Nokia has struck a landmark agreement with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), securing key technology assets that will significantly enhance its AI-powered automation capabilities for next-generation networks. The deal marks a strategic step forward in Nokia’s mission to lead the evolution from 5G to 6G, enabling telecom operators to better automate, optimize, and future-proof their networks.
Boosting RAN Automation with HPE’s Technology
Under the global licensing agreement, Nokia will gain access to HPE’s RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) technology, which will be integrated into its industry-leading MantaRay Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) platform. The assets also include advanced AI-driven network automation solutions, along with a dedicated development team that has now joined Nokia Mobile Networks as of October 1, 2025.
By incorporating HPE’s RIC with its MantaRay SMO, Nokia aims to deliver more sophisticated automation, orchestration, and network optimization capabilities, ensuring that telecom operators can efficiently manage multi-vendor, cloud-native, and Open RAN environments.
Accelerating the 6G Journey
According to Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, the collaboration reflects a clear push toward building networks that go beyond 5G:
“This licensing deal with HPE will further strengthen our proven MantaRay SMO portfolio by adding these assets and expertise. Our customers worldwide will benefit from the enhanced capabilities of Nokia’s AI-driven automation, orchestration and open ecosystems, enabling them to manage multi-vendor networks more efficiently and prepare for the transition from 5G to 6G.”
Nokia’s MantaRay SMO is already one of the most advanced platforms in the market. Capable of achieving TM Forum’s Autonomous Networks Level 4, it supports zero-touch operations powered by AI, while remaining fully Open RAN–compliant with open R1 interfaces for rApps (Radio Access Network applications).
A Step Toward Autonomous Networks
The deal highlights Nokia’s ambition to set the pace in AI-driven, autonomous networks. With global operators under pressure to scale 5G deployments while laying the groundwork for 6G, solutions like MantaRay SMO—strengthened by HPE’s RIC—promise to reduce operational complexity, cut costs, and enhance service quality for end-users.
For the telecom industry, this agreement represents more than just a licensing deal—it underscores the growing importance of AI, open ecosystems, and cross-industry collaboration in shaping the networks of the future.
