Mobile operators increasingly recognise the need for generative AI integration to streamline everyday processes. According to GSMAi’s Telco AI: State of the Market, Q4 2024, 65% of operators have implemented an AI strategy. With the volume of data growing exponentially and customer expectations shifting, operators face mounting pressure to modernise. Generative AI is a golden opportunity to address these challenges head-on. Put simply, it is transforming how operators work, enabling smarter customer service, seamless network management, and actionable enterprise insights.
Leading operators have deployed AI across 9 out of 13 critical domains, including network operations, customer service, and revenue generation. This adoption highlights the growing reliance on AI to drive efficiency and innovation in the telecoms industry. While 41% of operators are exploring use cases or running pilots, 40% have widely deployed generative AI across their operations. As telcos prioritise productivity and invest up to 15% of digital budgets in AI, the potential for transformation is clear.
Nevertheless, generative AI integration is complex. Operators must decide which language models to use, identify suitable applications, and, perhaps above all, seek expert guidance. To assist, GSMA Foundry, in collaboration with IBM, has launched the Gen AI Accelerator Pack. This initiative enables mobile operators to test and implement AI-driven solutions with minimal risk, providing GSMA members exclusive access to IBM watsonx.ai for generative AI trials, expert guidance, and an accelerated proof-of-concept development framework.
SLTMobitel’s enterprise knowledge hub underpinned by GSMA Foundry and IBM Gen AI Accelerator Pack
Operators should seek solutions with demonstrable results. SLTMobitel’s recent use of the AI Accelerator Pack is an insight into how this tool can result in successful generative AI integration. They used it to develop Aisle AI, an enterprise knowledge hub powered by generative AI and large language models.
The solution addresses a common issue—fragmented knowledge repositories—that make accessing company-wide information difficult. Many organisations struggle with this inefficiency. To solve this, Aisle uses generative AI to enable seamless access to critical resources. Using AI-driven decision-making, it structures and retrieves data quickly, enhancing operational efficiency.
Demonstrated at the ETSI AI Conference, Aisle has been instrumental in streamlining enterprise knowledge access. A key application is call centre optimisation, where AI-powered retrieval from vast datasets has reduced call handling times and improved agent productivity.
As explained by Anil Pradeep Kumara, General Manager of R&D at the Embryo Innovation Center at SLTMobitel: “Our focus was on call centre optimisation, and the results were immediate—reduced call handling times and improved agent productivity. But this is just the beginning; Aisle AI’s potential extends to various other business applications. We must thank GSMA and IBM for this initiative, which enabled us to utilise IBM’s watsonx.ai platform to trial enterprise-grade generative AI solutions. The ability to access IBM’s subject matter experts was invaluable, helping us troubleshoot challenges in real time.”
From innovation to impact: measurable success of generative AI integration
Aisle AI’s success was recognised at the National Project Management Excellence Awards 2024, where SLTMobitel received multiple awards, including a gold award for innovation in AI and data science. These achievements underscore the practical benefits of gen AI integration and send a signal to the market that SLTMobitel is capable of adopting the latest technology to gain a competitive advantage.
Reflecting on the importance of the Accelerator Pack, Anil Pradeep Kumara emphasised its role in developing Aisle: “The Accelerator Pack accelerated our transformation. The Aisle AI solution, powered by IBM watsonx.ai, not only improved call centre efficiency but also demonstrated high accuracy and low-latency response handling. These advantages will be crucial as we expand our AI-driven solutions across multiple business functions.”
Begin your generative AI integration journey
The GSMA Foundry and IBM Gen AI Accelerator Pack is available for GSMA members looking to explore AI-driven business transformation.
How to get started:
- Register your interest – Apply for the Gen AI Accelerator Pack.
- Develop AI solutions – Access watsonx.ai and start building AI-driven applications.
- Gain industry recognition – Showcase your innovation through the GSMA Foundry’s platforms and global events.
The telecoms industry is evolving rapidly—operators who fail to embrace generative AI integration risk falling behind. Register now to future-proof your business with an industry-leading AI solution that delivers demonstrable results.