Understanding the Impact of AI on 5G Networks
In July 2025, Mobile Experts Inc. released new research analyzing how artificial intelligence (AI) affects mobile networks, particularly 5G. This study reveals an intricate balance: while AI applications can create substantial traffic that may overwhelm existing network capacities, they also present solutions to optimize these networks.
The Rise of AI Applications
The first aspect covered in the research focused on the growing adoption of AI-powered applications on smartphones. Early AI tools, like ChatGPT, resulted in minimal network strain due to their basic functionalities involving simple text exchanges and images. However, as more advanced applications—including ones utilizing Augmented Reality (AR)—are introduced, a dramatic shift in network traffic is anticipated. High-resolution video and faster frame rates could lead to uplink demands that far exceed what current 5G infrastructure can handle, especially in urban environments.
Optimizing 5G with AI/ML
The second component of the Mobile Experts analysis emphasized the potential role of AI and Machine Learning (ML) in alleviating network congestion. By employing real-time optimizations, these technologies can enhance the performance of 5G networks, effectively increasing capacity through improved channel estimation, beam coordination, and smarter traffic management.
The experts from Mobile Experts provided a detailed framework for understanding the impact of these optimizations, offering insights into revenue possibilities tied to the use of AI-enhanced radio access networks (RAN). Their insights indicate that optimizing 5G networks through AI can yield significant additional capacity, which is critical, especially as consumer applications continue to grow in demand.
Balancing Demand and Capacity
Next, Mobile Experts integrated their findings to create a comprehensive model that compares the expected demand from AI applications with the available capacity of 5G in densely populated areas. By modeling both uplink and downlink demands separately, they offered subscribers a hands-on Excel tool to evaluate how high-resolution AI applications could impact their networks.
The conclusion is clear: while AI assistants and AR applications may initially strain the network, the capacities unlocked through AI optimizations should meet or exceed the increased demand, at least until 2030. However, the authors caution about the unpredictable influence of automated AI video analysis applications in sectors such as automotive and industrial uses, which may produce an additional surge in demand. Mobile Experts aims to continue updating their research on these developments, paving the way for a better understanding of the future's data needs.
Expert Insights
Joe Madden, Principal Analyst at Mobile Experts, emphasizes the importance of understanding which applications will operate on personal devices and which will necessitate stronger network connectivity. He notes, “The frame rates, resolution, and persistence of video inputs will have a profound impact on the 5G network.”
The comprehensive nature of the Mobile Experts research series delivers a robust analysis including:
- - Key findings from consumer surveys alongside market forecasts for AI smartphone applications over the next five years.
- - In-depth technical evaluations of AI-for-RAN implementations, exploring both real-time and non-realtime AI models.
- - Financial assessments on GPU and CPU-based approaches for AI in RAN and future revenue projections.
- - A practical Excel model designed to quantify the impact of AI applications on 5G demand relative to optimization effects.
In closing, Mobile Experts stands out as a leader in delivering in-depth technical assessments paired with comprehensive national demand and capacity modeling. For a detailed insight into how AI will shape mobile networks, consulting services from Mobile Experts are invaluable.