New IBM Study: Pioneering Telcos ramp up AI, Cloud and Security investments for the next wave of network modernization
IBM's new global study reveals significant benefits for telecommunication providers embracing cloud computing and AI in their networks. The study, surveying 750 global network executives, highlights that 79% prioritize network performance, while pioneering innovators show higher AI adoption rates compared to peers.
Key findings show that 62% of technology innovators use traditional AI for network planning versus 40% of peers, and 54% integrate generative AI, double their peers' rate. Despite 55% of respondents experiencing network security breaches in the past year, only 42% consider network security a top challenge for the next three years.
Over the next three years, executives plan to increase investments in cloud implementation by 20%, traditional AI by 16%, and generative AI by 19%. The study emphasizes the importance of cultural transformation and innovation for CSPs to capture network monetization opportunities.
Il nuovo studio globale di IBM rivela significativi vantaggi per i fornitori di telecomunicazioni che adottano il cloud computing e l'IA nelle loro reti. Lo studio, che ha intervistato 750 dirigenti di rete a livello globale, evidenzia che il 79% dà priorità alle prestazioni della rete, mentre gli innovatori pionieristici mostrano tassi di adozione dell'IA più elevati rispetto ai loro pari.
I risultati chiave mostrano che il 62% degli innovatori tecnologici utilizza l'IA tradizionale per la pianificazione della rete rispetto al 40% dei pari, e il 54% integra l'IA generativa, il doppio rispetto ai loro colleghi. Nonostante il 55% degli intervistati abbia subito violazioni della sicurezza della rete nell'ultimo anno, solo il 42% considera la sicurezza della rete una sfida principale per i prossimi tre anni.
Nei prossimi tre anni, i dirigenti prevedono di aumentare gli investimenti nell'implementazione del cloud del 20%, nell'IA tradizionale del 16% e nell'IA generativa del 19%. Lo studio sottolinea l'importanza della trasformazione culturale e dell'innovazione per i CSP al fine di sfruttare le opportunità di monetizzazione delle reti.
El nuevo estudio global de IBM revela beneficios significativos para los proveedores de telecomunicaciones que adoptan la computación en la nube y la IA en sus redes. El estudio, que encuestó a 750 ejecutivos de redes a nivel global, destaca que el 79% prioriza el rendimiento de la red, mientras que los innovadores pioneros muestran tasas de adopción de IA más altas en comparación con sus pares.
Los hallazgos clave muestran que el 62% de los innovadores tecnológicos utilizan IA tradicional para la planificación de redes en comparación con el 40% de sus pares, y el 54% integra IA generativa, el doble que sus colegas. A pesar de que el 55% de los encuestados ha experimentado violaciones de seguridad en la red en el último año, solo el 42% considera la seguridad de la red un desafío principal para los próximos tres años.
En los próximos tres años, los ejecutivos planean aumentar las inversiones en implementación de la nube en un 20%, en IA tradicional en un 16% y en IA generativa en un 19%. El estudio enfatiza la importancia de la transformación cultural y la innovación para que los CSP aprovechen las oportunidades de monetización de redes.
IBM의 새로운 글로벌 연구는 클라우드 컴퓨팅과 AI를 네트워크에 도입하는 통신 제공업체에게 중요한 이점을 드러냅니다. 750명의 글로벌 네트워크 임원을 대상으로 한 이 연구는 79%가 네트워크 성능을 최우선으로 삼는다고 강조하며, 선도적인 혁신자들이 동료들에 비해 더 높은 AI 채택률을 보인다고 합니다.
주요 발견은 62%의 기술 혁신자가 동료의 40%에 비해 네트워크 계획을 위해 전통적인 AI를 사용하고, 54%는 생성적 AI를 통합하고 있으며, 이는 동료의 두 배에 해당합니다. 응답자의 55%가 지난 1년간 네트워크 보안 침해를 경험했음에도 불구하고, 단지 42%만이 네트워크 보안을 향후 3년간 주요 도전 과제로 간주하고 있습니다.
