The consumer sector has coined a phrase – agentic AI – to capture this future which is just as applicable to the enterprise. Wherever they happen to be, users will have access to the intelligence of agentic AI, advanced systems that autonomously take actions, adapt in real time and use context and objectives to solve multi-step problems.

The autonomous connectivity network will be both an enabler and an application of advanced AI and will make its own decisions, anticipate and prevent outages, and engage customers with elevated, personalised experiences. Many will say that there’s only key question standing in the way of the new revenues that will surely follow… how can I be sure I will succeed?

We’ve identified the five key areas of deep tech that ambitious telecom leaders need to pay attention to. to unlock the next great telecoms revolution:

1. Human augmentation by AI
2. Network autonomy beyond Level 3
3. Non-terrestrial networks
4. 最先端の情報処理
5. Next generation radio networks

Human augmentation by AI

One of the most extraordinary ways we can augment human endeavour – and propel the future of telecoms – is with artificial intelligence.

Telecoms networks generate huge volumes of data. This offers a challenge and an opportunity: how can you sift through these vast datasets to deliver real-time insights, enhance user experiences, and make smarter decisions that reduce environmental impact and drive growth?

The answer lies in harnessing AI driven decision-making – a deep tech approach that can transform how networks operate. Take network operations centres where high network availability and reliability are the prime objective. Teams are tasked to oversee these complex networking environments and to manage and respond to real time circumstances to avoid degraded service.

We’ve designed neural networks capable of processing complex, dynamic environments with millions of data points. We’ve used real-time strategic gaming models to predict and respond to user actions in real time. Essentially, we showed how AI can sift through chaos and make clear, effective decisions.

By understanding patterns, behaviours and trends, our AI agents can predict what a customer is likely to do next, forecast where network bottlenecks might occur, and reveal how to deliver superior experience.

Network autonomy beyond Level 3

The growing complexity of networks is leading to increasing costs and tougher management and control. The answer is to target autonomy using sophisticated analytical AI-based tools – operating in real time – to optimise the network more rapidly and accurately than before.

The goal of autonomy is to enable a network that anticipates bottlenecks, self-configures for optimal performance and heals itself. For success, AI and machine learning models must be trained using real-world and historical data or through simulations. The latter is only way to deliver operational and resource efficiency, experience excellence and monetisation.

Some AI-driven transformation projects CC has been responsible for:

• AI root cause analysis on unstructured maintenance and support logs
• AI characterisation of including compensation for failed elements in mMIMO, phased array antennas
• Mobile network cell load prediction for RAN energy savings; AI inference of user quality of experience using standard network performance parameters.
• Neural receiver efficiency optimisation;
• Delivering projects across industries using predictive digital twins with synthetic data. This enables faster AI development, reduced real-world data collection costs, and optimisation across complex systems

Non-terrestrial networks

The evolution of NTNs (non-terrestrial networks) is bridging the gaps in global connectivity that terrestrial networks struggle to address. Acting now to understand and invest in NTNs is critical to harnessing the full potential of 5G and beyond.

NTNs leverage satellites, HAPs (High Altitude Platforms), and UAVs (uncrewed aerial vehicles) to deliver connectivity in regions where traditional terrestrial networks are impractical or unprofitable. This might be providing essential services such as broadband and emergency communications to remote areas, rural landscapes or over oceans. By integrating NTNs into a broader telecoms strategy, enterprises can ensure ubiquitous coverage, enabling new business models and innovative solutions.

We’re working on a number of technologies to deliver NTN transformation in telecoms:

Advanced phased array antennas, which are enabling better D2D (device to device) communication by improving beamforming capabilities. These antennas are essential for delivering high-speed data to a wide array of user equipment, from smartphones to IoT sensors and connected vehicles​.

The deployment of ISLs (high-speed optical inter-satellite links), which enhance resilience and bandwidth capacity, as well as negating the need for RF spectrum. They also help mitigate the challenge of maintaining constant connectivity between satellites and ground stations, especially over oceans or sparsely populated areas​.

Network optimisation / automation using AI. Through autonomous, AI-driven networks, satellites can make autonomous decisions while in orbit based on real-time data, improving operational efficiency and reducing ground station dependency.

Quantum. Beginning quantum R&D now will position NTN players as industry leaders. The team here is exploring how quantum technologies will feature in the next generation of LEO satellites. Our current focus is investigating quantum networking and cold atom-based inertial sensors to improve satellite communications, positioning and navigation to achieve superior precision and efficiency.

最先端の情報処理

Although telecoms networks have been moving to virtualisation for many years there remains a dependency on the Intel (x86) platform. Recent announcements from other vendors illustrate how competition is now emerging at the network compute level – Layer 1. Several ARM-based architectures offering energy efficient CPU alternatives to Intel x86 are now emerging. These include NVIDIA Grace, Ampere and AWS Graviton.

For the first time in many years, we are facing the possibility of a radical shift in the architecture and balance of commercial power in the telecoms market. The team here at CC is working with operators, vendors and semiconductor companies to address this opportunity. This ranges from work with ARM to develop an advanced instruction set to enable migration, through to advice for leading telecoms operators on their approach to AI – including ways to establish a wider AI factory.

Next generation radio networks

Antenna technology continues to transform the world of connectivity massively. From digital beamforming and improved user experience to AI for failure compensation in changing environments, there are many key deep tech functionalities that will redefine QoE (quality of experience) and energy management, while helping to accelerate long-term business growth.

Operators and vendors who fail to innovate in this space won’t be to deliver improved QoS (quality of service), QoE and NPS (network performance score) in line with their competitors.

Key areas of innovation include advanced beamforming and ultra-massive MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) layering to maximise capacity of the air interface and enable significant capacity gains. Meanwhile, new components will enable the use of more efficient protocols over greater distances (for NTNs). In a world-first, CC has developed a flat-panel phased array antenna capable of providing FDD mmWave capabilities, which removes the need for two separate panels for FDD operation and allows for lower latency links.

Digital twins – virtual models of a physical system that have a high degree of accuracy – will be used to perform live predictions and analyses of system performance and have the potential to be leveraged for RAN optimisation – for coverage, signal quality, base-station positioning.

For a deeper exploration of these transformative technologies and how they can future proof your telecom strategy, register for our comprehensive report, ‘Seize the future: 5 deep tech areas driving sustainable growth.’