AgentRAN: Transforming Telecommunications with Autonomous AI for 5G and 6G Networks

Revolutionizing Telecommunications: The Launch of AgentRAN

In a significant advancement for telecommunications, Northeastern University, in collaboration with SoftBank Corp., Keysight Technologies, and zTouch Networks, unveils the Autonomous Agentic AI-RAN (AgentRAN) at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026. This cutting-edge system automates the configuration of 5G and 6G networks through a sophisticated hierarchy of AI agents capable of interpreting operator intentions conveyed in natural language. The project's development reflects the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into network management, aimed at creating responsive and efficient communications systems.

AgentRAN stands out for its innovative use of the Large Telecom Model (LTM), developed by SoftBank, which has been meticulously optimized using domain-specific data tailored for the telecommunications sector. Enhancing this framework, Keysight Technologies contributes its advanced Radio Frequency (RF) digital twin channel emulation solutions, leveraging technologies such as RaySIM and PROPSIM. This collaboration highlights the importance of high-fidelity training datasets in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of AI applications in network environments. The performance improvements demonstrated in the initial showcases position the AgentRAN as a notable leap forward in the realm of autonomous radio access networks.

The initiative also establishes the AI-RAN Alliance, aimed at fostering ongoing research and development in intelligent wireless networks. As articulated by Tommaso Melodia from Northeastern University, the coalition is dedicated to accelerating innovations in the field, setting the stage for future advancements that promise to transform how telecommunications infrastructures operate. The system's capacity for real-time adaptability, powered by zTouch Networks’ zTouch.OS, illustrates a next-generation approach to managing network operations. By facilitating intuitive human-AI interaction, AgentRAN not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly mitigates the complexity traditionally associated with network management.

In parallel to these advancements, the research collaboration between Northeastern University and SoftBank exemplifies the growing emphasis on AI-driven architectures within the industry. This partnership has yielded multiple publications and demonstrations under the AI-RAN Alliance, influencing the direction of future telecommunication technologies.

The AgentRAN initiative serves as a testament to the transformative potential of AI in telecommunications, delivering solutions that are not just advanced but also inherently dynamic, paving the way for a new era of network management.