of new business areas.