Telecoms to prioritize AI investments through 2025, survey shows

The telecommunications industry is witnessing a significant shift towards artificial intelligence integration, with AI emerging as the primary investment focus for telecom companies heading into 2025.

Current state of AI adoption: The telecom sector is moving beyond experimental AI projects towards meaningful integration, particularly among Communication Service Providers (CSPs).

• More than one-third of CSPs are actively implementing and using AI solutions in specific areas
• Approximately 30% of all industry respondents report current AI implementation and usage
• The industry shows a split perspective on AI’s impact, with nearly half expecting incremental changes and over 40% anticipating transformative effects

Investment priorities and strategic focus: AI, automation, and machine learning have emerged as the top investment priorities for telecom companies in 2025.

• The transition from pilot projects to full AI integration is expected to accelerate over the next five years
• 6G network development is anticipated to be AI-native, further driving the integration of artificial intelligence
• Edge computing is recognized as critically important for existing networks, though widespread adoption faces cost barriers

Industry challenges and concerns: Telecom organizations face multiple threats to their long-term profitability and business success.

• Declining profit margins and pricing pressures rank as primary concerns
• Geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts present significant business risks
• Cost considerations remain a major obstacle for implementing new technologies, particularly for CSPs

Technology evolution and implementation: The industry is carefully evaluating next-generation technologies while managing deployment timelines.

• Wi-Fi 7 development is driven by the need for new use cases and enhanced multi-user experiences
• Uncertainty exists regarding deployment schedules for next-generation Wi-Fi technology
• Edge computing adoption, while viewed as important, faces implementation delays due to financial considerations

Looking ahead: Despite various challenges, the telecom industry maintains an optimistic outlook.

• Organizations report positive performance in 2024
• The continued focus on AI integration suggests a strategic shift in how telecom companies operate
• The industry appears poised for technological advancement while balancing practical implementation concerns

Market implications: The telecommunications sector’s increasing focus on AI integration could reshape service delivery and operational efficiency, though the pace of change may be moderated by financial and practical implementation challenges that need to be carefully navigated.