Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a cornerstone of next-generation telecommunications, revolutionizing how networks operate and enabling advanced services such as immersive digital experiences, autonomous systems, and real-time network optimization, a senior official from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) stated today.
At the third meeting of the ITU-T Focus Group on AI-Native for Telecommunication Networks (FG-AINN), held in New Delhi and organized by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), Sanjeev K Bidwai, Member (Technology), DCC, emphasized that AI-native networks will fundamentally alter telecom network architecture. These networks, driven by intelligent automation, will offer capabilities like cross-domain orchestration, on-demand slicing, and personalized service delivery.
India’s Role in AI-Powered Telecom Innovation
Bidwai highlighted India’s proactive initiatives in AI, including the launch of ‘Bharat Gen’, the country’s first government-funded AI-based large language model for Indian languages. He also cited research from IITs and C-DOT on network automation and digital twins, stressing the importance of ethical, inclusive, and secure AI deployment aligned with evolving regulatory norms.
Referencing ITU-R’s M.2160 vision document, Bidwai said AI is set to drive every aspect of future networks—from radio interface optimization to self-healing network frameworks. India, with its massive telecom user base and a thriving AI startup ecosystem, is positioned as a global testbed and leader in AI-native telecom evolution.
He also announced a Letter of Intent between DoT and ITU to explore AI-based digital twin technology for network infrastructure, reinforcing India’s commitment to global collaboration in telecom innovation.
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In support, ITU leaders Seizo Onoe and Atsuo Okuda praised the region’s digital momentum, emphasizing AI-native networks as vital to building responsive, inclusive, and secure communication systems. India also formally sought support for its bid to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2030, its re-election to the ITU Council (2027–31), and for M Revathi’s candidacy as Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau.
