World’s First AI-Driven 5G Network Slicing Demo by Nokia, AWS, du & Orange

Nokia and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have unveiled what they call the industry’s first agentic AI-powered 5G-Advanced network slicing solution, showcased at MWC26 in Barcelona with operators du and Orange.

This breakthrough innovation inferences and leverages open Internet data, including traffic, events, locations, maps and operator data for network slicing business.

du and Orange first to explore this innovative slicing solution that adapts automatically to support customer demand.

Key Highlights

• Agentic AI integration: The system uses AI agents to continuously analyze real-world data such as traffic conditions, live events, weather, maps, and incidents.
• Adaptive slicing: This allows telecom operators to dynamically adjust network slices in real time, ensuring premium services that respond intelligently to changing conditions.
• Intent-based services: Enterprises can define service-level intents (like guaranteed latency or bandwidth), and the AI automatically tunes radio access network (RAN) policies to meet those requirements.
• Live deployment: du and Orange are the first operators to test this in their live 5G networks, demonstrating practical use cases for enterprise campuses and industry-specific applications.
• Business impact: The solution promises new revenue opportunities by enabling differentiated, premium connectivity services that adapt autonomously to customer demand.

This move positions Nokia and AWS at the forefront of AI-driven telecom innovation, competing with similar agentic AI initiatives from Ericsson and others.

BSNL Powers Up with AI, Developing Indigenous Small Language Models

BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Robert J. Ravi, has confirmed that the state-run telecom operator is developing in-house small language models (SLMs) to strengthen its AI capabilities. The move is part of BSNL’s broader strategy to leverage artificial intelligence for network management, customer experience, and churn reduction.

Key Highlights

• AI-driven transformation: BSNL is banking on AI to optimize telecom solutions, improve service delivery, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• In-house SLMs: Instead of relying solely on external large language models, BSNL is building its own smaller, domain-specific models tailored for telecom operations.
• Strategic focus areas:
  • Network management – predictive maintenance, traffic optimization.
  • Customer experience – personalized support, faster resolution.
  • Churn reduction – analyzing usage patterns and proactively addressing customer concerns.
• Leadership vision: Ravi emphasized that AI workloads will dominate the telecom sector in the 5G era, making indigenous AI development critical for BSNL’s competitiveness.

This signals BSNL’s intent to position itself not just as a telecom provider but as a tech-driven enterprise, aligning with India’s push for indigenous AI stacks and digital sovereignty.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how BSNL’s Small Language Models (SLMs) differ from traditional Large Language Models (LLMs), and why this distinction matters in telecom:

Key Differences Between SLMs and LLMs

Aspect	Large Language Models (LLMs)	Small Language Models (SLMs)	Why BSNL Prefers SLMs
Scale	Billions of parameters, massive datasets	Fewer parameters, domain-specific training	Easier to train and deploy for telecom-specific tasks
Resource Needs	Require huge compute power, GPUs, cloud infrastructure	Lightweight, can run on local servers or edge devices	Cost-effective for a state-run telco with limited budgets
Speed & Efficiency	Slower inference, high latency	Faster response times, optimized for real-time tasks	Critical for customer support and network management
Generalization	Broad knowledge across domains	Narrow focus on telecom operations	Better accuracy for BSNL’s internal use cases
Deployment	Cloud-heavy, centralized	Edge-friendly, can be embedded in telecom infrastructure	Supports 5G rollout and localized AI workloads
Cost	Expensive to train and maintain	Lower training and operational costs	Aligns with BSNL’s need for affordable innovation

Why This Matters for BSNL

• Telecom-specific optimization: SLMs can be fine-tuned for tasks like predictive maintenance, call routing, and churn analysis.
• Digital sovereignty: Developing in-house models reduces dependence on foreign AI providers.
• Scalability in 5G era: Lightweight models can be deployed across BSNL’s vast network infrastructure without overwhelming resources.
• Customer experience: Faster, domain-specific AI responses improve support and reduce churn.

In short, BSNL’s SLMs are leaner, cheaper, and more focused, making them a strategic fit for telecom operations, whereas LLMs are powerful but resource-heavy and overly broad for BSNL’s needs.

Jio AI Stack: Building India’s AI Backbone

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Reliance Jio Chairman Akash Ambani unveiled the Jio AI Stack, positioning it as a comprehensive framework to democratize artificial intelligence across healthcare, education, culture, and smart living. The stack is designed to integrate seamlessly with India’s expanding 5G infrastructure, enabling AI at scale.

