O2 and Nokia have completed the UK’s first live deployment of an AI-powered radio access network (RAN) feature, delivering improvements in network speed and efficiency.
The trial took place at O2’s Giga Site in London Paddington, one of the country’s busiest transport hubs, where the technology was tested while customers continued using the network as normal.
The trial is part of O2’s £700 million Mobile Transformation Plan, which focuses on improving network reliability, capacity and overall performance.
Nokia’s technology uses AI to monitor network traffic and automatically adjust how available capacity is shared. This helps the network respond to changes in demand, particularly during busy periods.
The results showed a 20% improvement in spectral efficiency, the telecoms giant revealed. Meanwhile, the technology also improved data speeds during peak periods without affecting network reliability.
O2 CTO, Jeanie York, said: “Mobile data demand continues to grow, so we need smarter ways to make the most of the spectrum and infrastructure we already have.
“This live trial with Nokia showed how AI can improve network efficiency and help us respond more effectively to changing customer demand. By making better use of existing network resources, we can deliver a better experience for customers while supporting future traffic growth.”
Nokia President of Mobile Networks, Emma Falck added: “This milestone demonstrates how AI is moving from experimentation to delivering measurable benefits in live mobile networks.
“By embedding intelligence directly into the RAN, operators can make better use of existing spectrum resources, improve network performance and create a stronger foundation for future AI-driven services. Our collaboration with O2 shows the significant potential of AI-native networks to enhance customer experiences while improving operational efficiency.”
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