Key AI Priorities for Telecom CEOs: From Strategy to Execution

Artificial Intelligence has reached a turning point in the telecom industry. What was once a technology-led initiative is now firmly embedded in CEO-level strategy, driven by the need to improve margins, unlock new revenue streams, and future-proof operations.

Recent industry surveys from leading consulting firms and telecom bodies reveal three dominant AI priority areas for telecom executives.

1. AI as a Core Investment and Revenue Driver

More than 70% of telecom CEOs now rank AI among their top strategic investments. This marks a fundamental shift: AI is no longer seen solely as a cost-reduction tool but as a platform for new services, including:

• AI-powered network APIs

• Predictive enterprise connectivity services

• AI-driven customer experience platforms

By 2028, nearly half of CEOs expect AI-based platforms and services to generate material new revenue, accelerating the transition from connectivity providers to digital service platforms.

2. AI-Driven Operations and Autonomous Networks

Operational efficiency remains one of the strongest AI value levers in telecom. CEOs increasingly focus on:

• Network automation and closed-loop optimization

• Energy efficiency and carbon reduction

• Predictive maintenance and fault prevention

With over 50% of CEOs targeting double-digit OPEX reduction, AI is becoming the backbone of autonomous network evolution, especially in 5G Standalone and future 6G-ready architectures.

This evolution goes beyond SON features — it introduces AI-native networks capable of learning, adapting, and optimizing in near real time.

3. Workforce Transformation and AI Governance

While technology adoption accelerates, human and regulatory factors remain critical constraints.

Nearly half of telecom CEOs identify skills shortages as the primary barrier to scaling AI. At the same time, ethical concerns, explainability, and regulatory compliance are rising sharply on executive agendas.

Successful AI strategies therefore require:

• Workforce upskilling and AI literacy

• Clear AI governance frameworks

• Alignment with regulatory and societal expectations

AI in telecom is not just a network transformation — it is an organizational transformation.

Conclusion: AI as a CEO Responsibility

AI is redefining how telecom operators invest, operate, and compete. The differentiator will not be who deploys AI first, but who integrates it most effectively across business, network, and governance layers.

For telecom CEOs, AI is no longer optional.
It is a strategic leadership mandate.