Core Technical Components

Shri Akash Ambani, Chairman, Jio, showcases Jio's AI Stack and AI-led use cases across healthcare, education, culture, and wearable solutions to honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Jio AI Pavilion during the India AI Impact Summit 2026.#JioAtAISummit… pic.twitter.com/Kf4HFgSrHf

— Reliance Jio (@reliancejio) February 16, 2026

1. AI Cloud Infrastructure

• Jio AI Cloud provides scalable compute and storage for training and deploying large language models (LLMs).
• Optimized for Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity in AI adoption.
• Built on intent-driven architectures and Open Digital Architecture (ODA) principles, allowing modular integration for enterprises.

2. Edge Computing Layer

• AI workloads are distributed across edge nodes connected to Jio’s nationwide 5G network.
• Enables low-latency applications such as healthcare diagnostics and smart home automation.
• Supports real-time inference for consumer devices like JioFrames (smart glasses) and JioPC.

3. Data & Model Services

• Pre-trained domain-specific models for healthcare (Jio Arogya AI), education (Jio Shiksha), and cultural preservation (Jio Sanskriti AI).
• Integrated data pipelines for secure ingestion, annotation, and training.
• Focus on responsible AI with bias detection and explainability features.

4. Developer & Enterprise APIs

• Open APIs for startups and enterprises to build custom AI solutions.
• Supports intent-based networking, allowing businesses to automate workflows through natural language commands.

5. Consumer Integration Layer

• AI embedded into everyday devices:
• Jio AI Home for smart living.
• JioFrames for augmented reality experiences.
• AI-powered PCs for productivity.
• Designed to make AI ubiquitous in daily life, not just enterprise settings.

Strategic Significance

• National AI Infrastructure: Jio is positioning itself as India’s AI backbone, leveraging its telecom dominance to deliver AI at scale.
• Societal Alignment: By focusing on healthcare, education, and culture, Jio aligns AI adoption with India’s social priorities.
• Global Ambition: With leaders from 20 countries and 600 startups present at the summit, Jio is signaling its intent to be a global AI player.

Tata Elxsi and GSMA Collaborate to Deliver Enterprise-Ready Network APIs Under Open Gateway Framework

Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, and global mobile industry association, the GSMA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the GSMA Fusion initiative to help accelerate enterprise API adoption. The collaboration also includes a global Statement of Requirements which aims to help mobile operators unlock new revenue streams by monetizing their networks through standardized APIs, enabling enterprise-ready services across key industries such as automotive, industrial, healthcare, and entertainment.

The two organizations will first focus on supporting enterprise demand in the automotive and drone sectors for new digital services and applications that can benefit from standardized Quality on Demand (QoD) APIs and other relevant network APIs that are available and likely to become available soon.

Driving the Network Monetization agenda for Future ready Telcos

Network monetization is a core pillar of Tata Elxsi’s AI First Telco strategy, designed to help operators move beyond connectivity and capture high-value enterprise opportunities. According to a recent market forecast by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global network API market is projected to grow from $1.96 Billion in 2025 to $6.13 billion by 2030, driven by 5G adoption and enterprise digital transformation. This collaboration strategically positions Tata Elxsi to support operators in accelerating time-to-market for API-driven services, simplifying integration, and unlocking new monetization opportunities across multiple enterprise verticals and use cases.

Through its connection with Tata Elxsi, GSMA will help mobile operators in their delivery of scalable, programmable network services—such as QoD, location verification, and enhanced security—driven by regional and industry-specific enterprise needs. Leveraging GSMA’s Open Gateway framework and CAMARA-standardized APIs, Tata Elxsi will develop demand-driven use cases that utilize network APIs to address specific enterprise needs across key verticals.

In the automotive sector, use cases such as enhanced driver and cabin monitoring, rear-seat entertainment powered by QoD network APIs, location-based services, and KYC for passengers or drivers in shared mobility and fleet operations will be delivered to enterprise customers through Tata Elxsi’s Connected Digital Platform & Solutions, ensuring seamless integration and efficient consumption of network APIs.

Rajagopalan Rajappa, Chief Technology Officer – Communication Technologies & Platforms, Tata Elxsi, said, “This collaborative effort is a strategic offering to help telcos transform their value and value proposition for the future. By enabling operators to monetize their networks through standardized APIs, we help them unlock enterprise revenue with best-in-class integration, platform services and managed offerings from Tata Elxsi.”

