Telcos and the AI token economy: China sets the pace
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Last month, China’s three major telecoms operators became the first to launch token-based AI plans, packaging AI usage in a way that resembles traditional mobile data bundles. The launches reframe AI consumption as a metered and tiered service. They also signal a broader push by operators to commercialise AI, cloud and compute capabilities. This reflects growing interest among telecoms operators in monetising AI by moving beyond internal AI efficiencies and towards commercial AI opportunities. Similar ambitions have emerged elsewhere, with Reliance Jio positioning itself as a future token service provider at MWC Barcelona 2026, while operators such as Deutsche Telekom, SoftBank and SK Telecom are investing heavily in AI, cloud and compute infrastructure. The logic is simple – tap the surging interest in AI and put a meter on it – but the concept goes beyond just offering tokens for cash.
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Telcos and the AI token economy: China sets the pace
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Telcos and the AI token economy: China sets the pace
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This report is one of more than 140 published annually as part of the GSMA Intelligence data and research subscription, which is designed for organisations that require regular access to our insights. Contact our sales team for details.
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