Telecom networks are emerging as a central force in India’s artificial intelligence ambitions as the India AI Impact Summit 2026 begins in New Delhi. Industry leaders say telecom infrastructure is no longer just a medium for data transmission but is evolving into the backbone of AI-driven innovation, supporting operations, customer experience and network security at a national scale.

According to an ANI report, experts at the summit highlighted that the key question for the sector is no longer whether AI will transform connectivity, but how quickly large-scale networks can industrialise it across multiple functions. The growing integration of artificial intelligence into telecom systems reflects a shift towards automation, efficiency and intelligent network management.

Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar, Director General of Cellular Operators Association of India, said AI has become essential for managing the rising complexity of national networks. He noted that artificial intelligence is now embedded in core telecom operations, including network planning, rollout optimisation, predictive maintenance, traffic management and fraud detection. According to him, AI-based systems are also being used to identify and block spam calls and SMS, helping strengthen consumer trust in digital services.