Nokia and AWS are piloting a new agentic AI powered 5G slicing system that allows telecom networks to adjust themselves automatically in real time.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- Nokia and AWS are testing agentic AI powered 5G network slicing with du and Orange.
- The system uses Amazon Bedrock and Nokia AirScale and MantaRay tools.
- AI agents analyze live data like traffic, events, and weather to adjust network performance.
- The goal is to unlock new revenue streams and premium enterprise services.
What Happened?
At MWC26, Nokia and AWS unveiled an industry first pilot of agentic AI powered 5G Advanced network slicing. The solution is being tested on live networks by du in the United Arab Emirates and Orange across Europe and Africa.
The system combines Nokia’s radio and automation portfolio with Amazon’s Bedrock AI platform to enable real time, intent based network slicing that automatically adapts to changing conditions.
📣 Citymesh goes live with world’s first commercial mobile service on 5G Core SaaS, powered by @nokia and AWS. The SaaS model enables telecommunication providers to build and scale networks with reduced capital investment and operational complexity.
— AWS Newsroom (@AWSNewsroom) February 19, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/EW1zzQB9Hk pic.twitter.com/wTDpOBdDxb
AI Agents Take Control of 5G Networks
Network slicing has long been promoted as a major monetization opportunity for telecom operators. It allows multiple virtual networks to run on the same physical infrastructure, each optimized for a specific purpose such as emergency services, enterprise applications, or consumer streaming.
However, traditional slicing has relied heavily on manual planning and static configurations. That has limited how quickly operators can respond to sudden traffic spikes, emergencies, or major events.
The new pilot introduces agentic AI that continuously monitors key performance indicators including latency, congestion, and bitrate. It also analyzes open internet data such as:
- Traffic patterns
- Event schedules
- Locations and maps
- Weather and environmental conditions
- Operator network data
Based on these inputs, AI agents autonomously adjust radio access network policies and slicing configurations to maintain agreed service levels.
Pallavi Mahajan, Chief Technology and AI Officer at Nokia said:
Powered by Amazon Bedrock
The solution integrates Nokia’s 5G AirScale base stations, MantaRay SMO, and Agentic AI modules with Amazon Bedrock.
According to AWS, the integration allows operators to move beyond static policies toward context aware automation.
Network slicing has long promised to unlock new revenue streams for operators, but manual configuration and static policies have prevented end customers from accessing on-demand provisioning. By integrating agentic AI capabilities through Amazon Bedrock with Nokia’s application, operators can now deliver intelligent, context-aware network slicing that responds dynamically to real-world conditions from traffic surges to emergency situations.
This transforms network slicing from a technical capability into a true business enabler, allowing operators to monetize their 5G investments through differentiated, premium services that adapt automatically to customer needs. Agentic Network Slicing is the beginning of an era that will enable telecommunications providers to enable real-time intent-based service provisioning for end customers.
Real World Use Cases from Stadiums to Emergency Response
The pilot outlines several practical use cases:
- Enterprises running private 5G networks across campuses and business parks.
- First responders needing reliable connectivity during disasters.
- Premium 5G and fixed wireless customers using gaming, streaming, XR, and AI applications.
- Large venues hosting concerts, sports matches, and conferences.
For example, during a crowded stadium event, AI agents could analyze live network conditions and automatically allocate capacity to VIP spectators, payment systems, broadcasters, and operational crews. In emergency scenarios, the system could prioritize public safety communications.
Orange has previously emphasized that enterprise customers expect connectivity to behave more like cloud computing, where resources scale on demand. AI driven slicing could move telecom networks closer to that model.
Cloud and AI Move Deeper into Telecom Operations
The collaboration also reflects a broader trend of cloud platforms becoming deeply integrated into telecom infrastructure. Operators are increasingly shifting network functions to cloud environments and adding automation layers on top.
Analysts note that while 5G has delivered higher speeds and lower latency, operators have struggled to convert those technical gains into sustainable new revenue streams. Intelligent slicing could change that by offering temporary connectivity, guaranteed service levels, and differentiated premium services.
Still, the technology remains in the pilot phase. Industry observers say human oversight and regulatory clarity will remain critical as AI systems begin influencing operational decisions in critical communication networks.
At MWC26, Nokia will demonstrate the solution at its booth. Meanwhile, rival vendor Ericsson is also previewing slicing related innovations, including a specialized Speedtest app developed with Ookla to measure and validate slice performance and service level agreements in real time.
SQ Magazine Takeaway
I believe this is one of the clearest signals yet that AI is moving from analytics into direct operational control inside telecom networks. If this works at scale, operators could finally unlock the business promise of 5G instead of just marketing faster speeds. The real story here is not slicing itself. It is AI becoming the silent network manager behind the scenes. That shift could redefine how connectivity is sold, priced, and delivered over the next decade.