향후 3년 동안 임원들은 클라우드 구현에 20%, 전통적인 AI에 16%, 생성적 AI에 19%의 투자를 늘릴 계획입니다. 이 연구는 CSP가 네트워크 수익화 기회를 포착하기 위해 문화적 변혁과 혁신의 중요성을 강조합니다.
La nouvelle étude mondiale d'IBM révèle des avantages significatifs pour les fournisseurs de télécommunications adoptant l'informatique en nuage et l'IA dans leurs réseaux. L'étude, qui a interrogé 750 dirigeants de réseaux à l'échelle mondiale, souligne que 79% privilégient la performance du réseau, tandis que les innovateurs pionniers affichent des taux d'adoption de l'IA plus élevés que leurs pairs.
Les principales conclusions montrent que 62% des innovateurs technologiques utilisent l'IA traditionnelle pour la planification des réseaux contre 40% de leurs pairs, et 54% intègrent l'IA générative, soit le double de leurs collègues. Bien que 55% des répondants aient connu des violations de la sécurité du réseau au cours de l'année écoulée, seulement 42% considèrent la sécurité du réseau comme un défi majeur pour les trois prochaines années.
Au cours des trois prochaines années, les dirigeants prévoient d'augmenter les investissements dans l'implémentation du cloud de 20%, l'IA traditionnelle de 16%, et l'IA générative de 19%. L'étude souligne l'importance de la transformation culturelle et de l'innovation pour que les CSP saisissent les opportunités de monétisation des réseaux.
Die neue globale Studie von IBM zeigt erhebliche Vorteile für Telekommunikationsanbieter, die Cloud-Computing und KI in ihren Netzwerken nutzen. Die Studie, die 750 globale Netzwerkleiter befragt hat, hebt hervor, dass 79% die Netzwerkleistung priorisieren, während wegweisende Innovatoren höhere KI-Adoptionsraten im Vergleich zu ihren Kollegen zeigen.
Wichtige Erkenntnisse zeigen, dass 62% der Technologie-Innovatoren traditionelle KI für die Netzwerkplanung verwenden, im Vergleich zu 40% der Kollegen, und 54% integrieren generative KI, was doppelt so viel ist wie bei ihren Kollegen. Trotz der Tatsache, dass 55% der Befragten im letzten Jahr Sicherheitsverletzungen im Netzwerk erlebt haben, betrachten nur 42% die Netzwerksicherheit als eine der größten Herausforderungen für die nächsten drei Jahre.
In den nächsten drei Jahren planen die Führungskräfte, die Investitionen in Cloud-Implementierung um 20%, in traditionelle KI um 16% und in generative KI um 19% zu erhöhen. Die Studie betont die Bedeutung von kulturellem Wandel und Innovation für CSPs, um die Möglichkeiten zur Monetarisierung von Netzwerken zu nutzen.
- High adoption rates of AI technology among pioneer telcos (62% for traditional AI, 54% for generative AI)
- Planned investment increases: 20% in cloud, 16% in traditional AI, 19% in generative AI
- Enhanced network performance and monetization opportunities through cloud and AI adoption
- 55% of respondents experienced network security breaches in the last 12 months
- Only 42% of executives prioritize network security as a top challenge
Insights
The telecommunications industry is undergoing a fundamental shift in its approach to network infrastructure, with clear segmentation emerging between industry pioneers and followers. The study reveals a striking disparity in AI adoption rates, with leading innovators implementing generative AI at double the rate of their peers. This adoption gap signals an accelerating divergence that could reshape competitive dynamics in the coming years.
The projected investment increases of
A concerning disconnect emerges in the security landscape. Despite
The study's emphasis on cultural transformation is particularly noteworthy. Success in network modernization extends beyond technology adoption - it requires fundamental changes in organizational mindset, risk tolerance, and innovation approach. This cultural evolution will likely be the determining factor between successful digital transformation and costly implementation failures.
For IBM, this research strategically positions them as a thought leader in telecom transformation while highlighting the growing importance of their cloud and AI solutions in the telecommunications sector. The focus on both traditional and generative AI applications in network planning suggests a maturing market for advanced AI solutions, with clear differentiation between early adopters and followers emerging as a key success factor.
