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GSMA Unveils AI Calling Specifications at MWC 2026

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 held in Barcelona, GSMA presented a technical white paper outlining the evolution of local voice services within the context of the Mobile AI Age. This report was shared during the 5G Futures Summit and emphasizes key trends in development and application scenarios for operators in this new landscape.

The white paper highlights the synergy between 5G technology and artificial intelligence, indicating that mobile communications are entering a transformative era. Operators are shifting from traditional voice calls to AI-driven voice interactions, thereby enhancing service delivery and providing innovative applications. By integrating AI algorithms into local IMS voice networks, conventional call systems are evolving into a new generation of sophisticated, high-definition, and visually engaging experiences for users.

One of the key services mentioned is AI-based noise reduction, crucial for enhancing call clarity by eliminating background disturbances. Such technology can be applied in a variety of environments, such as offices, streets, and construction sites, where ambient noise levels are significant. This innovation allows users to enjoy high-quality voice calls without needing specialized terminals, enhancing accessibility for many.

Additionally, real-time translation features represent typical applications of AI-interactive calling, making it possible to overcome long-standing language barriers. Through advancements in audio network capabilities, AI-assisted translations can now provide accurate and instantaneous transcription, benefiting international business meetings, travelers, and individuals with hearing impairments by facilitating communication across languages.

The report also points out a shift in business models among operators, suggesting they should integrate AI capabilities into their local voice services to revitalize daily communications. After subscribing, users can access AI-enhanced functions that bring depth to traditional call experiences, enabling operators to transition from monetizing single-dimensional traffic to multi-faceted user experiences.

Operators now face the challenge of measuring user experiences within AI calling scenarios, which is essential for improving service quality. The document systematically describes the specifications for experience assessment models in AI calling. In addition to conventional metrics such as Quality of Experience (QoE) and Quality of Service (QoS), three new indicators are introduced: AI-Enabling Experience, AI-Interactive Experience, and Quality of Interaction (QoI). These new metrics are designed to rigorously evaluate user satisfaction and service quality in AI-enhanced calls.

Notably, 'surrounding calls' can significantly elevate traditional voice interactions by enhancing metrics such as Mean Opinion Score (MOS) and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), thus improving overall user experience. Interactive calls require the network to support advanced features such as screen sharing, real-time translation, and the possibility of interacting with representatives through diverse communication channels.

The document highlights that QoI serves as a vital measure of the intelligence within the audio network, encompassing various layers of complexity including high-quality AI models and flexible management systems. These components provide a foundation for ensuring enhanced voice experiences.

In response to these advancements, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has initiated a project named P.AI-MOS to assess user experiences with multimodal AI applications, while also researching standards for voice experiences in AI calling. To accelerate the development of these evaluation models, GSMA and industry partners are advocating for collaborative efforts to align core quality indicators (KQIs) with key performance indicators (KPIs) of networks.

These initiatives aim to expedite the formation of standards for mobile AI service experiences, thereby fostering significant advancements within the mobile AI industry. The goal is to construct a solid framework that ensures quality, innovation, and a user-centric approach as voice services evolve in the age of artificial intelligence.