ARMONK,
N.Y., Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new global
study from the IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value, with
support from GSMA Intelligence found that telecommunication and
communication service providers (CSPs) who are embracing cloud
computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their networks
experience significant benefits, including enhanced performance,
scalability, cost savings and monetization opportunities.
The global study*, "Rewiring the Telecom Mindset: How CSPs are
Gaining Network Advantage with Cloud and AI," reveals insights from
750 global network executives —from leading providers including
Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Telstra, Verizon, and Vodafone—on
the importance of adopting cloud and AI-driven approach to stay
ahead in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape and
deliver enhanced network performance.
Key findings include:
- 79% of telco executives surveyed prioritize network performance
above all else, with network modernization as their second
priority.
- 62% of those identified as pioneering technology innovators
leverage traditional AI for network planning , compared to the 40%
adoption rate of their peers, and 54% integrate generative AI
into network planning, double that of their peers highlighting
how cloud readiness can drive agility and unlock on-demand
resources for advanced AI-driven capabilities.
- 55% of respondents say they've suffered a network security
breach in the last 12 months. Despite this, only 42% of executives
consider network security a top challenge over the next three
years.
- Over the next three years, surveyed executives expect to
increase network investments in cloud implementation by almost 20%,
traditional AI by 16%, and generative AI by almost 19%.
The study also emphasizes the need for CSPs to look beyond
technology adoption and transform their culture to capture network
monetization prospects and stay competitive. This includes
embracing bold, calculated risks, fostering collaboration, learning
from failure, and instilling a proactive approach to
innovation.
"Telecommunications companies that adopt a cloud and AI-driven
approach will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of
the modern network landscape and capitalize on emerging
opportunities," said Rahul Kumar,
Senior Partner & Vice President, Global Industry Leader for
Telco & Media Industry, IBM. "By rewiring their mindset and
embracing a culture of innovation, CSPs can unlock significant
benefits and stay ahead of the curve."
"The study's findings underscore the critical role that cloud
and AI will play in shaping the future of telecommunications," said
Peter Jarich, Head of GSMA Intelligence. "As the industry continues
to evolve, it's clear that CSPs must prioritize network
modernization, enhancing security, and innovation to remain
competitive and drive growth."
Connect with IBM at MWC 2025: AI is taking center
stage for IBM at MWC 2025. Join us as we delve into how the
technology is enhancing everything from customer engagement and
personalization to operational efficiency. IBM industry experts
will be at Hall 2 - Stand 2H20 with dynamic activations and an
insightful speaking program with daily sessions to delve into AI
use cases and other relevant topics for attendees.
For more information and to access the full report, visit
ibm.com/telecom-networks-cloud-ai
*Methodology
The IBM Institute for Business
Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics, surveyed 750
telecommunications industry executives from 25 countries. Roles
included CTOs, Chief Networks Officers; Heads of network planning
and architecture, network operations, radio access network, core
network, network security, network engineering, service assurance,
and network IT systems; and leaders responsible for network
monetization. A two-step cluster analysis was performed based on
respondents' evaluations of cloud computing's impact on network
characteristics and their implementation of AI technologies. The
clustering variables included eight network performance indicators
(rated on a scale from -100% to +10,000%): network performance,
security, scalability, flexibility, reliability, availability,
maintenance costs, and deployment time. Additionally, the analysis
incorporated the number of use cases where organizations deployed
both traditional AI (including machine learning) and generative AI
across 17 network management areas, ranging from network planning
to field service operations. This clustering approach identified a
distinct leading segment characterized by superior benefits derived
from cloud computing adoption, coupled with broader implementation
of both AI and generative AI solutions across network operations.
In addition, 14 executives from leading companies in the telecom
industry were selected to be interviewed one-on-one to validate and
explore the survey results in more depth.
The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM's thought leadership
think tank, combines global research and performance data with
expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver
insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class
thought leadership, visit: www.ibm.com/ibv.
About GSMA Intelligence
GSMA Intelligence is the
definitive source of global mobile operator data, analysis and
forecasts, and publisher of authoritative industry reports and
research. It is the most accurate and complete set of industry
metrics available, comprising tens of millions of individual data
points, updated daily. GSMA Intelligence is relied on by leading
operators, vendors, regulators, financial institutions and
third-party industry players, to support strategic decision-making
and long-term investment planning. Visit
www.gsmaintelligence.com for more information.
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid
cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more
than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data,
streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the
competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government
and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as
financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's
hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital
transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's
breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing,
industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and
flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's
long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility,
inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more
information.
Media Contacts
Fran Pelayo
Global External Relations Lead, Public Sector and Telco, IBM
fran.pelayo@ibm.com
GSMA Press Office
pressoffice@gsma.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-ibm-study-pioneering-telcos-ramp-up-ai-cloud-and-security-investments-for-the-next-wave-of-network-modernization-302382889.html
SOURCE IBM
