The GSMA and IBM are collaborating to support the adoption and skills of generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) in the telecoms industry through GSMA training programmes.

The AI training programme, the first in a new series of courses by GSMA Advance (www.gsmaadvance.com), seeks to prepare telco leaders for the AI-era and bridge skills gaps in the telecoms industry by equipping members with skills and knowledge to help effectively leverage gen AI technologies using WatsonX (ibm.com/watsonx), IBM’s AI and data platform with AI assistants.

The training programme will span a wide range of topics, from fundamental AI principles to specialised gen AI applications in telecoms. To ensure a wide-range of participants, the training will take place at IBM offices in five locations – Dubai, London, Mexico, New York and Seoul – in 2024, and an online training programme will be available in multiple languages.

A digital version of the programme will be available to help address the business strategy and technology fundamentals of gen AI. This programme will use WatsonX to deliver hands-on training designed to equip architects and developers with in-depth practical gen AI knowledge.

The GSMA Foundry gen AI programme will provide GSMA members with access to WatsonX This platform is intended to help telecom industry players explore innovative industry-specific use cases of gen AI, helping members improve cost leadership and revenue growth, and enhance customer experience.

GSMA Foundry and IBM will drive a series of programmes and challenges to investigate the use of gen AI in various functional areas of a telecom provider.

Through both the GSMA Advance and Foundry programmes, the GSMA and IBM plan to address the gap in AI skills, training and tools, supporting GSMA’s commitment to operators of all sizes across the world.

IBM’s latest AI Adoption Index found 40% of telecos surveyed are exploring or experimenting with gen AI, and 45% have accelerated the rollout of AI. Research from GSMA Intelligence also shows that while 56% of operators surveyed are actively trialing gen AI – at a rate higher than any other priority technology – adoption is less prevalent among mid-sized and smaller operators.

Through this initiative, the GSMA and IBM aim to allow operators, including those supporting the world’s least connected communities, to benefit from AI technology, and develop ways to help connect those in society who are not yet online.

Gen AI can help transform customer care, IT and network optimisation, all areas in which automation can increase agility and efficiency.

“AI provides the telecoms industry, and the societies it serves, with huge opportunities to launch new services, improve connectivity and customer experience,” said Alex Sinclair, chief technology officer at the GSMA (gsma.com). “Overall, it’s estimated that AI could contribute $15.7tn to the global economy by 2030. However, it’s critical that AI is democratised to ensure that all parts of the connectivity industry and their customers, wherever they are in the world, benefit. Bringing operators access to AI tools and knowledge, alongside the necessary skills, access and training, is key to achieving this.”

Stephen Rose from IBM added: “As a world leader in AI for business, IBM will provide critical support to this training for the telecom industry through this collaboration with the GSMA. Gen AI can create massive opportunities for communication service providers as they look to optimise current processes and, like the GSMA, our goal is to offer this technology within the industry, which we’re making possible through WatsonX.”