Hogan Lovells 2024-2025 AI Trends Guide - Flipbook - Page 36
Communications networks
building the foundations for
AI deployment
AI use cases across sectors will rely on communications
networks to support the transmission of high quantities
of data at lightning fast speeds, as well as for current and
emerging mobile and aerial systems and their related safety
applications, particularly in a 5G and IoT environment.
Telecommunications regulators in the U.S. and around the
globe are and will be considering how to make more radio
frequency spectrum available to meet this surging demand—
whether by repurposing existing spectrum or enabling
greater spectrum sharing through use of innovative methods,
including the use of AI. On the network side, providers will be
facing the challenges associated with network densification,
optimization, and maintenance as well as deploying
software-defined networks and AI computing at the network
edge. Providers will also be confronting how to ensure that
these networks are reliable and resilient, protected from
cybersecurity threats, network outages, and environmentally
friendly to achieve ESG goals. In addition, providers are
exploring how AI can improve the customer relationship and
experience, while equipment manufacturers are looking to
introduce AI in the products and services they provide to
carriers and end users.
Evaluating AI and the public
interest
Telecom regulators are also evaluating how AI can
advance various public interest objectives. For example,
in the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) has explored how AI can aid in the development
of more accurate broadband data maps, which could
be used to support the FCC’s goal of “closing the digital
divide.” In the same vein, in its role as advisor to the
President on telecom and information policy issues,
the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration has sought stakeholder feedback on AI
and human rights and civil rights and accountability
mechanisms for promoting responsible use of AI. These
trends are occurring throughout the globe as well. Interest
from telecom regulators on the technical and societal
issues related to AI are only expected to increase as this
technology gains maturity.
Authors
Angus Coulter
Partner
Dublin & London
Michele Farquhar
Partner
Washington, D.C.
Ari Fitzgerald
Partner
Washington, D.C.
Katy Milner
Partner
Washington, D.C.
Additional
resources
Spotlight
Spotlight
NTIA issues report on recommended federal
government actions to promote accountable AI
White paper “How to master Europe’s
digital infrastructure needs?”
