Artificial intelligence: The future of telecommunications
The TM Forum Tour Japan in Tokyo was the stage for discussions on artificial intelligence in telecommunications, covering network automation, edge computing, and the evolution of LLMs. Key industry participants, including major vendors and partner organizations, explored the challenges and opportunities surrounding this technology.
Rakuten mobile: Innovating through AI
Among the many topics covered, a session led by Rakuten Mobile’s Director of Strategy and Production, Martand Jangbahadur, stood out. He discussed AI and data’s potential to create new revenue streams. Since its inception, Rakuten Mobile has prioritized AI, integrating automation technologies into its greenfield network. More recently, the company announced new AI-driven services, such as Rakuten Mobile AI 2.0, an assistant designed to help users manage their mobile subscriptions, and Rakuten AI for Business, a tool for business tasks like document creation and research.
Generative services: The future of Rakuten Mobile
At the event, Rakuten Mobile showcased three services based on “generative AI”. These services leverage the vast amounts of customer data and AI-powered analytics to introduce new ways of processing information. Each service will be integrated into the Rakuten Link app.
First, the company will use its data to create “hyper-personalized” ads tailored to individual users. Second, a personal digital assistant will be developed to help users plan trips and recommend restaurants based on their location and history. Third, building on its e-commerce expertise, Rakuten plans to integrate AI into official business accounts to create a B2B2C offering.
Threats and opportunities ahead
In this new technological landscape, telecom operators see AI as the next growth driver. However, they must also contend with competition from OTT players. While operators possess vast amounts of customer data, not all have the capability to unify and analyze it effectively. For some, new approaches and partnerships will be essential.
With MWC 2025 fast approaching, this topic is one to watch closely.