NTT Docomo and Samsung cut data degradation from 13% to 7%

NTT Docomo and Samsung Electronics validated AI-RAN technology in a trial in Japan earlier in 2026 that reduced the frequency of data rate degradation from 13% to 7%.

The companies said the AI-RAN technology uses artificial intelligence in the radio access network to analyse a user’s movement patterns and behaviour and predict potential service degradation before it happens. Instead of applying the same network configuration to every device connected to a base station, the system adjusts user experience for each individual based on real-time network conditions and expected actions.

NTT Docomo and Samsung Electronics said the approach aims to reduce connectivity drops in weak-signal areas and other service degradation issues as demand for high-bandwidth services increases. The companies described the validation as a step toward predictive network operations that they expect to become more common in 6G, and said they also developed a related data collection process to minimise network burden during optimisation.