March 18 (Reuters) - Nvidia ( NVDA ) on Monday unveiled

an AI-powered software platform that allows research into 6G

technology through simulating communications environments in the

cloud.

The new technology for communications known as 6G - the

successor to 5G - is expected to launch commercially around

2030.

Software and AI are increasingly deployed across the telecom

sector, including in RAN (radio access network) hardware like

base stations and antennas.

Nvidia's ( NVDA ) platform will include an app that simulates

environments such as single cell towers or entire cities,

allowing researchers and organisations to test 6G networks in

real time.

Among the first adopters of the platform are Ansys ( ANSS ),

Nokia, Samsung, SoftBank Corp ( SFBQF ),

and Northeastern University in Boston, Nvidia ( NVDA ) said.

"The massive increase in connected devices and host of new

applications in 6G will require a vast leap in wireless spectral

efficiency in radio communications," said Ronnie Vasishta,

senior vice president of telecom at Nvidia ( NVDA ), in a statement.

Technology shares rose on Monday as investors geared

up for Nvidia's ( NVDA ) global artificial intelligence conference for

developers in San Jose, California.

But European shares edged lower, led by a slump in the

telecom sector. Gear maker Ericsson closed down 5.4%

and peer Nokia fell 4%.

An analyst said that telecom gear suppliers are no longer

the sole drivers in the mobile infrastructure market, and that

they must partner with chip companies and cloud vendors.