Virgin Media O2 has tapped network vendor Nokia to deploy AI-RAN technology at O2’s Giga Site in London Paddington.

The UK mobile operator claimed it has completed the UK's first live deployment of an AI-powered radio access network (RAN) feature.

The purpose of the test to showcase how AI can improve 5G network efficiency and performance in a live customer environment, according to Virgin Media O2.

This test took place at O2's Giga Site in London Paddington, with the technology operating on the carrier's live network, while serving customers throughout the trial.

Nokia has been banging hard on the AI-RAN drum, largely in partnership with GPU giant Nvidia, and has worked with several mobile carriers to test AI-RAN with mobile networks.

Just last week, Nokia paired with T-Mobile to complete what the companies claim to be the world's first AI-RAN voice call.

EE, a rival of Virgin Media O2, also confirmed it will trial AI-RAN on its live network next year with the support of the Finnish vendor.

The purpose of Nokia's trial with Virgin Media O2 was to utilize AI's ability to improve spectrum efficiency as data usage continues to surge.

Virgin Media O2 noted that it was able to tap into Nokia's AI-RAN, which uses predictive AI embedded within the radio network to analyze network conditions and anticipate changes in demand. The company said this enabled the site to respond automatically to shifting traffic patterns without manual intervention.

The telco said the use of AI-RAN technology was able to deliver improved spectral efficiency by approximately 20 percent.

This meant that the Giga Site was able to carry more data using the same spectrum and existing network capacity.

“Mobile data demand continues to grow, so we need smarter ways to make the most of the spectrum and infrastructure we already have," Jeanie York, chief technology officer at O2. "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."

Emma Falck, president of mobile networks at Nokia, added: "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.”