Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Rakuten Mobile has unveiled a major strategic partnership with Intel that positions artificial intelligence at the very heart of virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) operations. Through this collaboration, both companies aim to accelerate the transition toward smarter, more autonomous, and highly efficient mobile networks powered by embedded AI.
Building on their long-standing cooperation in vRAN deployments that already leverage Intel Xeon processors, this initiative represents a decisive step toward an AI-native RAN architecture. Consequently, Rakuten Mobile and Intel are now working together to design, test, and scale next-generation AI capabilities directly within the RAN environment rather than treating AI as a separate overlay layer.
At the core of this effort, the partners are prioritizing four key innovation areas. First, they are enhancing wireless spectral efficiency to maximize network capacity and performance. Second, they are advancing automated RAN operations to reduce manual intervention and simplify network management. Third, they are optimizing resource allocation so networks can dynamically adapt to real-time demand and improve user experience. Finally, they are driving greater energy efficiency, helping operators lower power consumption while supporting sustainable connectivity.
Meanwhile, Rakuten Mobile and Intel are conducting extensive validation across Layer 1, Layer 2, and full RAN operational frameworks. Their objective is to integrate AI seamlessly into the RAN stack while maintaining carrier-grade reliability, ultra-low latency, and strict performance standards that telecom operators require.
To achieve this, the collaboration relies on Intel FlexRAN reference software, the Intel vRAN AI Development Kit, and a comprehensive set of AI libraries and tools. Using these resources, Rakuten Mobile is training and fine-tuning AI models specifically designed for complex RAN workloads. Moreover, the initiative takes advantage of Intel Xeon 6 SoC capabilities, including AVX512/VNNI and AMX acceleration, to deliver real-time AI performance at the network edge.
As a result, this AI-native evolution promises a more software-defined, cloud-based, and upgrade-friendly RAN architecture built on open, general-purpose computing platforms. In parallel, the partnership strengthens the broader vision of self-optimizing, autonomous mobile networks that can learn, adapt, and improve continuously without heavy human intervention.
Sharad Sriwastawa, co-CEO and CTO, Rakuten Mobile
We are incredibly excited to expand our collaboration with Intel to pioneer truly AI-native RAN architectures. Together, we are validating transformative AI-driven innovations that will not only shape but define the future of mobile networks. This partnership showcases how intelligent RAN can be achieved through the seamless and efficient integration of AI workloads directly within existing vRAN software stacks, delivering unparalleled performance and efficiency.
Kevork Kechichian, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Data Center Group, Intel Corporation
AI is transforming how networks are built and operated. Together with Rakuten, we are demonstrating how AI benefits can be achieved in vRAN. Intel Xeon processors power the majority of commercial vRAN deployments worldwide, and this transformation momentum continues to accelerate. Intel is providing AI-ready Xeon platforms that allow operators like Rakuten to design AI-ready infrastructure from the ground up, with built-in acceleration capabilities.
Overall, this collaboration signals a major leap toward AI-driven mobile networks that are faster, greener, more resilient, and fundamentally smarter.
To join our expert panel discussions, reach out to info@intentamplify.com
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