Delivering AI-optimised small cells for cloud-native networks
Jio Platforms was recognised in the 2026 SCF Mobile Network Awards with the Judges’ Choice Award for its Jio 5G Cloud-Native Small Cell (AI-Optimized).
The technology brings together cloud-native small cell infrastructure, AI-enabled automation and software-defined network management, reflecting several of the major directions shaping future mobile networks.
Commenting on the entry, the panel of judges said: “The judges chose Jio for this year’s Judges’ Choice award because we felt the AI-optimized small cell had a significance that went beyond a single awards category and represented a taste of the cloud- and AI-native 6G future.”
That point reflects an important shift in the small cell sector. As networks become denser and more complex, operators need more intelligent ways to plan, deploy, optimise and manage infrastructure across the full network lifecycle.
Jio’s 5G Cloud-Native Small Cell is part of a wider AI-enabled architecture designed to support planning, deployment, integration, operations and lifecycle management. The entry included tools for AI-based RF planning and optimisation, zero-touch deployment and configuration, AI-enabled core network functions, analytics, automation, troubleshooting, upgrades and cloud-native OSS.
The approach is designed to reduce reliance on manual processes and support more scalable network operations. It also demonstrates how small cells can become part of a broader cloud-native platform, rather than operating as isolated network elements.
A Jio Platforms spokesperson said:
“We were honoured to receive the Judges’ Choice Award in this year’s SCF Mobile Network Awards. This recognition reinforces Jio Platforms’ commitment to driving innovation in 5G-Advanced, AI-powered network automation and cloud-native technologies. We thank the judges for this recognition and remain focused on building intelligent, scalable and future-ready connectivity solutions.”
The judges’ decision reflects the growing importance of AI, automation and cloud-native design as small cell deployments move further towards 5G Standalone and more software-driven network architectures. As SCF’s latest market forecast highlights, AI is becoming both a source of demand and a network priority. Jio’s winning entry shows how small cell innovation can support more intelligent, scalable and future-ready connectivity.