Telecom Industry Transformation: The Convergence of 5G, AI, and Cloud Computing

5G edge computing transforming telecom and AI - SiliconANGLE

Transforming telcos into 'techcos': The future of cloud, AI and 5G at the edge 5G edge computing is redefining the telecommunications landscape, enabling faster data processing, real-time analytics and AI-driven insights at the network's edge. As telcos transition into technology-driven enterprises, or "techcos," they are leveraging cloud solutions to move beyond traditional connectivity and unlock new revenue streams. This shift is not just about infrastructure modernization -- it's about revolutionizing industries, enhancing customer experiences and positioning telecom providers at the forefront of the AI-powered digital era, according to Chris Niederman (pictured, right), managing director, AWS industries and solutions at Amazon Web Services Inc. "Our job is to help them catch up, innovate, continue and learn," Neiderman said. "I think that there's use cases we haven't even thought of yet. Whether they think they missed out or not, the opportunity is still there to accelerate. And our job is to help those partners differentiate and accelerate." Niederman and Pierce Hofman (left), head of worldwide partner solutions at AWS, spoke with theCUBE's Dave Vellante and Bob Laliberte at MWC25, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media's livestreaming studio. They discussed how 5G edge computing and AI are driving the transformation of traditional telcos into technology-driven enterprises, enabling faster data processing, real-time analytics and new business opportunities beyond basic connectivity. (* Disclosure below.) The combination of 5G and AI is creating new opportunities for telcos to enhance their offerings beyond traditional network services. The ability to process data closer to the source through edge computing allows for faster decision-making, improved efficiency and new revenue streams, according to Hofman. "Historically, if you look at where AWS has really excelled, we've excelled with the builders because we have the best primitives that can help them go do what it is they wanna do," he said. "Whether it's [building] a custom solution for their business or whether they want to go put together a very bespoke product that's unique to their customers." This ability to bring AI and compute power closer to end users enables telcos to transform industries such as manufacturing, media and healthcare. AWS is actively working with partners to integrate cloud capabilities into telecom networks, ensuring that AI and data-driven decision-making extend to the farthest edges of connectivity, Neiderman explained. "The edge is super critical," he said. "[If] you think about it, you can't do gen AI without data in the cloud. We've taken 5G everywhere and there's use cases for that, whether it's manufacturing, predictive maintenance and scheduling and calendaring and doing the compute at the edge or others. But we've enabled the tech, we've enabled this." As telcos accelerate their cloud and AI adoption, they are positioning themselves not just as connectivity providers but as key enablers of digital transformation. By leveraging hyperscale cloud services, they are poised to create innovative solutions that redefine industries, from smart cities to automated supply chains. "We're ready and we've provided that technology. We're building for breakthroughs," Neiderman said. "We're building for business optimization; we're building for network modernization and migration. You need to be able to compute at the edge leveraging 5G." Here's the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE's and theCUBE's coverage of MWC25:

Telecom cloud computing accelerates AI and 5G innovation - SiliconANGLE

Cloud, 5G and AI: The key forces accelerating the next wave of telecom innovation Telecom cloud computing is revolutionizing the industry as operators race to modernize networks with AI, edge computing and cloud-native solutions. Long bound by rigid, legacy infrastructure, telecom providers are now shifting toward flexible, software-driven architectures that promise faster deployment, greater agility and new revenue streams. With AI-powered automation optimizing everything from customer interactions to network performance and cloud-based functions streamlining operations, the industry is moving toward a fully integrated digital ecosystem, according to Amir Rao (pictured, left), director of product management, telco 5G, EC2 edge at Amazon Web Services Inc. "At the end of the day, this is their business choice," Rao said. "I think the value that we bring as a cloud provider is we bring our cloud continuum to the edge, and by helping them build their cloud at the edge ... is something that they want to monetize." Rao was joined by Jan Hofmeyr (right), vice president EC2 and networking at AWS, as they spoke with theCUBE's Dave Vellante and Savannah Peterson at MWC25, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media's livestreaming studio. They discussed how telecom providers are embracing cloud computing, AI and edge technology to modernize networks, accelerate 5G deployment and drive new revenue opportunities. (* Disclosure below.) At the heart of this transformation is AWS, which is extending its cloud capabilities to the telecom sector with a series of game-changing innovations. One of the biggest announcements centers around AWS Outposts for 5G, a solution designed to bring the flexibility of cloud infrastructure closer to network operators, according to Hofmeyr. "We announced our Outposts for 5G networks here at the show, a pre-announcement, and it's designed for running networks," he said. "Every one of these servers is a 400 gig-capable server that gives you that same AWS experience but for networks." Cloud Radio Access Network is another milestone in AWS' strategy. By running RAN functions on Outpost servers equipped with AWS EC2 Nitro and Graviton processors, telecom providers can now extend cloud computing all the way to the radio site. This not only optimizes network efficiency, but also opens up possibilities for AI-driven automation at the edge. In an industry where infrastructure upgrades used to take months, AWS is offering a model where network services can be deployed in minutes, revolutionizing the speed and scalability of telecom operations, according to Rao. "We bring that economy of scale to the edge rather than actually bringing or building something which is bespoke, which could run into the cost economic challenges," he said. "[We] bring the price performance of Graviton to the edge and actually provide silicon diversity for the radio access networks." Beyond infrastructure, AI is playing a crucial role in reshaping telecom services. While AI has already proven its value in areas such as customer service through solutions such as AWS Connect, its potential within network operations is just beginning to be realized, according to Hofmeyr. "I think we have so much opportunity to use it in the network, whether it's from running the rig, which is the optimization of the network, to getting more data and understanding how to optimize and operate your network," he said. "One thing I do know is our customers need the flexibility to run where it makes sense to run the applications." Here's the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE's and theCUBE's coverage of MWC25:

