This report includes a comprehensive analysis of the adoption of AI in telecom, highlighting the major technology trends and opportunities available across the ecosystem.
Growing complexities in the communication networks today calls for an intelligent approach to network planning and optimization. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, new technology paradigms such as network virtualization, self-organizing networks (SONs), intelligent antennas, AI-powered radio-frequency (RF) front end and intelligent chipsets can be easily embedded into the communication networks.
Telecom companies are therefore leveraging AI solutions to achieve hyper-automation of telecom networks and usher in an era of self-healing and self-configuring networks. Inclusion of network intelligence allows mobile network operators (MNOs) to achieve efficient network management and cross-spectrum protection.
Competitive Analysis
This section includes a study of key telecom companies and other emerging entities in the AI in telecom space. We assess the major telecom entities based on their partnerships, implementation strategies, and recent AI solutions and services. The analysis also highlights the transformation of current telecom business models with the integration of AI/ML techniques for driving new revenue streams and maximizing benefits. Some of the key entities included in the report are AT&T, Verizon, Nokia, Huawei, Ciena, Rakuten, and Orange.
Further, the report includes approximately 40 startups that are concentrating on various technological aspects like SON, cloud-native, network analytics, AI hardware, and interference cancellation. Most of these emerging players are solving these telecom industry challenges by leveraging innovative AI solutions and services. We have analyzed them closely to get a clear picture of their product and technology offerings, partnerships, customers, funding details, and future outlook. Some of the startups reported include Cellwize, Altiostar, CujoAI, Kumu Networks, GenXcomm, Cambricon, Pivotal Commware, Metawave, Senseon, Parallel Wireless, Galgus, and Affirmed Networks.
M&A Analysis
An assessment of the acquisition trends since 2014 provides insights about the technology drivers in the AI-driven telecom market. The key technologies include cloud-native solutions, security, virtualized RAN, SON, and network analytics.
Distribution of these deals over the years provides an overview of the roadmap that the acquirers are following and highlights the unique value proposition behind the mergers and acquisitions.
The prominent participants in the space include telecom solution providers, MNOs, startups and investors. Some of the major acquirers include Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco and Zephyrtel.
Key Questions Addressed
- How innovative AI solutions are making an impact in the telecom value chain?
- What are the challenges and issues addressed by the implementation of AI algorithms in the telecom industry?
- What are the emerging use cases and business models that are driving the adoption of AI?
- Who are the key enablers for AI technology in the industry?
- Who are the frontrunners, and what are their implementations strategies?
- What is the current industry adoption status of AI in telecom?
- Which are the disruptive entities that can be potential targets for driving AI in telecom?
- Since 2014, what are the acquisition trends for AI in telecom?
- What are opportunities for the telecom companies to build a strong roadmap for the future of autonomous networks?
- How can companies from other sectors tap into the AI in the telecom market?
Companies Mentioned
- Affirmed Networks
- Altiostar
- AT&T
- Cambricon
- Cellwize
- Ciena
- Cisco
- CujoAI
- Ericsson
- Galgus
- GenXcomm
- Huawei
- Kumu Networks
- Metawave
- Nokia
- Orange
- Parallel Wireless
- Pivotal Commware
- Rakuten
- Senseon
- Verizon
- Zephyrtel