While the advent of 5G and its speeds of up to 20Gbps have enabled telecommunication firms to introduce rapid downloads, smooth streaming, and the ability to handle data-intensive applications, it has brought new challenges to the industry.
Huge infrastructural costs, technical challenges and security concerns are just three of the issues facing telcos, who are using AI to help support the move into the 5G world.
Vodafone recently topped the Australian Customer Effort Index (CEI) rankings for the fourth straight quarter, but the company isn’t resting on its laurels after its parent company TPG Telecom just entered into an agreement to access more than 2,000 mobile network sites across regional parts of the country.
This move – expected to be switched on in early 2025 – will expand its mobile network from around 400,000 to one million square kilometres, extending its reach to 98.4% of Australia’s population.
However, 5G generates far more data than its predecessors and Vodafone will undoubtedly be using AI to gather and categorise data, before identifying patterns within in it to make key decisions. Once the telco giant has expanded across Australia, it will then be also using AI to collect data that will then provide insights on performance, user behaviour and environmental factors. AI algorithms can use this information to then suggest where to allocate network resources such as bandwidth, which will naturally improve overall performance and customer experience.
This demonstrates how AI is playing a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of 5G broadband by supporting enhanced network efficiency, security, and customer experiences. By using AI for network management and data traffic it will enable telcos to deliver reliable, high-speed connections with minimal downtime as the sector evolves and continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in broadband connectivity for customers.
