Telecommunication companies are entering a new phase as artificial intelligence pushes networks toward software-driven architectures - but telco transformation may struggle more with internal change than with the technology itself.

Modern hybrid architecture is transforming telecommunications companies from simple connectivity providers into essential platform players. As momentum builds around AI-native networks, the focus has shifted toward utilizing existing infrastructure - from central data centers to the 'far edge' of the radio network - to host private AI workloads and secure enterprise data.

The CEO of the Orange Group noted in her MWC 2026 keynote that telecom operators must act as the 'active shield of the digital world'