5G AI opportunities remain largely untapped despite operator confidence, according to a new study by Ericsson. The research, based on interviews with 455 senior telecom executives, found that while mobile operators express confidence in capturing revenue from artificial intelligence and advanced 5G services, a significant gap exists between stated ambitions and actual implementation. The study shows 90% are confident in their organisation’s ability to capture new revenue opportunities, yet approximately 70% have not begun implementing the technologies they identify as critical for growth.
The disconnect is most evident in key technology adoption. Two-thirds of executives have not started implementing AI-driven network operations. Additionally, 61% have not begun deploying advanced 5G capabilities such as standalone architecture and network slicing. Furthermore, 68% have yet to adopt SaaS-based IT platforms needed for rapid service scaling.
Where Operators See 5G, AI Opportunities
The Ericsson research identified clear consensus on revenue opportunities. Private 5G and enterprise connectivity rank as the top priority at 49%, followed by consumer and enterprise digital services with tailored performance at 44%. Wide-area IoT connectivity ranks third at 40%, indicating operators broadly agree on where growth exists even as deployment lags.
The Execution Challenge
More than 80% of executives acknowledge that future growth depends on scaling services rapidly. They also recognise that the ability to experiment more easily represents a significant competitive advantage. This recognition underscores operator awareness of the urgency, even as many organisations have yet to act on their stated priorities in the telecommunications sector.
Technology Partners and Ecosystem Shift Required
Razvan Teslaru, head of strategy for cloud software and services at Ericsson, stated the telecommunications industry has a clear growth opportunity in AI-driven services, private 5G, and IoT. He said, “The challenge is that adoption of those capabilities remains limited, and this execution gap will ultimately determine who translates ambition into real growth.”
“This will require more flexible approaches, with technology partners and new ecosystems enabling operators to move faster and unlock value.”
Razvan Teslaru, Head of Strategy for Cloud Software and Services, Ericsson
The findings suggest that operators recognising the urgency of digital transformation may need to rethink their approach to technology implementation and partnership models. Those that successfully close the gap between planning and execution are likely to gain competitive advantage in emerging service categories, particularly in AI-driven automation and enterprise connectivity solutions.
