BARCELONA (Reuters) – IBM will offer new services to telecom operators Verizon (VZ.N.N.) and Telefonica. These services include running 5G over a Cloud Platform to using artificial intelligence, according to the U.S technology company.
Amazon (AMZN.O), Microsoft (MSFT.O), and Amazon (AMZN.O) are competing for a piece of 5G revenue. They offer telecom operators next-generation software tools.
IBM will provide cloud services to telecom operators using technology it acquired from the Red Hat software company. This will allow them to manage their networks and sell products that are tailored to their customers. The tie-ups were not disclosed, but it will expand IBM’s partnerships with these two companies.
Cloud platforms use software to replace physical equipment for network functions. This allows telecom operators to build 5G networks quicker, reduce costs, and offer customized services.
Darell Jordan Smith, vice president at Redhat, stated that “it’s a disruptive moment in this particular market segment. Telcos are trying to position themselves as the destination for services such as augmented reality and machine learning and AI.”
Telefonica Spain and IBM have created virtual assistants for AI. It automates the processing of commonly asked questions as well as tasks such as billing.
“We see it as an existential moment in telco operators using 5G: architecturally, they’re looking for more control over their platforms and rethinking their network as a digital model rather than a structured physical one,” stated Steve Canepa from IBM’s general manager of communications.
