News/Telecom
How telecom providers use AI to cut costs and create new revenue
Telecommunications providers are rapidly embracing artificial intelligence as a dual-purpose technology that simultaneously reduces operational costs and creates new revenue opportunities. Fujitsu Networks executive Rich Colter highlighted at Mobile World Congress that the most successful AI implementations in telecom extend beyond just radio network optimization to encompass the entire network infrastructure, including optical networks and operational workflows. This comprehensive approach allows communications service providers (CSPs) to remain competitive while extracting maximum value from their substantial network investments. The big picture: CSPs need an end-to-end AI strategy that addresses both network optimization and new business opportunities rather than implementing isolated AI...
read Apr 11, 2025Vodafone Idea rolls out AI-powered 5G in India with ambitious three-year plan
Vodafone Idea's AI-driven 5G rollout represents a strategic technological shift for India's third-largest telecom operator. By leveraging artificial intelligence in its self-organizing network infrastructure, the company aims to efficiently deploy 5G across 17 priority circles while replacing legacy Chinese equipment, potentially reshaping its competitive position in India's evolving telecom landscape. The big picture: Vodafone Idea has launched commercial 5G services in Mumbai and plans rapid expansion to four additional cities by April 2025, powered by AI-based optimization technology. The company plans to deploy 75,000 5G sites across India over the next three years, focusing on 17 priority circles. Vi is...
read Apr 10, 2025Text Support: Verizon launches AI text assistant to help small businesses automate customer service
Verizon is expanding its small business offerings with a new AI-powered text messaging solution designed to automate customer interactions. The Verizon Business Assistant uses generative AI to provide instant responses to common customer inquiries, continuously learn from interactions, and seamlessly escalate complex questions to human representatives when needed. This development represents the telecom industry's growing integration of AI into customer service operations, as carriers seek to provide small businesses with accessible tools to improve efficiency and customer engagement. The big picture: Verizon's new Business Assistant targets small businesses looking to leverage AI for customer service automation while addressing the challenge...
read Apr 9, 2025SK Telecom takes the plunge, partners with Giga Computing to develop liquid cooling for AI data centers
Liquid cooling systems are becoming essential infrastructure for AI data centers as high-density computing demands exceed what traditional air cooling can support. SK Telecom's new partnership with Giga Computing and SK Enmove positions the Korean telecom giant to develop comprehensive liquid cooling solutions spanning all three major cooling technologies. This strategic move reinforces SK Telecom's growing presence in AI infrastructure, where thermal management has become as critical as computing power itself. The big picture: SK Telecom has formed a partnership with liquid cooling specialist Giga Computing and SK Enmove to develop next-generation cooling solutions specifically designed for AI workloads. The...
read Apr 9, 2025All-In: Telecom giants build national AI data centers instead of distributing GPUs across networks
Mobile operators worldwide are investing in AI infrastructure to create nationally-focused GPU-as-a-Service offerings, marking a strategic shift in how telecom companies approach artificial intelligence services. Rather than distributing GPUs throughout their networks for low-latency applications, carriers like SKT, DOCOMO, Verizon, and Swisscom are building centralized AI data centers designed to provide sovereign AI services within national borders. This approach represents both a departure from unsuccessful "walled garden" strategies of the past and a recognition of the realistic timeline for AI applications that genuinely require network-edge processing. The big picture: Major telecom operators across the globe are establishing centralized GPU data...
read Apr 9, 2025Siemens and O2 Telefónica sell 5G network slices to water utilities in new industrial model
Siemens and O2 Telefónica's new partnership marks a significant shift in how network resources are delivered to industrial customers in Germany. By selling slices of public 5G networks to water utilities, the companies are pioneering a model that provides enterprise-grade connectivity without requiring dedicated private networks. This approach could transform how distributed industrial operations access critical communications infrastructure while accelerating the practical applications of Industry 4.0 technologies. The big picture: Siemens is leveraging O2 Telefónica's public 5G network to sell optimized connectivity slices directly to water utilities and wastewater treatment companies in Germany as part of a comprehensive industrial automation...
