Nokia and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison are moving their partnership beyond network upgrades and into an AI-driven architecture that could reshape how mobile connectivity works in Indonesia. The collaboration is aimed at building a stronger 5G foundation while preparing the ground for AI-RAN trials in the country.
For users, the shift matters because the network is being positioned not just as a faster transport layer, but as infrastructure for more responsive digital services. That includes better stability, broader coverage, and a more integrated experience for both consumer and business applications.
5G coverage is set to become more capable
Under the plan, Nokia will support 5G deployment in both low-band and mid-band spectrum. The goal is to create a high-performance network that is closely tied to AI capabilities, with the expectation of improved capacity, performance, and reach across Indonesia.
That expansion is designed to help everyday users as well as enterprise customers. A more robust network can improve daily tasks such as working, studying, communicating, and accessing digital services with less friction.
The effort also points to more relevant digital experiences in areas such as immersive gaming and entertainment. For Indosat, the network upgrade is part of a broader push to support personal use and business needs with the same underlying infrastructure.
AI-RAN is becoming the next major focus
The agreement aligns with a shared plan to make connectivity the foundation of intelligence. In that model, AI-RAN serves as a common architecture that brings connectivity and AI together in one ecosystem.
Nokia, NVIDIA, and Indosat had already been working together on AI-RAN development. They are now preparing to build on the first AI-RAN call completed at Mobile World Congress 2026 and move toward a field trial in Indonesia by the end of 2026.
Nokia will also develop new AI algorithms aimed at improving spectrum efficiency on NVIDIA’s AI-RAN platform. Those algorithms are intended to be part of the upcoming field test, making the trial an important step in validating the system in a real-world environment.
Indosat is widening its AI Grid
Indosat is strengthening its AI Grid by combining centralized AI factories with distributed AI-RAN infrastructure. The approach is designed to build an integrated intelligence ecosystem that can deliver AI and connectivity to millions of people in Indonesia.
That model is also being linked to broader economic growth. It is built on local AI innovation and has already accelerated practical use cases in public services, health care, education, and agriculture.
The company’s direction is backed by the AI-RAN Innovation Center in Surabaya and the NVIDIA AI Technology Center ecosystem. These assets reinforce a technology strategy that is closer to local needs and more practical for deployment.
Indosat President Director and CEO Vikram Sinha said the company continues to evolve to serve customers better by understanding their needs more deeply. He added that, together with Nokia and NVIDIA, Indosat is building an AI-integrated network foundation to improve connectivity quality and create a smoother digital experience.
Nokia President and CEO Justin Hotard said the partnership reflects the next stage of network evolution. According to him, the network will expand 5G coverage, support more AI-based services, and create long-term value for the telecom industry.
He also said the move fits a wider shift in the sector, as operators invest at scale in high-performance networks. The focus, he noted, is not only better efficiency, but also new business models and wider digital growth.