- NVIDIA’s latest research highlights telcos’ increasing investment in AI, particularly in AI-RAN and GenAI services.
- Despite significant potential for cost savings and revenue growth, finding data specialists remains a major hurdle for widespread AI adoption.
What happened: NVIDIA’s AI adoption in telcos
NVIDIA’s third annual “State of AI in Telecommunications” survey reveals that telcos are accelerating AI adoption, driven by the potential for cost savings, revenue growth, and enhanced customer experiences. The survey polled over 450 telecom professionals globally, with 84% reporting increased annual revenue and 77% noting reduced operating costs through AI.
Additionally, 60% cited improved employee productivity as a key benefit. This trend is further supported by the growing interest in AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network), with 37% of respondents investing in AI to enhance network planning and operations. NVIDIA’s AI-RAN framework, demonstrated through SoftBank’s successful field trial in Japan, showcases how telcos can transform traditional RANs into multi-purpose, AI-native infrastructures.
This shift not only optimises network efficiency but also unlocks new revenue streams by enabling AI services directly within the network.
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Why it’s important
The integration of AI into telco networks marks a significant shift towards smarter, more efficient operations. AI-RAN and GenAI services are poised to transform customer experiences by enabling real-time analytics, predictive maintenance, and personalised services.
However, the industry faces challenges, particularly in finding skilled data scientists and quantifying ROI. Despite these hurdles, the potential benefits are clear: AI can enhance network performance, reduce costs, and create new revenue opportunities. As telcos continue to invest in AI infrastructure, NVIDIA’s solutions, such as the Aerial RAN Computer-1, provide a scalable and cost-effective platform for deploying AI across diverse network environments.
This positions telcos to capitalise on the growing demand for AI-powered services and remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
