MWC26: Telenor’s CTO on Sovereignty and Smarter Networks

Why It Matters

Sovereignty‑focused network design safeguards customer data and aligns with tightening global regulations, while AI‑driven automation reduces operational costs and accelerates service innovation. Together, these moves give Telenor a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving telecom landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Telenor prioritizes data sovereignty in network architecture
• AI factory accelerates deployment of autonomous network functions
• Quantum‑ready hardware being trialled for future 6G services
• Edge computing expands to support real‑time AI analytics
• Partnerships with local vendors ensure regulatory compliance

Pulse Analysis

Regulatory pressure across Europe and Asia is reshaping how telecom operators build their core infrastructure. Telenor’s explicit focus on data sovereignty means that network elements, from base stations to cloud platforms, are increasingly localized or encrypted to comply with national data laws. This strategy not only mitigates legal risk but also appeals to enterprise customers demanding strict privacy guarantees, creating a market differentiator in a crowded carrier space.

The AI factory concept represents Telenor’s answer to the growing complexity of modern networks. By centralizing machine‑learning model development, testing, and deployment, the factory reduces the time‑to‑market for features such as predictive maintenance, traffic steering, and automated fault resolution. Operators can thus shift from reactive to proactive network management, cutting OPEX while delivering higher quality of experience. This automation also supports the rollout of edge‑native services, where low latency and real‑time analytics are critical.

Looking ahead, Telenor is investing in quantum‑ready hardware and expanding edge compute nodes to lay the groundwork for 6G. Early trials focus on secure key distribution and ultra‑low‑latency processing, essential for future applications like holographic communication and massive IoT. By partnering with local vendors and research institutes, Telenor ensures compliance with emerging standards while fostering an ecosystem that can quickly adapt to new spectrum and protocol demands. These forward‑looking initiatives position the carrier to capture next‑generation revenue streams and maintain relevance in a fast‑evolving market.

Original Description

Cathal Kennedy, group CTO at Telenor, discusses the evolution of the network operator’s technology strategy, the importance and impact of sovereignty, the strategic role of Telenor’s AI factory, how to develop and run smarter networks, and more.

Featuring: Cathal Kennedy, Group CTO, Telenor

Recorded March 2026

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