AT&T made a deal to shift its 5G core network to Microsoft Azure. The agreement is also involving the sale of its related platform technology to the software giant.
The US operator emphasised it would continue to run its network and control customer relationships, but was seeking to reap the benefit of slashing its engineering and development costs. In a joint statement, Microsoft explained it stands to gain access to the operator’s current Network Cloud platform technology, and associated IP and technical expertise.
Microsoft’s decision to buy the unit will provide the resources required to make “this capability accessible to operators around the world“. Microsoft takes over software development and deployment of AT&T’s Network Cloud immediately, with Azure integration to take place over the next three years.
Telecom operators are no longer using AI only for network optimisation and routine operations. They are applying it to faster product development and customer conversations. Matija Ražem says AI enables prototypes in hours, quicker market testing, and automation of many standard support questions. The next step may be a world where personal digital agents interact with agents from telecoms, banks and other large organisations.
ReversingLabs is developing agent-based approaches to security operations, while warning that the expertise needed to manage such systems will become even more critical.
Infobip has officially introduced RCS BusinessOS, an end-to-end operating layer designed to assist mobile network operators in launching, managing, and monetizing RCS for Business.
