AI in the network: operator strategies for building AI cloud infrastructure

Operators are adopting AI and generative AI (GenAI) to drive network automation, modernisation and the shift to new service and business models. However, diverse use cases and AI platform components, as well as varying levels of in-house expertise, are making it challenging to choose the right cloud environment. Operators should consider a hybrid environment to reap the benefits of both private and public clouds.

This report provides:

• an overview of the cloud strategy challenges that operators face as the use of AI/GenAI for network operations grows
• an analysis of operator spending on public and private cloud for AI/GenAI use cases in the network, including key drivers and barriers
• an outline of hybrid cloud strategies and the main factors influencing the allocation of AI components and workloads across public and private environments
• an assessment of multi-public-cloud strategies and the leading public cloud providers in terms of operator spending and adoption.