Paresh Modi, Senior Director, GSMA Fusion, added: “We look forward to working with Tata Elxsi through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. Their deep enterprise knowledge and expertise in systems integration and software innovation will play an important role in accelerating the adoption of mobile network APIs. As the mobile industry opens up new network capabilities, companies like Tata Elxsi will be essential in helping us understand enterprise needs, unlock value and scale new digital services across sectors, from automotive to digital entertainment.”

Strategic Focus Areas Under the MoU

Enterprise Demand Generation: Tata Elxsi publishes a Global Statement of Requirement for operators to drive global adoption of standardized APIs.

Technical Enablement: Integration of Open Gateway certified CAMARA APIs into Tata Elxsi’s TETHER platform for seamless enterprise connectivity.

Go-to-Market Acceleration: Joint engagement with mobile operators, pilot programs, and awareness campaigns through GSMA platforms.

Commercial Models: Tata Elxsi will propose API consumption and monetization models for OEMs and Operators, creating sustainable revenue streams.

About Tata Elxsi

Tata Elxsi is a global leader in design and technology services, enabling enterprises to reimagine their products and services through digital transformation. With deep expertise in telecom, automotive, healthcare, and media, Tata Elxsi delivers cutting-edge solutions that combine design thinking with advanced engineering. For more information, visit tataelxsi.com.

About the GSMA

The GSMA is a global organization unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop, and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy; tackling today’s biggest societal challenges; underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work; and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.

Vi’s AI-Powered Vi Protect Flags 600M+ Scam Calls, Launches Real-Time Threat Response

Vi, India’s leading telecom operator, today announced Vi Protect, a comprehensive AI-powered initiative that unifies all of Vi’s consumer, network, and enterprise safety and security measures against the rapidly evolving landscape of spam, scams, and cyber-attacks under one umbrella.

As part of this initiative, Vi introduced two powerful measures at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025. An AI-based Voice Spam Detection system and AI-driven network defence and incident response system for its core network.

Vi’s voice spam detection detects and flags fraudulent and spam calls in real time. Using advanced AI models, web crawlers, and user feedback, it identifies suspicious callers before they reach the customer. When a potentially fraudulent number calls a Vi customer, the phone screen will display ‘Suspected Spam’, thereby helping customers decide whether to answer the call. Unlike third-party caller ID apps, this feature works natively within Vi’s network, ensuring better accuracy, and enhanced privacy.

This new feature builds on Vi’s existing robust consumer protection measures that now fall under the Vi Protect umbrella, including:

• Spam Filtering of Text Messages: Fraudulent SMS messages are detected and flagged to customers
• International Calling Display: A first of its kind measure in the industry, International Calling Display makes it easier for customers to easily recognise genuine international calls and make informed decisions
• AI-powered Threat Analysis: Integrated with Vi’s DNS, SMS, and Voice Gateways, an analytical engine continuously learns from threat patterns to enhance protection

Thus far, Vi’s security systems have successfully flagged over 600 million spam and scam calls and messages, protecting millions of customers from fraud and data theft. Vi will soon be launching URL Protection in real time: scanning and blocking suspicious links to prevent phishing and malware attacks.

Under Vi Protect, Vi has also introduced an upgraded AI-powered Cyber Defense and Incident Response System to protect its core network and enterprise operations. This defense center uses agentic and generative AI models to detect, analyze, and neutralize potential cyber threats in under an hour, compared to earlier longer response times. The system is nearly 70 percent more accurate and minimizes false positives. The solution follows a five-step defense mechanism including:

• Anomaly Detection: Agentic AI proactively detects abnormal activity
• Contextualization and Categorization: The system classifies incidents using contextual intelligence
• Interface Engine Agent: High-volume data is processed for rapid decision-making
• Suggestive Intelligence: AI prioritizes response actions based on risk levels
• Human Validation: Expert analysts validate AI findings, continuously improving the model

Vi will also extend this capability to its enterprise customers soon, offering predictive insights by co-relating global cyber events and attack timelines.

Through Vi Protect, Vi is reinforcing its commitment to cyber resilience and enhancing customer trust, strengthening its role as a secure and trusted enabler of India’s digital future.

Speaking on Vi Protect, Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vi, said –

With India’s growing digital adoption and global prominence, protecting customers networks has never been more important. Vi Protect uses advanced AI and proactive measures to protect our customers and strengthen our networks. Vi Protect is our commitment to a safe and trusted digital environment.

