27th April 2025, Kathmandu
As AI systems become integral to daily life, the challenge lies in trusting technology we don’t fully comprehend. Sean Kinney’s latest column explores how businesses and consumers can develop confidence in AI-driven decisions, even when the underlying processes remain opaque. With AI adoption accelerating, understanding trust dynamics is crucial for seamless integration.
Key Telecom Insights
5G’s Biggest Wins and Misses
While 5G monetization has faced hurdles, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has emerged as a clear success, offering high-speed broadband without fiber deployment. The industry is also seeing gains from Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) 5G architectures, with SA unlocking advanced enterprise and IoT applications. However, some early 5G promises—like widespread industrial automation—remain works in progress.
Key 5G Developments:
BSNL’s 4 G-to-5 G Transition: India’s state-run telecom is prioritizing 4G stabilization before rolling out 5G, ensuring a smooth upgrade.
Fujitsu’s 1FINITY Inc.: A new subsidiary focusing on AI-optimized optical and mobile systems for 5G and future 6G networks.
AT&T’s $14B Open RAN Push: Aiming for 70% open network traffic by 2026, AT&T’s RAN modernization could reshape U.S. telecom infrastructure.
AI Infrastructure Boom: Stonepeak’s $1.5B Bet
Private equity firm Stonepeak has launched Montera Infrastructure with a $1.5 billion investment to build hyperscale data centers across North America. This signals growing demand for AI and cloud computing capacity, as enterprises seek scalable, high-performance solutions.
Sustainability in 5G: Can Green Networks Drive Revenue?
Energy-efficient 5G networks reduce operational costs, but can operators monetize sustainability? Industry leaders are exploring how energy savings translate into revenue, whether through carbon credits, premium services, or regulatory incentives.
Global Tech Updates
Starlink’s India Roadblock: Regulatory hurdles delay Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, with officials demanding local gateways and user terminal compliance.
IBM’s $6B AI Surge: Big Blue’s generative AI consulting deals highlight enterprise demand, but investors remain cautious about long-term profitability.
U.S. vs. EU Tech Fines: The U.S. condemns EU penalties on Apple (€500M) and Meta (€200M) as “economic extortion,” escalating transatlantic tensions.
Upcoming Industry Events
Test & Measurement Forum 2025 (April 29) – Exploring AI, 5G Advanced, and Open RAN testing.
Connect (X) 2025 (May 12-14) – Key insights on telecom infrastructure in Chicago.
Telco Cloud & Edge Forum 2025 (May 20) – The future of telecom innovation.
Small Cells World Summit 2025 (June 3-4) – Next-gen connectivity for diverse use cases.
Final Thoughts
The intersection of 5G, AI, and infrastructure investment is reshaping telecom. While challenges like monetization and regulation persist, breakthroughs in FWA, Open RAN, and AI optimization signal a transformative phase ahead.
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For more: Key Telecom Insights