GSMA Releases New Specifications for AI-Call Experience Assessment at MWC 2026

At the prestigious 5G Futures Summit held in Barcelona as part of MWC 2026, GSMA unveiled a groundbreaking white paper titled Gigauplink, Deterministic Latency, and Network Evolution for the Mobile AI Era. This significant release emphasizes the future of mobile communications, particularly focusing on the intersection of voice communication and artificial intelligence (AI).

The white paper outlines the emerging trends in mobile AI, showcasing a shift from traditional voice calls to advanced AI-driven voice interactions. With the rapid integration of AI algorithms and computing power into operators' voice networks, conventional phone calls are evolving into more intelligent and responsive AI calls. This evolution is aimed at delivering high-definition (HD) voice experiences that are not only stable but also visually interactive and efficient.

Among the highlights of the report is the discussion on immersive AI-calls, which leverage AI to reduce background noise, thus enhancing call clarity. Operators are now equipped to offer users clearer native calls, creating an engaging environment even amidst high noise levels, such as in bustling streets or construction sites. Furthermore, the accountability of AI technologies enables real-time translation features, breaking down language barriers and facilitating seamless communication for global travelers and professionals engaged in international conferences.

Delving deeper, the white paper asserts that as mobile operators embrace AI capabilities, they can rejuvenate their business models by introducing new monetization strategies based on enriched user experiences. Users can benefit from enhanced features during regular voice calls after subscribing to advanced service options, leading operators away from traditional traffic-based revenue towards a multi-dimensional revenue model characterized by enhanced user satisfaction.

A significant challenge highlighted is the evaluation of user experience in AI-calling scenarios. To address this, GSMA's white paper proposes a comprehensive approach for defining specifications tailored for assessing the AI-call experience. Beyond traditional measures of quality in voice services, the report expands the criteria to include immersive and interactive experiences, employing key performance indicators such as Quality of Experience (QoE) and Quality of Service (QoS).

Immersive calls promise to enrich user engagement significantly, as evident in improved scores for Mean Opinion Score (MOS) and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). For interactive calls, networks must integrate additional features like data transmission channels and video channels to support functionalities such as screen sharing and real-time translation. Additionally, QoI (Quality of Intelligence) becomes pivotal for gauging the effectiveness of voice networks, capturing elements like advanced AI quality models and network/user state awareness.

As these standards take shape, collaborative initiatives such as the ITU's P.AI-MOS project for evaluating multimodal AI application experiences are emerging. The GSMA, alongside industry collaborators, is fostering collective efforts to establish benchmarks that align key AI application metrics with network performance indicators. This collaborative push aims to fast-track the establishment of mobile AI service standards, ultimately bolstering the advancement of the mobile AI sector.

In conclusion, the 5G Futures Summit's unveiling of the GSMA white paper marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of voice services. It sets a clear path forward for operators seeking to leverage AI technologies, ensuring that users not only gain richer communication experiences but also enjoy the benefits of enhanced service reliability and innovation in mobile AI applications.