MWC

In AI in Telecom: Strategic Themes, Maturity, and the Road Ahead, we explore how AI has shifted from buzzword to backbone for global telecom leaders. From AI-native networks and edge inferencing, to domain-specific LLMs and behavioral cybersecurity, this article maps out the strategic pillars, real-world use cases, and monetization models driving the AI-powered telecom era. Featuring CxO insights from Telefónica, KDDI, MTN, Telstra, and Orange, it captures the voice of a sector transforming infrastructure into intelligence.
In The Gateway to a New Future, top global telecom leaders—Marc Murtra (Telefónica), Vicki Brady (Telstra), Sunil Bharti Mittal (Airtel), Biao He (China Mobile), and Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer (Telenor)—share bold visions for reshaping the industry. From digital sovereignty and regulatory reform in Europe, to AI-powered smart cities in China and fintech platforms in Africa, these executives reveal how telecom is evolving into a driving force of global innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. The telco of tomorrow is not just a network—it’s a platform for economic and societal transformation.
In Beyond Connectivity: The Telco to Techco Transformation, leaders from e&, KDDI, and MTN reveal how telecoms are evolving into technology-first, platform-driven companies. These digital pioneers are integrating AI, 5G, cloud, smart infrastructure, and fintech to unlock massive value—from AI-powered smart cities in Japan, to inclusive fintech platforms in Africa, and cloud-first enterprise solutions in the Middle East. This piece explores how telcos are reshaping their role in the digital economy—building intelligent, scalable, and people-first tech ecosystems.
In Driving Europe’s Digital Future, telecom leaders Margherita Della Valle (Vodafone), Christel Heydemann (Orange), and Tim Höttges (Deutsche Telekom) deliver a unified message: Europe must reform telecom regulation, invest in AI and infrastructure, and scale operations to remain globally competitive. From lagging 5G rollout to emerging AI-at-the-edge opportunities, they urge policymakers to embrace consolidation, cut red tape, and drive fair investment frameworks. Europe’s path to digital sovereignty hinges on bold leadership, collaborative policy, and future-ready infrastructure.
In The AI Frontier: Transformative Visions and Societal Impact, global AI leaders explore the next phase of artificial intelligence—from Ray Kurzweil’s prediction of AGI by 2029 and bio-integrated computing, to Alessandra Sala’s call for inclusive, ethical model design, and Vilas Dhar’s vision of AI as a tool for systemic human good. Martin Kon of Cohere urges businesses to go beyond the hype and ground AI in real enterprise value. Together, these voices chart a path for AI that centers values, equity, and impact—not just innovation.
The future of manufacturing is intelligent, autonomous, and sustainable. Powered by private 5G networks, AI, and digital twins, smart factories are revolutionizing how goods are produced and maintained. From predictive maintenance to immersive virtual twins and AI-optimized energy systems, smart manufacturing is unlocking new levels of efficiency and innovation across industries—from ports and shipyards to agriculture and healthcare.
Smart mobility is reshaping how the world moves, powered by 5G, AI, and edge computing. From autonomous vehicles and real-time logistics to AI-driven drones and connected public transport, intelligent transportation systems are redefining urban mobility, logistics, and industrial automation. As global investment and collaboration grow, the transportation industry is transforming into a $11.1 trillion smart ecosystem focused on sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity.
The future of sports and entertainment is fan-first, immersive, and data-driven. Powered by D2C models, 5G networks, AI content creation, and super apps, industry leaders are reimagining fan experiences—from Bundesliga’s mobile strategy to Web2.5’s tokenized communities. The shift is not just technical but cultural, prioritizing personalization, monetization, and real-time interaction across every touchpoint.
Explore the transformative potential of Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN) as it integrates AI, enhances security, and fosters interoperability to reshape mobile network infrastructure. In this article, we explore the advancements and challenges of O-RAN, revealing how it sets the stage for future mobile communications with smarter, more secure, and highly adaptable network solutions. Dive into the strategic implications for the telecommunications industry and learn why O-RAN is critical for the next generation of digital connectivity.
With AI shifting from the cloud to the device, on-device AI is transforming privacy, speed, and user experience. Experts from Honor, Broadcom, and Orange explore the challenges and innovations shaping this future, from AI chips to offline capabilities and ethical implications. Is it time to go all-in?
Telecom giants play a critical role in SMEs’ digital transformation, yet a gap remains in access to broadband, cloud, and 5G technologies. While large enterprises receive priority, SMEs often struggle with affordability and digital adoption. This article explores how telecom providers can bridge the digital divide by offering tailored solutions, strategic partnerships, and flexible pricing models to support SME growth.
The telecom industry is in the midst of a major shift from “telco” to “techco”, with operators investing in AI, 5G, cloud computing, and digital services to compete with tech giants like Amazon and Google. At MWC 2025, leaders from e&, KDDI, MTN, and SK Telecom discussed their AI-driven strategies, including self-healing networks, smart city infrastructure, fintech expansion, and enterprise 5G solutions. As telcos embrace AI-powered automation and cloud-based innovations, they are redefining their role in the digital economy.

MWC News Feed

  • AST SpaceMobile and AT&T Get FCC OK to Test Direct-to-Satellite Cellular on FirstNet
    by Carl Weinschenk (Telecompetitor) on April 18, 2025

    AST SpaceMobile and AT&T Get FCC OK to Test Direct-to-Satellite Cellular on FirstNet The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted AST SpaceMobile permission to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on Band 14 spectrum, which is reserved for public safety — a request made in coordination with AT&T. The tests will be conducted on the AST SpaceMobile fleet of BlueBird satellites. The company says it “envision(s)” that it will test on select Telecompetitor

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Telecom networks are facing unprecedented complexity with 5G, IoT, and cloud services. Traditional service assurance methods are becoming obsolete, making AI-driven, real-time analytics essential for competitive advantage. This independent industry whitepaper explores how DPUs, GPUs, and Generative AI (GenAI) are enabling predictive automation, reducing operational costs, and improving service quality....
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Explore the collaboration between Purdue Research Foundation, Purdue University, Ericsson, and Saab at the Aviation Innovation Hub. Discover how private 5G networks, real-time analytics, and sustainable innovations are shaping the "Airport of the Future" for a smarter, safer, and greener aviation industry....
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This article explores the deployment of 5G NR Transparent Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), detailing the architecture's advantages and challenges. It highlights how this "bent-pipe" NTN approach integrates ground-based gNodeB components with NGSO satellite constellations to expand global connectivity. Key challenges like moving beam management, interference mitigation, and latency are discussed, underscoring...

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