Becoming AI-Savvy: A Blueprint for Mid-Sized Telcos
Dr. Stefan Schwarz
General Manager European Region / VP Sales | Experienced International Speaker
AI is no longer a luxury for telecom operators—it’s a necessity. The telecom industry is witnessing a seismic shift as Artificial Intelligence takes center stage, driving personalized customer experiences, automating operations, and opening new revenue streams. For mid-sized telcos, however, the journey to becoming AI-savvy often feels daunting. While larger operators have dedicated budgets, teams, and infrastructure to integrate AI, mid-sized players frequently face resource constraints and competing priorities.
But here’s the good news: embracing AI doesn’t have to mean following in the footsteps of the giants. With the right strategy, mid-sized telcos can carve their own path, using AI to unlock value and compete effectively in a rapidly evolving market.
The Current AI Landscape for Mid-Sized Telcos
The adoption of AI in mid-sized telecom operators is still at an early stage. A recent survey revealed that while over 70% of telcos acknowledge AI’s transformative potential, only a small fraction have fully implemented AI-driven processes. Many operators are stuck in the exploration phase, experimenting with pilot projects without fully scaling their solutions.
Challenges such as limited data infrastructure, lack of in-house AI expertise, and concerns over upfront investment often hold these operators back. Additionally, mid-sized telcos face pressure to balance innovation with operational efficiency, leading to slower adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
However, the demand for AI is undeniable. Customers expect personalized interactions, seamless services, and instant problem resolution—requirements that manual processes can no longer fulfill. For mid-sized telcos, the choice isn’t whether to adopt AI but how to do so effectively.
Start with the Data You Already Have
Mid-sized telcos might not have the vast data lakes of larger operators, but they still possess an invaluable resource: customer data. Billing records, call patterns, service usage, and browsing histories all offer a treasure trove of insights.
The first step to becoming AI-savvy is to leverage this data effectively. Begin by cleaning and organizing the data you already collect. AI thrives on quality data, so ensuring it’s accurate, consistent, and accessible is critical. Even with modest datasets, AI algorithms can uncover patterns and trends that can inform better decision-making.
For example, analyzing data can reveal which customers are most likely to upgrade their plans or which segments are at risk of churning. These insights provide a solid foundation for targeted marketing campaigns, resource allocation, and service enhancements.
Adopt AI Solutions That Scale
One of the biggest misconceptions is that AI requires massive investment. In reality, modern AI solutions are designed to be modular and scalable, making them accessible to mid-sized telcos. E.g. some CVM SaaS Platforms like come equipped with pre-built AI models tailored for telecom use cases.
These solutions enable telcos to hit the ground running without needing extensive customization. For instance, Flytxt who offers federated AI modules, enables telcos to predict customer preferences, recommend personalized offers, and optimize network resources—all without requiring an in-house AI team.
The beauty of scalable AI is that you can start small, focusing on a single use case, and expand as you see results. This approach minimizes risk while ensuring (in many cases stunning) ROI.
Focus on Specific Use Cases
Instead of trying to implement AI across all functions at once, mid-sized telcos should prioritize high-impact use cases. Here are a few areas where AI can deliver immediate value (even if the operator has already gone certain traditional steps in the area):
By focusing on these targeted applications, mid-sized telcos can maximize the impact of their AI investments.
Invest in Partnerships, Not Just Technology
AI success isn’t just about technology—it’s about expertise. Building an in-house AI team is often out of reach for mid-sized telcos, but that doesn’t mean they have to go it alone.
Partnerships with AI specialists can accelerate the journey to AI adoption. These partners bring pre-built solutions, industry expertise, and best practices, helping telcos avoid common pitfalls and achieve results faster.
The partner’s extensive experience in telecom means they understand the unique challenges of the industry, from regulatory compliance to customer expectations. By leveraging such partnerships, mid-sized telcos can access cutting-edge AI without needing to reinvent the wheel.
Foster a Data-Driven Culture
Implementing AI isn’t just about deploying technology—it’s about transforming the way your organization thinks and acts. A data-driven culture is essential for maximizing the value of AI.
This means empowering teams to trust and act on AI-driven insights. It also means breaking down silos, so data flows freely across departments. When marketing, customer service, and network teams collaborate using AI insights, the results are greater than the sum of their parts.
Training and upskilling are also critical. Employees need to understand how to interpret AI recommendations and integrate them into their workflows. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, mid-sized telcos can ensure they stay ahead of the curve.
AI Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Growth Strategy
The journey to becoming AI-savvy doesn’t require the resources of a global telecom giant. Mid-sized telcos can make significant strides by focusing on their existing data, adopting scalable solutions, prioritizing high-impact use cases, and partnering with the right experts.
In a world where customer expectations constantly evolve, AI isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s a necessity. By taking the first steps now, mid-sized telcos can position themselves for long-term growth, delivering personalized, efficient, and innovative services that keep customers coming back.
In case you want to discuss further, please leave a comment below or do not hesitate to reach out to me directly!