Innovating with AI: Transforming Telecoms into Techcos with Huawei's Vision

In a dynamic keynote address at a leading technology conference in Barcelona, James Chen, President of Huawei Carrier Business, presented his ideas on how artificial intelligence (AI) can drive telecommunications companies towards becoming technology powerhouses, known as techcos. His insights highlighted that transformation is an ongoing process, with the ultimate aim of creating significant value for both businesses and their customers.

Embracing Change in the Telecom Industry

Chen emphasized that as technologies such as 5.5G, cloud computing, and AI continue to advance, traditional carriers must transition from merely providing connection services to embracing a more multifaceted, digital-first approach. To support this shift, Huawei introduced a framework called the "Five Ones," aimed at facilitating telecom operators' evolution into tech firms. This framework will enhance their business structures, operational efficiencies, and infrastructure capabilities, thereby allowing them to seize new opportunities in an increasingly digital landscape.

New Monetization Models for Techcos

One key aspect of Chen's discussion was the new monetization models that telecoms need to adopt to cater to the emerging demands of modern consumers. The rise of experiences such as live streaming, business travel, and gaming has prompted the need for differentiated service offerings. By utilizing AI, carriers can not only enhance network experiences tailored to individual user needs but also enable real-time adjustments to services. Over 35 carriers worldwide are already applying experience monetization strategies based on both usage rates and quality of service.

Enhancing Home Services with AI

As homes become more integrated with technology, Chen underscored the potential for carriers to transition from bandwidth providers to AI service providers. By establishing unified intelligent home service portals, telecom companies can offer personalized services that connect seamlessly with smart home devices. For instance, some carriers in China and South Korea are successfully launching AI hubs that enhance user interaction across various devices, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Operating B2B Cloud Platforms

To keep pace with industry-wide digital and intelligent transformations, telecom companies should create comprehensive cloud platforms that consolidate multiple services for business clients. Such platforms should offer advanced features, like cloud marketplaces and intelligent code generation, to accelerate service delivery. An illustrative case was presented involving a Northern African telecom that implemented a multi-cloud platform, assisting numerous enterprises in over ten sectors to embark on their digital transformation journeys.

Utilizing AI for Operational Efficiency

The integration of AI technologies into operations management (OM) can significantly streamline processes within telecom firms. By generating digital twins of networks and services, AI can transform data into actionable knowledge. Carriers can deploy AI agents to manage routine operational tasks, leading to quick diagnosis and resolution of issues, as illustrated in one example where network fault resolution times were reduced to under 30 minutes.

Building an Integrated Infrastructure

Chen concluded his presentation by outlining the need for a collaborative architecture that integrates various resources—networking, storage, cloud capabilities, and computing power. This infrastructure should ensure intelligent connectivity, provide a robust intelligent cloud, and facilitate collaboration across all operational aspects.

Conclusion: The Future of Telecom with AI

James Chen firmly believes that leveraging AI will undeniably accelerate the transition of traditional carriers into dynamic techcos. By partnering with Huawei and engaging with their suite of innovative products and solutions, carriers can reshape their business models and operational strategies to create ongoing value in the AI era. The opportunities before them are vast and full of potential, making this transformation not just beneficial, but essential for survival and growth in the digital age.