Nokia has begun deploying its autonomous MantaRay SON (Self-Organizing Networks) solution in NTT DOCOMO’s multi-vendor LTE and 5G radio access network, marking a significant step toward large-scale automated 5G operations in Japan. The collaboration represents the first integration of Nokia’s 5G base station technology with DOCOMO’s existing operational systems.
The deployment, which is already underway, aims to improve DOCOMO’s operational efficiency, accelerate network quality improvements and enhance customer experience across its nationwide 5G footprint.
MantaRay SON seeks to address the growing complexity of modern 5G networks, which involve millions of cells and increasingly dense deployments. By automating routine processes such as planning, provisioning, verification and optimization, the system reduces manual intervention and operational costs while improving network performance. Apart from NTT DOCOMO, STC and Vodafone Idea, among others, are using Nokia’s MantaRay to improve network operations.
Telecom service providers across the world are focusing on automating network processes to improve operational efficiency and network performance, while improving network economics. Nokia competes with Ericsson, Samsung and Huawei, among others, in this segment.
One of the key features of MantaRay SON is its ability to enable closed-loop operations, where configuration changes in the network are detected and executed autonomously. Nokia says this capability strengthens alignment between DOCOMO’s operational systems and allows the operator to make near-real-time adjustments to improve service quality.
The solution will also evolve within DOCOMO’s environment to support multi-vendor RAN elements, Nokia’s MantaRay AutoPilot and Non-RT RIC (Non-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller) functions — all aimed at enabling higher levels of automation and intelligence across the network.
““Nokia is proud to partner with NTT DOCOMO to bring cutting-edge AI-driven automation to Japan’s telecom industry. MantaRay SON represents a significant leap forward in managing the complexity of 5G networks, delivering superior efficiency and customer experience. Together, we are shaping the future of network operations,” said Mark Atkinson, Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia.
DOCOMO’s Masafumi Masuda, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Radio Access Design Department, said the solution will help accelerate quality improvement cycles, strengthen DOCOMO’s O-RAN-based network and reduce operational costs through its AI-driven automation features.
MantaRay SON is a core part of Nokia’s broader Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework, which uses AI and machine learning to optimize network operations. The deployment supports DOCOMO’s ambition to achieve Level 4 autonomous network operations — one of the highest tiers of automation defined in the industry.
