Generative AI in operator networks: is there life at the edge?

It has only been nine months since ChatGPT launched, introducing much of the world to the concept of generative AI (genAI). Since then, use cases have been explained, competitors have emerged and businesses around the world, including mobile operators, have begun to explore how to use the technology.

For mobile operators, the range of genAI applications is broad. User-facing applications include improved customer care via enhanced chatbots, and customised proposition development based on in-depth knowledge of the customer. Operator-facing applications include marketing collateral development, knowledgebase management, network management and code development support. Some of this activity will be run by partners, residing in their clouds; some will need to be run by the operators themselves. As operators think about genAI and their investment needs going forward, where genAI lives in their networks is an important question, particularly as they develop their edge networking strategies and assets.