- AI-RAN is building on the open RAN foundation to enable more intelligent, autonomous networks
- Operators are focusing on real-world business outcomes, not deploying GPUs for technology's sake
- Improved spectral efficiency and new AI-driven revenue opportunities are driving industry interest
AI-RAN is quickly moving from concept to reality as service providers look for ways to improve network performance, automate operations and unlock new revenue opportunities. In the report, AI-RAN: Rewiring the Radio Network for the AI Era, Fierce Network Research examines how leading operators and vendors are defining the future of AI-powered wireless networks.
The report features insights from industry leaders including Rob Soni, VP of RAN technology at AT&T; Ankur Kapoor, chief network officer at T-Mobile; Pallavi Mahajan, CTO at Nokia; Ryuji Wakikawa, SVP and CTO of SoftBank Corp.; and Soma Velayutham, VP for AI and Telecoms at Nvidia. These executives share their views on topics ranging from open RAN and 5G Advanced to GPUs, AI-native networks and the economics of next-generation infrastructure.
Readers will learn why operators see AI-RAN as a critical evolution of wireless networking, how AI is improving spectral efficiency, and why business considerations remain just as important as technical innovation. The report also explores the challenges operators face as they balance AI investments, infrastructure costs and growing network demands.
Written by Linda Hardesty, chief analyst, Fierce Network Research, the report provides practical insights for telecom executives, network architects, engineers and technology leaders evaluating the future of AI in wireless networks.