About AI-RAN: Rewiring the Radio Network for the AI Era
AI is rapidly moving from overlay to foundation in the radio access network (RAN) — and in the process, redefining how mobile networks are built, operated and monetized. AI-RAN represents a shift from single-purpose infrastructure to a converged, software-defined platform where AI and RAN workloads run side by side, enabling both real-time network optimization and entirely new classes of edge-based services.
For operators, the promise is compelling: improved spectral efficiency, more dynamic traffic management, and the ability to automate increasingly complex networks that can no longer be tuned manually. At the same time, AI-RAN opens a path to new revenue streams by turning the network into a distributed compute platform capable of supporting generative AI, enterprise applications and emerging physical AI use cases at the edge.
But the transition is far from straightforward. Questions remain around cost, energy consumption, data readiness and the real ROI of AI-native architectures. This Fierce Network virtual event will bring together operators, vendors and ecosystem players to separate hype from execution, examining where AI is delivering measurable gains in the RAN today, and what it will take to scale AI-RAN into a commercially viable foundation for 5G Advanced and beyond.
Topics addressed include:
Where are operators seeing tangible ROI today?
Which use cases are delivering the fastest returns?
How are deployment models evolving?
What are realistic timelines for ROI?
AGENDA
All times Eastern U.S.
11:00 a.m. Invited Keynote – 20 mins
11:25 a.m. Partner Keynote – 20 mins
11:50 a.m. Panel: From trials to reality: Where AI-RAN is delivering today (45 mins)
AI in the RAN is no longer confined to lab demos. Vendors and operators are embedding AI models directly into radios and basebands to improve scheduling, beamforming and network performance in near real time — often without requiring new hardware investments. Early deployments point to measurable gains in throughput, spectral efficiency and network observability, while also enabling more automated operations at scale. This panel will focus on what’s real versus what’s still aspirational. Where are operators seeing tangible ROI today? Which use cases — automation, energy optimization or customer experience — are delivering the fastest returns? And how are deployment models evolving between purpose-built RAN, cloud RAN and emerging AI-native architectures?
Moderator: Monica Alleven, Executive Editor, Fierce Network
Panelists: 2 invited, 2 partners
1:00 p.m. Invited Keynote – 20 mins
1:25 p.m. Partner Keynote – 20 mins
1:50 p.m. Panel: The business case for AI-RAN: Cost, complexity and monetization (45 mins)
AI-RAN promises to transform the RAN from a cost center into a platform for growth — but the economics are still under scrutiny. While AI can drive automation, improve efficiency and reduce operational overhead, it also introduces new demands around compute, data and energy consumption. At the same time, operators are exploring how to monetize AI-RAN by hosting AI workloads at the network edge, supporting enterprise applications and enabling ultra-low-latency services across industries such as manufacturing, logistics and mobility. This panel will examine whether the business case holds up. What are realistic timelines for ROI? How should operators think about infrastructure investments versus software-led upgrades? And where are the most credible opportunities for new revenue tied to AI-enabled services?
Moderator: Linda Hardesty, Chief Analyst, Wireless and Wireline Networks, Fierce Network
Panelists: 2 invited, 2 partners
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