TRAI says AI is becoming integral to telecom network design

TRAI Chairman AK Lahoti said AI is becoming integral to how telecom networks are designed, managed, and experienced, according to an ET Telecom report published on March 24, 2026. He said AI is already enabling self-optimising networks, predictive maintenance, intelligent spectrum management, enhanced cybersecurity, improved energy efficiency, and better customer experience.

Lahoti's remarks described AI's current role in telecom operations rather than a new product or regulatory order. The reported use cases covered network design and management functions including automation, maintenance forecasting, spectrum use, security, energy consumption, and service experience.

The comments fit a broader telecom industry shift toward software-driven network operations and automation. In the eSIM and mobile connectivity sector, AI is increasingly discussed alongside remote SIM provisioning and network management tools, although the report cited here focused on telecom network operations in India rather than a specific eSIM standard such as SGP.22 or SGP.32.