read Apr 7, 2025Floating on Air: Award given to Airtel Business for AI-powered B2B marketing transformation
Airtel Business's AI-powered marketing strategy unlocked a lucrative enterprise badge. The company has earned industry recognition for transforming traditional B2B marketing approaches and successfully implementing artificial intelligence across its operations, creating measurable business impact through automation and personalization that delivers more relevant customer experiences. This recognition from ASSOCHAM highlights how AI implementation can create tangible benefits in enterprise marketing by enhancing team capabilities and customer intelligence simultaneously. The big picture: Airtel Business, the B2B division of Bharti Airtel, has received the "Best Adoption of AI in Marketing" award at the ASSOCHAM Branding and Marketing Excellence Awards 2025, recognizing its innovative...
read Apr 7, 2025Telecoms industry shifts from theory to practice with Open RAN, NTN, and AI
The telecoms industry is shifting from theoretical possibilities to practical implementations across several key technologies. At Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025, industry leaders highlighted the growing maturity of Open RAN networks, the commercial reality of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), and the practical applications of AI in solving real-world telecoms challenges. This evolution represents a significant transition as operators now focus on building the fundamental infrastructure necessary to support these innovations long-term. The big picture: Open RAN technology has moved beyond discussions of theoretical potential to demonstrating real-world maturity and ecosystem growth. "Maturity is not a discussion anymore, I think we...
read Apr 7, 2025Study: Virginia Tech researchers propose AI-native wireless networks to enable AGI
Virginia Tech researchers are proposing a radical shift in how wireless technology could enable artificial general intelligence (AGI) systems with human-like reasoning capabilities. Their IEEE Journal study outlines how AI-native wireless networks beyond 6G could bridge the critical gap between today's pattern-matching AI and machines that can adapt to novel situations through genuine understanding. This research represents an ambitious vision for merging advanced wireless infrastructure with artificial intelligence to create systems that could fundamentally change how machines interact with and learn from the physical world. The big picture: Researchers believe future wireless networks will evolve from merely transmitting data to...
read Apr 7, 2025AI-powered cyber threats outpace defenses in Middle East, warns Zain security chief
The Middle East's cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation as AI-powered threats evolve faster than defense mechanisms. In an exclusive interview, Zain Group's Chief Risk Officer reveals how nation-states and criminal groups are leveraging AI to launch sophisticated attacks against critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and supply chains across the region. This escalating cyber arms race coincides with a crippling talent shortage, highlighting the need for collaborative security approaches as Middle Eastern countries push forward with ambitious digital transformation initiatives. The big picture: Middle Eastern organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks as the region accelerates digital transformation through smart cities, AI...
read Apr 7, 2025Satellite internet expansion becomes critical backbone for AI’s always-on future
The race for satellite internet connectivity is accelerating as a fundamental enabler for AI integration across devices and services. Satellite internet providers are rapidly expanding through partnerships with nations, phone manufacturers, airlines, and other industries, creating always-on connectivity that AI systems require to function optimally. This technological convergence is particularly critical for AI agents and IoT devices, which need constant connections to receive model updates and effectively automate various aspects of daily life. The big picture: Satellite internet is experiencing tremendous growth as providers forge partnerships across multiple sectors, with AI capabilities emerging as a significant driver for further expansion....
read Apr 6, 2025SK Telecom partners with Kpler to develop AI-powered commodity intelligence
SK Telecom has forged a strategic partnership with global commodities data provider Kpler to develop AI-powered market intelligence capabilities, marking a significant step in the Korean telecom giant's AI transformation strategy. The collaboration aims to create enterprise-grade intelligence solutions by integrating Kpler's raw materials and logistics data with SK Telecom's advanced AI platforms, positioning the company to deliver specialized insights for telecom operators navigating energy-intensive infrastructure transitions like 5G and edge computing deployments. The big picture: SK Telecom signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Kpler on April 2nd at Seoul's Lotte Hotel, establishing a framework to leverage AI for...