TCS to Overhaul Vodafone Idea’s BSS with TwinX and HOBS in Multi-Year Digital Transformation Deal

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has partnered with Vodafone Idea to transform their business support system (BSS) through an AI-driven and future ready platform. The five-year engagement will help India’s leading telecom service provider unlock new capabilities in customer experience by deploying a next-gen platform focused on intelligence, automation, personalization and accelerated launch of new product and services.

The transformation will be anchored on TCS’ flagship products — TCS HOBSTM and TCS TwinXTM. TCS HOBS will provide the digital backbone for business support systems, driving agility, stability, and seamless integration across customer touchpoints. TCS TwinX will complement this with AI/ML-powered intelligence and scenario simulation, helping Vodafone Idea to enhance service responsiveness, and deliver personalized interactions. By combining the robust processes and systems of TCS HOBS along with advanced analytics capabilities of TCS TwinX, the unified platform will accelerate service delivery, ensure resilient performance, and provide flexibility to adapt quickly to evolving customer needs.

Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, said, “With this partnership Vi is embarking on a transformative journey to redefine customer experience. By modernizing our BSS platforms embedded with AI-driven innovation, we are setting a new standard to deliver, faster, smarter and more personalized digital experiences. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to innovation, operational efficiency and delivering an unmatched experience to our customers.”

With over 25 years of expertise in supporting Communications, Media, and Information Services businesses (CMI), TCS serves CMI customers across 45 countries. Operating from more than 105 delivery locations, TCS leverages its industry and technology expertise to support over one billion telecom subscribers globally. TCS’ services encompass the entire communications value chain, including modernization, operation support system, networks, IT, and operations.

Ujjwal Mathur, President & Country Head - India Business, TCS, said, "The transformation program for Vodafone Idea is built on 15 years of relationship with TCS. A testament to our customer centricity across industries. By leveraging our advanced AI capabilities and flagship products, TCS HOBSTM and TCS TWINXTM, we are committed to transform customer engagement and operational efficiency for Vodafone Idea. This initiative marks a pivotal step in driving AI-led transformation of Vi’s core Business Support System. This collaboration underscores our dedication to delivering innovative solutions that drive growth and excellence in the telecom sector."

This partnership advances TCS’ vision of Accelerating India’s progress through solutions that are Made in India, for India—and ready for the world. With a strong focus on sustainability, security, and sovereignty, TCS aims to fuel innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. As India enters a new era of digital advancement, TCS remains committed to delivering indigenous solutions that empower governments, enterprises, and citizens, helping them perpetually adapt in an AI-first world.

Vodafone Idea and IBM Launch AI Innovation Hub to Transform Telecom Operations and Accelerate Digital Delivery

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has made a strategic collaboration with IBM to revolutionize its telecom operations through artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. The partnership marks a significant milestone in Vi’s digital transformation journey, aimed at streamlining operations, enhancing service reliability, and accelerating the delivery of next-generation digital services.

AI Innovation Hub: The Core of the Transformation

At the heart of this initiative is the newly launched AI Innovation Hub, a joint endeavor between Vi and IBM Consulting. The Hub is designed to continuously modernize Vi’s IT and business processes by co-creating:

• AI-powered automation tools
• Digital accelerators for faster service deployment
• Advanced DevOps solutions infused with AI

The Innovation Hub will serve as a collaborative space where experts from both organizations will develop and deploy cutting-edge technologies to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.

Unified DevOps Execution Model

Vi is also implementing a unified DevOps execution model, powered by automation and AI. This model aims to:

• Accelerate software development cycles
• Improve service reliability and uptime
• Enhance agility across IT and network operations

By integrating AI into its DevOps workflows, Vi seeks to create a more responsive and resilient digital infrastructure—critical for supporting India’s rapidly evolving telecom landscape and the rollout of 5G services.

Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer at Vi, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership:

This marks a pivotal milestone in Vi’s digital journey. The AI Innovation Hub will set new benchmarks for the telecom industry and help us deliver superior customer experiences.

Juhi McClelland, Managing Partner of IBM Consulting, Asia Pacific, added:

Vi’s AI Innovation Hub is a testament to the power of co-creation. Together, we’re building a future-ready digital foundation that leverages IBM’s industry-leading AI capabilities.

Long-Term Vision

The collaboration builds on a 17-year relationship between Vi and IBM, now evolving into a managed services model focused on AI, automation, and digital resilience. The initiative aligns with broader industry trends, as telecom providers increasingly adopt AI to manage surging data volumes, optimize networks, and personalize customer engagement.

Industry Context

India’s telecom sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by rising data consumption, 5G deployment, and digital inclusion efforts. Strategic partnerships like Vi–IBM are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of telecom innovation.