UK mobile networks turn to AI to improve service quality
Telecoms networks are using AI to improve the quality of mobile services amid a surge in data-heavy “on-device” computing tasks.
Vodafone has revealed that it now leverages AI to monitor and tweak its networks to deliver better customer service to its 40m customers globally.
The trend follows a recent explosion in AI-powered chatbots, software and technology.
Apple unveiled its plans for artificial intelligence last week. It included an updated Siri assistant with ChatGPT integration and a new system-wide “Apple Intelligence” feature.
More AI means a lot more data being used on smartphones.
To cope with the surge, telecom firms are also turning to AI.
“Network operators are using AI to manage the radio frequencies dynamically, to provide an optimum level of service,” CSS Insight director Ian Fogg says.
Mobile phone networks in the UK, the US and South Korea now use AI algorithms to localise and fix faults and pre-emptively spot potential issues before things go wrong.
Vodafone has even built virtual replicas of its antennas and masts with the help of AI to manage its sprawling infrastructure.
Customer service has also been overhauled. Vodafone recently partnered with Microsoft Azure to tap into its cutting-edge OpenAI service, which can answer common human queries with fewer interventions.
Fogg says that mobile companies now recognise the true scale of AI’s power. Previously, it was limited to specific use cases.
He adds: “But now it’s being applied in many more areas – network, devices, software – such that every tool we use now has the potential to become much, much better.”