How AI Is Reshaping Telecom Networks

Why It Matters

The trends require telecoms to rethink capacity planning, latency management and operational tooling now, or risk service degradation as AI applications scale; they also demand new skills and governance to safely automate and monetize next‑generation services.

Summary

Speakers said AI is already reshaping telecom networks by shifting traffic from downlink-heavy to more uplink- and east‑west‑oriented patterns, driven by persistent, sensor‑style sessions from devices like smart glasses. They warned that AI traffic—projected to make up 20–40% of total traffic—has distinct low‑latency and behavioral requirements that will force new testing, measurement and control approaches. Operators will increasingly use AI as a control layer to optimize performance and manage complex traffic, while applying AI cautiously in deterministic network infrastructure to limit risk. Over the next three to five years, AI is expected to amplify engineers’ productivity and transform roles into supervisory “AI buddies” who manage bias, complexity and strategic automation.

Original Description

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how networks are designed, operated, and optimized. In this FNTV panel from Barcelona 2026, industry leaders examine AI’s real-world impact on network performance, operations, and workforce transformation—and what operators must do next to stay ahead.

We discuss how AI is reshaping network loads and requirements, where AI-driven automation is delivering measurable operational gains, and which insights are proving most valuable in improving service quality and reliability. The discussion also explores how operators can adopt AI at scale while managing risk across increasingly complex, multi-vendor environments.

This panel features perspectives from VIAVI Solutions, Ericsson, and NextCurve.

Panelists include Dr. Sameh Yamany, Chief Technology & AI Officer at VIAVI Solution; Leonard Lee of NextCurve; and an executive from Ericsson.

Topics include:

How AI is changing traffic patterns and network requirements

Using AI to transform network operations and automation

AI-driven insights that improve reliability and customer experience

Barriers to AI adoption across multi-vendor networks

What AI means for network engineers and operations teams over the next 3–5 years

Watch the full panel to gain practical insights into how AI is redefining the future of telecom networks.

Subscribe to FNTV for more expert conversations from Barcelona 2026.

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