Nokia secured a third contract with a Japanese operator over the past four months, with NTT Docomo opting to use the vendor’s self-organising networks (SON) platform in its multi-vendor LTE and 5G RAN.

In a statement, Nokia explained its MantaRay SON is designed to address the increasing complexity of 5G networks, with the integration into Docomo’s operations allowing planning, provisioning and verification processes to be automated. By automating routine operations, the vendor added MantaRay SON improves network quality and efficiency, while significantly reducing operational costs.

The new system also enables closed-loop operations, with configuration changes in 5G systems detected and executed automatically without human intervention, Nokia claimed. The deployment is underway.

Masafumi Masuda, GM of Docomo’s Radio Access Design Department, stated MantaRay’s open interface capabilities will strengthen its O-RAN 5G commercial network, while the advanced AI features will reduce operational costs and further improve service quality.

Nokia head of RAN Mark Atkinson suggested the system represents “a significant leap forward” in managing the complexity of 5G networks. “Together, we are shaping the future of network operations.”

Earlier this month, SoftBank Corp selected Nokia to modernise its existing network infrastructure and expand standalone (SA) 5G coverage across western Japan. In late July, Rakuten Mobile lined up the company as one of three vendor partners to deploy a SA 5G network across the country.