AI in telecommunications: How e& and IBM are driving innovation - SiliconANGLE

How e& and IBM are shaping the future of AI and FinTech innovation The telecommunications industry is rapidly evolving beyond its traditional role of providing connectivity. Companies are now embracing digital transformation, expanding into artificial intelligence, FinTech and content services. The broader shift to AI in telecommunications is driven by the need to create new revenue streams and compete with over-the-top service providers. The ability to leverage AI for enhanced customer experiences and operational efficiencies is becoming a key differentiator in the industry. At the forefront of this transformation is a strategy that integrates telecom operations with advanced technology solutions. Organizations are redefining their business models by creating independent verticals that cater to different market demands. These efforts aim to maximize profitability while addressing the complexities of AI governance, regulatory compliance and digital service monetization, according to Harrison Lung (pictured), group chief strategy officer of e&, a UAE state-owned telecommunications company. "I would call 2025 the year of the AI from a monetization and impact perspective," Lung said, who spoke with theCUBE's Dave Vellante and Savannah Peterson at MWC25, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media's livestreaming studio. "Just in the last year, we grew 10% in revenue, year on year. Since we've started this [AI] journey, both from a revenue and net profit perspective, we're at 15 to 20% growth." During the interview, Lung discussed AI in telecommunications and how AI is transforming the telecom and FinTech industries, focusing on governance, monetization and the balance between digital innovation and network reliability, as well as insights on its partnership with IBM Corp. (* Disclosure below.) AI is playing a critical role in reshaping the telecom industry, from optimizing networks to enhancing customer interactions. Companies are now utilizing AI to personalize content recommendations, improve cybersecurity and drive operational efficiencies. The demand for AI solutions is growing, and telecom providers are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on this trend. "For us, this is actually very interesting because in addition to our organization going through this journey, the amount of money that companies spend on AI inside the telecom industry is actually a very, very small percentage versus the larger percentage of the money other companies in financial services, in healthcare, in government spend on AI," Lung said. Despite the opportunities AI presents, challenges remain in regulation and governance. Many telecom companies operate in multiple countries, each with its own compliance standards and regulatory frameworks. Organizations must balance AI innovation with strict adherence to data governance policies, ensuring responsible implementation, Lung pointed out. "On your second point, I think for us, the rule of regulatory bodies is super important," he said. "At the end of the day, we're a telecom player, so we have the licenses, the spectrum in our 20 countries to operate in that space. But also in the same time, in the technology aspect, we're also operating in a very agile manner to test and learn." As AI continues to shape the future of telecommunications, industry leaders are focusing on leveraging partnerships, investing in AI governance, and ensuring seamless integration of digital services. The ability to adapt to these changes will determine which companies emerge as dominant players in the next era of telecom and technology convergence, Lung added. The collaboration between e& and IBM represents a significant step forward in AI governance, research and enterprise solutions. As e& continues its transformation from a telecom company into a global technology powerhouse, strategic partnerships play a crucial role in scaling its ambitions. IBM, with its extensive global presence and deep expertise in AI and enterprise technology, has become a vital partner in this journey, according to Lung. "We announced two interesting initiatives. One is after, close to one year of hard work, we actually did a joint research white paper," he said. "We looked at the adoption of AI in the regions, in the MENA region, looking at Saudi, Egypt and the UAE, comparing to the US, so that we can do a compare and contrast of where we're ahead, where we may be behind, and the like." Beyond research, the companies are working together to develop an AI governance framework, a crucial initiative as AI adoption accelerates worldwide. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and the need for responsible AI implementation, this governance platform is designed to ensure compliance, transparency and ethical AI usage across industries. "We also announced with IBM to work with them on an overall end-to-end AI governance platform and framework," Lung added. "This is a very pioneering approach that is, I would also almost say, market-leading. The reason is that beyond the data governance and the AI sovereignty, we also want to have a common pain to have the right compliance, transparency and governance to manage all these different AI initiatives and processes." IBM's role in the partnership extends beyond governance. Given its global reach and extensive technology portfolio, IBM brings valuable insights, expertise and infrastructure that e& can leverage for its own operations and customer solutions, Lung explained. "At the end of the day, while we aspire to be a global technology company, because we're in 38 countries, IBM is in over 100 companies," he said. "So, they're much more global than we are. And as such, this partnership really brings their insights and expertise to bear to us in a number of different markets that we're currently not in." Here's the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE's and theCUBE's coverage of MWC25: