AT&T & Nokia Light Up NYC’s 5G with Intelligent Controller
In a live‑action test that could make telecom nerds swoon, Nokia and AT&T just pulled off a successful limited trial of the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) on AT&T’s commercial 5G mmWave network right in the heart of New York City.
What’s the Big Deal?
Once the RIC is fully integrated, it will let the network play the role of a smart, self‑learning DJ—adjusting itself on the fly to keep things running smooth, fast, and—most importantly—tailored to every user.
Background: Open‑Source Alliance
Back in December 2023, AT&T and Nokia teamed up to build the RIC software as part of the O‑RAN Alliance’s vision. The goal? Make 5G RAN open, modular, and super‑flexible, so whoever—or whatever—needs new services can roll them out without a headache.
Trial Highlights
- Zero Downtime – The trial ran alongside the live commercial network, meaning no hiccups for the millions of subscribers.
- xApps on the Edge – They pushed a set of apps—called “xApps”—onto an Akraino‑based open cloud platform at the network’s edge.
- Smart Spectrum – One xApp focused on squeezing more bandwidth out of each millimeter‑wave tile.
- Geo‑Smart Customisation – Apps could adapt based on location and usage patterns, fast‑tracking new features.
- Key Tests
- E2 interface and xApp control – all browsers hit.
- Measurement Campaign xApp – real‑time data crunching.
- Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) xApp – keeping devices in sync.
- Admission Control xApp – managing who gets to use the network at any moment.
Quotes That Make You Smile
Mazin Gilbert, AT&T’s VP of Technology and Innovation, said, “This successful trial proves that openness and collaboration can turn a Kappa-level tech into a reality. We’ll keep building and contributing to the E2 interface and RIC platform to make our 5G smarter and more flexible.”
Michael Clever, Head of Edge Cloud Platforms at Nokia, added, “Seeing our teams nail the trial on AT&T’s 5G in such a city means we’re advancing RAN intelligence, openness, and programmability fast. It’s all about bumping up wireless efficiency and the end‑user experience.”
Why It Matters to You
Short: If you’re expecting snappy streaming, lightning‑fast gaming, or VR that’s seamless, the RIC’s got you covered. Big tech: This shows how 5G can become not just a product but a dynamic, self‑tuning service, thanks to open assemblies and real‑world testing.
Long: But the most epic part is that we’re watching the first step of a future where networks look and feel like they have a brain of their own, all thanks to Nokia, AT&T, and the O‑RAN Alliance.
