The networking industry is in the middle of a major shift, powered by rapid advancements in AI, 5G, and cloud computing. Businesses, telecom operators, and governments are all pushing forward with digital transformation, creating an urgent need for faster, more intelligent, and energy-efficient networks. From AI-driven automation to greener infrastructure and new business models, the future of connectivity is taking shape before our eyes.
During his opening keynote at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, GSMA Director General Mats Granryd emphasised the critical shift to 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks. According to Granryd, this transition is key to unlocking the full potential of next-generation connectivity, alongside the rise of AI-driven automation, Open Gateway APIs, and new revenue models. He also stressed the importance of closing the global mobile usage gap, which could unlock a $3.5 trillion economic opportunity, as 3.1 billion people remain covered by mobile networks but are not yet using mobile internet.
Amid this backdrop of industry-wide transformation, Ericsson is among the key players accelerating 5G adoption, integrating AI into network operations, and driving sustainability in telecom. We spoke with Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Saudi Arabia at Ericsson, to gain insights into the company’s vision for the future of connectivity.
AI: The engine behind smarter networks
AI has officially moved from hype to necessity in the telecom industry. Whether it’s optimising network performance in real time, reducing energy consumption, or enhancing security, AI is proving essential for efficient, high-performance networks.
“Sometimes we talk about AI like something that is coming in the future, but AI is integrated in everything we do,” Cervell explains. “We are using AI to optimise the performance of the network in real time, reduce power consumption, and help our customers maximise revenue. This is not just about making smart decisions—it’s about ensuring that networks operate at peak efficiency.”
AI’s impact extends beyond network automation—it’s reshaping how telecom operators engage with businesses and industries. By leveraging AI-driven insights, operators can offer customised solutions that help industries—from manufacturing to healthcare—embrace digital transformation at scale.
The importance of AI in networking is reinforced by GSMA’s Mobile Economy Report 2025, launched during MWC25, which highlights AI as a key driver of future revenue growth. With global 5G connections surpassing two billion at the end of 2024 and 5G projected to represent 57 percent of all mobile connections by 2030, AI-powered networks will be crucial in managing this rapid expansion.
5G and the road to 6G
5G is already transforming industries with ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity, but this is just the beginning. In markets like Saudi Arabia, where Vision 2030 is driving digital transformation, 5G is enabling smart cities, autonomous transportation, and industrial automation.
“In Saudi Arabia, digital transformation is central to Vision 2030, with 5G playing a crucial role,” Cervell said. “Looking further ahead, in about five years, we will see the transition to 6G.”
While 5G is already delivering huge leaps in speed and reliability, 6G is set to take things even further. It will integrate AI into the network’s core, push into terahertz frequencies, and even enable real-time holographic communication. But with this next evolution comes greater complexity—making AI and automation more critical than ever in managing these advanced networks.
Partnerships: Key to building resilient networks
No networking company operates in a vacuum. Delivering next-generation connectivity requires strong partnerships between technology providers, telecom operators, and enterprises.
“We are a technology provider, but technology alone is never enough,” Cervell explained. “Our success depends on strong partnerships. We collaborate with various companies to create robust ecosystems that enable the application of our technology. Without these collaborations, our technology wouldn’t have the same impact.”
In Saudi Arabia, Ericsson works closely with leading operators like stc and Mobily to expand 5G coverage and develop new solutions. On a global scale, partnerships with companies like AT&T and SingTel demonstrate how 5G and AI-driven innovations are transforming networks worldwide.
Sustainability: A core pillar of future networks
As telecom networks grow, so does their environmental footprint. With data centres and mobile networks consuming massive amounts of energy, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a priority for operators and technology providers alike.
“Sustainability has been part of Ericsson’s DNA for many years,” Cervell said. “There are three key aspects—optimising our products for lower power consumption, ensuring sustainability within our own operations, and, most importantly, enabling our customers to reduce their carbon footprint through innovative use cases.”
Cervell highlights a significant industry insight: while the ICT sector plays a role in global carbon emissions, its influence extends far beyond its own footprint. By driving digital transformation, optimising energy efficiency, and enabling smarter resource management, ICT has the potential to significantly curb emissions across various industries.
“While the industry contributes to about two percent of global carbon emissions, it has the potential to reduce emissions across other industries by up to 15 percent through digital solutions. This underscores the critical role AI and efficient network design play in minimising environmental impact,” said Cervell.
The road ahead for connectivity
With AI, 5G, and cloud computing coming together, telecom networks are entering a new era—one defined by intelligence, automation, and high performance. Networks that can self-optimise, self-heal, and predict future demands will be the foundation of tomorrow’s digital economy.
“The importance of mobile networks will continue to grow as they provide faster speeds and lower latency,” Cervell said. “While fixed and satellite networks will always have their place, the agility and scalability of mobile networks make them indispensable for digital transformation.”
As Ericsson continues expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, the company remains committed to AI-driven networking, sustainable telecom solutions, and building strong industry partnerships to shape the future of connectivity.
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