read Mar 31, 2025Enchantment Under the Sea: Meta’s 50,000-km cable project to boost connectivity across continents
Meta's Project Waterworth, poised to become the world's longest undersea cable at 50,000 km, represents a significant advancement in global internet infrastructure. The company is strategically negotiating with Indian telecom operators including Airtel, Jio, Tata Communications, and Lightstorm to establish landing points in India, creating a critical digital connection between India, the US, Brazil, South Africa, and other regions that will enhance connectivity for billions of users across multiple continents. The big picture: Meta's massive undersea cable initiative aims to bolster internet speeds and reliability across multiple continents while strategically navigating geopolitical considerations. The 50,000-km cable system will connect India,...
read Mar 27, 2025Honeywell and Verizon partner to modernize utilities with 5G-powered smart grids
Honeywell's partnership with Verizon represents a significant advancement in smart grid technology, combining 5G connectivity with AI-powered utility management. This collaboration aims to modernize electricity infrastructure by enabling remote meter data access for both utilities and consumers, potentially reducing service interruptions while improving grid performance and resource management in an increasingly complex energy landscape. The big picture: Energy automation leader Honeywell has selected Verizon Business to provide 5G connectivity for its smart electric meters and help utility customers modernize their grid operations. Both utilities and end users will gain remote access to essential data for managing energy resources, aligning with...
read Mar 26, 2025Global village: Telecom giants expand connectivity worldwide through network sharing, AI solutions
Telecom giants are forging strategic partnerships and deploying new technologies to expand connectivity and enhance digital security across multiple continents. MTN Group and Airtel Africa's network-sharing agreements aim to bridge the digital divide in Africa, while Bell and MTS are introducing specialized security and testing solutions in Canada and Russia, respectively. These initiatives reflect the telecom industry's shift toward resource optimization, expanded coverage, and service diversification in response to evolving market demands. The big picture: Major telecom operators across three continents are launching strategic initiatives focused on infrastructure sharing and specialized B2B services to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency....
read Mar 21, 2025Verizon launches AI assistant to help small businesses automate customer service
Verizon Business has entered the AI assistant market with a specialized tool that aims to help small businesses enhance customer service through automation. The new Verizon Business Assistant leverages generative AI to power text-based customer interactions, allowing small businesses to provide immediate responses to inquiries around the clock without requiring constant staff attention. This development represents a significant push to democratize enterprise-level AI capabilities for smaller operations that typically lack access to such technology. The big picture: Verizon Business has launched an AI-powered text messaging assistant specifically designed for small businesses to automate customer interactions and improve operational efficiency. The...
read Mar 19, 2025Telecom provider cuts support costs by 60% with BMC HelixGPT AI platform
A global telecom provider has transformed its employee support services through AI implementation, yielding dramatic efficiency improvements and cost savings. The deployment of BMC HelixGPT's AI platform demonstrates how artificial intelligence can directly impact operational productivity in large enterprises, creating a blueprint for organizations looking to modernize their service delivery models while enhancing employee experience. The big picture: A major telecom company completely revamped its IT, HR, and finance support systems using BMC HelixGPT's AI platform, achieving over 60% resolution rates without human intervention. The implementation marks a significant shift from traditional manual support processes that were creating bottlenecks for...
read Mar 14, 2025Ericsson showcases AI-powered telecom networks that cut energy use by 33% at MWC 2025
Ericsson's Mobile World Congress 2025 showcase demonstrates the rapid acceleration of AI integration within telecommunications networks, revealing how major carriers are leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and deploy more flexible network architectures. These developments signal a fundamental shift in how telecom infrastructure is being reimagined, with particular emphasis on sustainability and autonomous network management. The big picture: Ericsson unveiled 22 major technological innovations and partnerships at MWC 2025, spanning advancements in 5G, AI, network APIs, and cloud technologies that are reshaping the telecommunications landscape. Key details: Vodafone UK's AI energy efficiency trial with Ericsson produced remarkable...
