This Catalyst project brings together StarHub, Celcom Digi, Etisalat UAE, Red Hat, SynaXG, Orex Sai to build an AI-powered blueprint for next-generation AI-RAN and edge services. Which combines the power of “AI for RAN” and “AI on RAN”. By combining OSS/BSS capabilities with edge AI applications * Video analytics * Drone orchestration * Location-based services The project aims to demonstrate a paradigm shift on how telcos can monetize network intelligence, offer new use cases and deliver differentiated customer experiences using CAMARA API’s. Unlike traditional RAN initiatives, the focus is on real-time insights and service innovation at the network edge, bridging the gap between infrastructure and application layers. With StarHub as the regional lead, this initiative addresses the unique demands of Asia-Pacific service providers while aligning with TM Forum’s vision of open, intelligent networks. The proposed architecture integrates AI workloads, data pipelines, and orchestration on a unified platform, enabling flexibility, scalability, and ecosystem collaboration. By harnessing hybrid cloud capabilities and engaging potential partners for AI Accelerator’s, this project delivers a future-ready telco model while providing a scalable blueprint for global adoption. The expected outcome is a compelling showcase of how telcos can evolve from connectivity providers to AI-first infrastructure providers that offer innovative digital services using open platforms and edge intelligence. CSPs are driven by the need for greater efficiency, cost reduction, and new revenue streams. The current infrastructure model often involves separate, underutilized hardware for network functions and for AI applications. By running AI-RAN on a shared, accelerated infrastructure at the network edge, they can: Today, CSP networks run RAN and AI workloads on separate, often underused hardware. By consolidating onto a shared, high-performance edge platform, CSPs can: * Boost network performance through AI-driven, real-time optimization. * Maximize ROI by keeping expensive GPUs fully utilized for both RAN and AI tasks. * Monetize the edge by offering AI-as-a-Service to enterprises. * This turns the RAN from a cost center into a revenue-generating platform. From Telco to Tech Powerhouse CSPs can differentiate by offering edge-native services such as: * Generative AI-as-a-Service — low-latency assistants and chatbots hosted at the edge. * Digital twins — real-time models for predictive maintenance and optimization. * Instant analytics — actionable insights from IoT and sensor data. Instead of competing on coverage and price, CSPs become enablers of innovation for industries. Fueling Innovation Across Verticals with AI at the edge, industries can deploy capabilities previously limited by latency and bandwidth: * Manufacturing: Instant quality control with AI vision on the factory floor. * Transport: Local, secure data processing for operational safety. * Logistics: Ultra-low-latency navigation for autonomous vehicles and delivery robots. The Bottom Line This isn’t just about faster networks — it’s about redefining what networks can do. AI-RAN at the edge unlocks new efficiencies, fuels industry innovation, and opens entirely new revenue streams. The CSP of the future isn’t just a connectivity provider — it’s the backbone of the AI-powered economy.