Telcos to spend $20B on AI network orchestration by 2028

Telecom companies are expected to increase their spending on AI for automating network management to $20 billion by 2028, a new report from Juniper Research found. This would represent a 240 percent rise from estimated spending levels in 2024 of $6 billion.

The researchers predict the investment growth will be necessary as telcos expand 5G networks globally and develop future 6G networks. The AI software will play a vital role in optimising network performance and security; the two most critical areas expected to account for over 50 percent of operator spending on AI by 2028.