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Home > Resources > Research & Analysis > InsightsAI: The time is now – Executive summary
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AI: The time is now – Executive summary

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Released: Wednesday, January 24, 2018

This executive summary includes an infographic showing the report’s key findings. You can download the full report here.

For the last five to seven years, communications service providers (CSPs) have been investing in data analytics. Now they are looking at how to add artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve customer experience, drive efficiency, increase agility and improve reliability. There are some big questions, however:

Should they implement a centralized AI architecture — a single ‘brain’ that controls all customer experiences and addresses networking and operations? Or should they implement specialized AI solutions on a case by case basis and integrate them as required?

 

For this Trend Analysis Report, our first on AI, we surveyed 187 executives from 76 communications service providers (CSPs) operating in 51 countries, and 115 executives from supplier companies. We also conducted dozens of interviews with respondents. Many of the CSPs we interviewed said they want to develop a strategy that involves joining the dots and potentially building central capabilities to accelerate the adoption of AI, but there is no consensus about the best way to do this. Indeed, many AI systems likely will be implemented independently and will span more than one domain, which will make integration difficult.

Read this report to learn:

  • What is AI?
  • How are CSPs using or planning to use AI?
  • What are the key benefits?
  • How can AI improve customer experience?
  • How can AI improve network and service management
  • Which suppliers of AI technology are CSPs are turning to?
  • Why is AI critical in telecom networks?
  • What are the biggest challenges operators face?
  • What steps do CSPs need to take to embrace AI?

Authors

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Mark Newman
Chief Analyst TM Forum

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