Telecom networks key to scaling India’s AI ambitions, says COAI

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, industry leaders and policymakers underscored that next-generation telecom networks will form the backbone of India’s AI ambitions, enabling secure, scalable and inclusive deployment of artificial intelligence nationwide.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), convened two high-level sessions at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, highlighting the pivotal role of telecom infrastructure in shaping India’s AI-driven future.

The sessions — “Generative AI and Future Networks” and “AI Powered Bharat through Universal Digital Connectivity” — brought together senior policymakers, regulators, telecom operators and global technology experts to deliberate on how robust connectivity will underpin artificial intelligence at population scale.

Speakers stressed that the convergence of compute, connectivity and data will define the next phase of India’s digital transformation. As AI adoption accelerates across enterprises and public services, resilient and secure telecom networks will be essential to ensure scalability, reliability and digital trust.

AI-native networks and the road to 6G

Addressing the Summit, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications, underscored the central role of telecom infrastructure in enabling India’s AI ambitions: “Telecom connectivity is the foundational layer upon which India’s AI ecosystem will be built. Without robust, secure and future-ready telecom networks, AI cannot scale to serve the needs of a billion citizens. India’s strong telecom infrastructure provides a unique opportunity to deploy AI at population scale, enabling inclusive growth, strengthening governance and positioning India as a global leader in AI-driven digital transformation.”

The “Generative AI and Future Networks” session explored how telecom networks themselves are evolving into intelligent, self-optimising systems. Experts noted that emerging technologies such as 5G Advanced and 6G will embed AI deeply into network architecture, enabling autonomous optimisation, improved operational efficiency and enhanced service quality.

Senior representatives from government and industry — including officials from DoT, leaders from major telecom operators and global technology bodies — participated in discussions on building AI-native, future-ready networks.

Universal connectivity to democratise AI

The second session focused on how India’s extensive telecom infrastructure, already connecting over a billion citizens, can democratise access to AI-powered services across healthcare, education, agriculture and governance. Participants highlighted that universal digital connectivity will be key to ensuring inclusive AI adoption nationwide.

With emerging technologies such as quantum computing expected to reshape digital ecosystems, telecom networks will play a crucial role in safeguarding secure and resilient digital infrastructure.

Speaking at the Summit, Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI, emphasised, “Telecom networks are the backbone of AI-powered Bharat. As AI applications scale across sectors, telecom infrastructure will evolve into intelligent, AI-native platforms that enable secure, resilient and inclusive digital growth. Strengthening connectivity today will be critical to ensuring India’s leadership in the global AI-driven economy. Telecom operators are already deploying AI-driven network intelligence to strengthen digital trust by proactively detecting and mitigating spam, fraud and malicious communications. By investing in future-ready networks and building secure digital infrastructure, India has a unique opportunity not only to adopt AI but to lead globally in deploying AI for the benefit of humanity.”

COAI noted that India’s scale of connectivity, rapid digital adoption and leadership in digital public infrastructure uniquely position the country to emerge as a global leader in AI-enabled digital transformation, particularly as the industry advances toward AI-native 6G networks.