read Mar 12, 2025Google’s AI Mode intensifies search wars as publisher traffic plummets
Let's talk...about how tech giants are intensifying their competition to dominate the AI-powered search landscape with Google's latest experimental features signaling a shift to conversational search experiences. This battle comes amid Google's ongoing antitrust case and growing concerns about how AI search tools are fundamentally changing publisher traffic patterns and user engagement with traditional search results. The big picture: Google is expanding its generative AI search capabilities with a new "AI Mode" that allows for follow-up questions, just as the company faces potential forced divestiture of Chrome in its antitrust battle with the DOJ. The experimental feature, powered by Google's...
read Mar 10, 2025Real news, real time: Indian event draws 5k+ participants to build AI fact-checking for live broadcasts
The TruthTell Hackathon represents a significant milestone in India's effort to combat misinformation through AI-powered fact-checking during live broadcasts. This collaboration between government ministries and the technology sector demonstrates India's commitment to becoming a global leader in AI-powered media solutions, addressing a critical need in an era of widespread digital misinformation. With over 5,650 participants including international competitors, the initiative showcases how public-private partnerships can drive technological innovation in ethical journalism. The big picture: The TruthTell Hackathon, part of the Create in India Challenge – Season 1, aims to revolutionize real-time fact-checking by developing AI-powered tools for use during live...
read Mar 10, 2025ZTE and China Mobile unveil 5G-A and AI integration that turns networks into intelligent hubs
ZTE and China Mobile's recent partnership has unveiled significant advancements combining 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology with artificial intelligence at Mobile World Congress 2025. This collaboration represents a pivotal shift in how telecommunications networks function, transforming them from passive data transmission channels into intelligent systems capable of sensing, computing, and making decisions. These innovations aim to revolutionize industrial applications, consumer experiences, and emerging services by embedding intelligence directly into network infrastructure, potentially reshaping how businesses and consumers interact with connected technologies. The big picture: ZTE and China Mobile have introduced two major 5G-A innovations at MWC Barcelona 2025 that merge advanced connectivity...
read Mar 6, 2025Tech Mahindra unveils AI model for autonomous telecom networks using Llama 3.1
Tech Mahindra's new AI model for network automation represents a significant milestone in telecom infrastructure management, combining Meta's Llama 3.1 architecture with Nvidia and AWS capabilities. This development arrives as telecommunications companies increasingly seek autonomous solutions to manage their complex network operations, marking a shift from traditional manual oversight to AI-driven systems capable of handling both structured and unstructured network data. The big picture: Tech Mahindra has unveiled a Multi-Modal Network Operations Large Language Model that aims to transform traditional telecom networks into fully autonomous systems. The model leverages Meta's Llama 3.1 8b Instruct architecture, running on Nvidia AI Enterprise...
read Mar 6, 2025ZTE unveils AIR DNA initiative to rebuild networks around AI at MWC Barcelona
ZTE's AIR DNA initiative represents a significant advancement in AI-driven telecommunications infrastructure, potentially transforming how mobile networks operate and deliver services. Unveiled at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2025, this comprehensive architecture reimagines network foundations with artificial intelligence as the central component, positioning the technology not merely as an add-on but as the genetic building block of future communications systems. The big picture: ZTE has launched AIR DNA, an end-to-end network solution that fundamentally restructures mobile networks around artificial intelligence as their core engine. The solution aims to reconstruct the architectural foundations of telecommunications infrastructure while redefining how intelligent networks will...
read Mar 4, 2025Jio, AMD, Cisco & Nokia unveil Open Telecom AI Platform for smarter, safer networks
A groundbreaking partnership between tech giants Jio Platforms, AMD, Cisco, and Nokia aims to revolutionize telecom networks through a new Open Telecom AI Platform. Announced at Mobile World Congress 2025, this initiative represents a significant shift in how artificial intelligence and automation are integrated into telecommunications infrastructure, potentially reshaping how service providers manage and optimize their networks. The big picture: The Open Telecom AI Platform will create a central intelligence layer for telecom services, integrating AI and automation across all network operations. The platform is designed to be model-agnostic, supporting multiple AI types including large language models (LLMs) and domain-specific...
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