The global study*, "Rewiring the Telecom Mindset: How CSPs are Gaining Network Advantage with Cloud and AI," reveals insights from 750 global network executives —from leading providers including Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Telstra, Verizon, and Vodafone—on the importance of adopting cloud and AI-driven approach to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape and deliver enhanced network performance.
Key findings include:
79% of telco executives surveyed prioritize network performance above all else, with network modernization as their second priority.62% of those identified as pioneering technology innovators leverage traditional AI for network planning , compared to the40% adoption rate of their peers, and54% integrate generative AI into network planning, double that of their peers highlighting how cloud readiness can drive agility and unlock on-demand resources for advanced AI-driven capabilities.55% of respondents say they've suffered a network security breach in the last 12 months. Despite this, only42% of executives consider network security a top challenge over the next three years.- Over the next three years, surveyed executives expect to increase network investments in cloud implementation by almost
20% , traditional AI by16% , and generative AI by almost19% .
The study also emphasizes the need for CSPs to look beyond technology adoption and transform their culture to capture network monetization prospects and stay competitive. This includes embracing bold, calculated risks, fostering collaboration, learning from failure, and instilling a proactive approach to innovation.
"Telecommunications companies that adopt a cloud and AI-driven approach will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern network landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities," said Rahul Kumar, Senior Partner & Vice President, Global Industry Leader for Telco & Media Industry, IBM. "By rewiring their mindset and embracing a culture of innovation, CSPs can unlock significant benefits and stay ahead of the curve."
"The study's findings underscore the critical role that cloud and AI will play in shaping the future of telecommunications," said Peter Jarich, Head of GSMA Intelligence. "As the industry continues to evolve, it's clear that CSPs must prioritize network modernization, enhancing security, and innovation to remain competitive and drive growth."
Connect with IBM at MWC 2025: AI is taking center stage for IBM at MWC 2025. Join us as we delve into how the technology is enhancing everything from customer engagement and personalization to operational efficiency. IBM industry experts will be at Hall 2 - Stand 2H20 with dynamic activations and an insightful speaking program with daily sessions to delve into AI use cases and other relevant topics for attendees.
For more information and to access the full report, visit ibm.com/telecom-networks-cloud-ai
*Methodology
The IBM Institute for Business Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics, surveyed 750 telecommunications industry executives from 25 countries. Roles included CTOs, Chief Networks Officers; Heads of network planning and architecture, network operations, radio access network, core network, network security, network engineering, service assurance, and network IT systems; and leaders responsible for network monetization. A two-step cluster analysis was performed based on respondents' evaluations of cloud computing's impact on network characteristics and their implementation of AI technologies. The clustering variables included eight network performance indicators (rated on a scale from -
The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM's thought leadership think tank, combines global research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit: www.ibm.com/ibv.
About GSMA Intelligence
GSMA Intelligence is the definitive source of global mobile operator data, analysis and forecasts, and publisher of authoritative industry reports and research. It is the most accurate and complete set of industry metrics available, comprising tens of millions of individual data points, updated daily. GSMA Intelligence is relied on by leading operators, vendors, regulators, financial institutions and third-party industry players, to support strategic decision-making and long-term investment planning. Visit www.gsmaintelligence.com for more information.
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
Media Contacts
Fran Pelayo
Global External Relations Lead, Public Sector and Telco, IBM
fran.pelayo@ibm.com
GSMA Press Office
pressoffice@gsma.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-ibm-study-pioneering-telcos-ramp-up-ai-cloud-and-security-investments-for-the-next-wave-of-network-modernization-302382889.html
SOURCE IBM
FAQ
What percentage increase in cloud implementation do IBM telco partners expect over the next 3 years?
How many telco executives experienced security breaches according to IBM's 2025 study?
What percentage of pioneering telcos use AI for network planning according to IBM's research?
How much will IBM telco partners increase their generative AI investments by 2028?
What is the top priority for telco executives according to IBM's 2025 network study?
