IBM To Widen 5G Deals With Verizon & Telefonica, Thanks To Cloud And AI

IBM announced on Monday that it will be providing new services to Verizon and Telefonica, among others running a 5G through a cloud platform and utilizing artificial intelligence.

Microsoft and Amazon are competing for a share of the 5G proceeds by providing telecom operators with next-generation software solutions.

The U.S. technology company will provide telecom operators cloud services to run their networks and provide assistance in selling customer-tailored goods using technology it acquired via the acquisition of software firm Red Hat. The tie-ups, which expanded IBM's existing ties with the two companies, were not disclosed in financial terms.

A cloud platform performs network activities using software rather than physical equipment, allowing telecom operators to create 5G networks quicker, minimise expenses, and sell customised services.

According to Darell Jordan-Smith, vice president of Redhat "It's a disruptive time in this particular market segment, telcos are trying to position themselves as the destination for services like augmented reality, machine learning and AI,".

On the other hand, the AI will significantly improve client’s support, as IBM and Spain’s Telefonica have developed a virtual assistant that, according to the companies, will eliminate long wait times by automating the handling of commonly asked queries and issues related to billing.

"We see this as an existential moment for telco operators with 5G: architecturally, they're looking to gain more control on their platforms and rethink their network as a digital world rather than a structured physical model," stated Steve Canepa, IBM's GM for communications business.

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