Emerging trends in Indian telecom and Artificial Intelligence

India, with its vast population and rapid technological adoption, is at the cusp of a telecom and artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. The interplay between these two sectors is creating a transformative impact on the nation’s economy, everyday life, and society. India is a rapidly growing economy, soon to become the world’s third largest, and an infusion of AI in various segments of the economy may be able to accelerate the growth of our economy.

India’s telecom sector is one of the largest in the world and is characterized by high competition and massive subscriber bases. Key players include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, with Jio being a significant disruptor through its aggressive pricing and expansive 4G/5G network. As of 2023, the country had over 1.17 billion mobile subscribers and is witnessing rapid growth in internet penetration, largely driven by affordable data plans and increasing smartphone usage.

The telecom sector in India has been increasingly leveraging AI in the symbiotic relationship among various segments to enhance different aspects of its operations and services, with numerous benefits:

• Network optimization. AI algorithms help optimize network performance by predicting and managing traffic, leading to improved connectivity and reduced downtimes.
• Customer service. Telecom companies are deploying AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to enhance customer service, providing 24/7 support and resolving issues more efficiently.
• Predictive maintenance. AI enables predictive maintenance of network infrastructure, reducing the likelihood of failures and minimizing repair costs.
• Personalized experiences. Through data analysis, AI helps telecom companies offer personalized services and recommendations to users, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Emerging trends

Several trends are shaping the future of the Indian telecom and AI landscape:

• 5G deployment. The roll-out of 5G technology promises to revolutionize connectivity with higher speeds, lower latency, and massive IoT integration. AI will play a crucial role in managing 5G networks, ensuring optimal performance and resource allocation.
• Edge computing. To handle the massive data generated by IoT devices and 5G networks, telecom companies are investing in edge computing. AI at the edge can process data locally, leading to faster decision-making and reduced latency.
• Smart cities. The integration of AI and telecom is pivotal in developing smart cities. AI-driven analytics and IoT connectivity can enhance urban management, from traffic control to energy consumption.
• Enhanced AR/VR experience. With improved network capabilities, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications are set to thrive, offering immersive experiences in gaming, education, and virtual meetings.
• Blockchain integration. Telecom companies are exploring blockchain for secure and transparent operations, including identity management, secure transactions, and streamlined processes.

AI and machine learning algorithms are used to capitalize on this dynamic interplay for predictive maintenance of telecom infrastructure, such as towers, cables, and equipment, for sustainable growth and innovation. By analyzing vast amounts of data from sensors and monitoring systems, AI can predict equipment failures before they occur, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Cyber-security and AI
Cyber-security is a growing concern for telecom companies. AI-powered cyber-security solutions are employed to safeguard telecom networks from cyber threats, such as malware, phishing attacks, and DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks. AI algorithms can detect and respond to security incidents in real time, helping to protect sensitive customer data and ensure network integrity. Companies can leverage AI and big data analytics to derive valuable insights from the vast amount of data generated by their networks and services. By analyzing this data, telecom operators can identify trends, forecast demand, optimize resource allocation, and make data-driven decisions to improve business performance.

Telecom companies utilize AI-based fraud detection systems to identify and prevent fraudulent activities, such as unauthorized usage of SIM cards, subscription fraud, and billing fraud. AI algorithms analyze patterns and anomalies in call records, usage behavior, and billing data to detect suspicious activities in real time. AI enables telecom operators to analyze customer data and behavior to deliver targeted and personalized marketing campaigns. Telecom companies can optimize their marketing efforts and improve customer engagement by segmenting customers based on their preferences, usage patterns, and demographics.

TRAI’s recommendation
In July 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued recommendations on leveraging AI and big data in the telecommunications sector. TRAI recommended promoting the use of AI and big data analytics across the telecommunications industry to enhance efficiency, improve service quality, and foster innovation. Emphasizing the importance of data protection and privacy, it suggested developing robust frameworks and mechanisms to ensure the secure handling of consumer data. In its comprehensive report of recommendations, it has outlined the opportunities and challenges of AI in telecom sector (https://rb.gy/hrdvmt).

Inclusive AI
As AI and generative AI are expanding, the concept of inclusive AI is brought up. In addition to addressing biases and promoting accessibility, inclusive AI also requires a commitment to transparency and accountability. This transparency fosters trust and allows individuals to hold developers and organizations accountable for the ethical and equitable use of AI technologies.

Despite the challenges, the pursuit of inclusive AI offers tremendous opportunities to build a future where technology serves as a force for positive social change. By embracing diversity, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing ethical considerations, we can harness the power of AI to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. As Infosys founder NR Narayan Murthy says (https://rb.gy/y64m4a) “I am a confirmed optimist regarding the role of technology in general and specifically in AI. All of this will happen only if we are smart enough to tame that beast and make it an assistive tool.” Recently, Hanooman a series of open-source Indic language AI models named after Hindu deity Hanuman, has been developed by IIT Bombay in partnership with Seetha Mahalakshmi Healthcare (SMH), which can generate both text and speech in several Indian languages.

As we continue to advance the field of AI, let us not forget the importance of ensuring that these technologies reflect the diversity and values of the communities they serve. India is a much more diverse country than the countries where these technologies have been born. We may need to customize the use of AI, with our unique needs and resources.

Dhanendra Kumar has been Executive Director at the World Bank for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh & Bhutan, and First Chairman Competition Commission of India. He is currently Chairman of Competition Advisory Services LLP. With inputs from Aditya Trivedi, Associate COMPAD