AI promises major advances in fixed and mobile electronic communications network management and optimisation. But the networks themselves need to evolve to keep pace with the tremendous surge in digital practices supported by AI. How will this change the networks? What impact will it have on services, their performance, and their environmental footprint? What are the outstanding data security and management issues? Arcep tackles all of these questions in its briefing note on “AI and electronic communications networks” being published today.
AI for the networks and the networks for AI: what transformations are in store for the electronic communications sector?
An initial briefing note on the topic of AI in networks was published in 2020. The aim of the new note being published today is to analyse the changes that have occurred since then, to identify likely new use cases, and to complete the analyses of the “Telecoms with an IT core” briefing note published in 2024. This work was carried out with input from the different stakeholders, and in collaboration with the “Future networks” cycle of inquiry Scientific committee.
At 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, 26 June, Arcep will be hosting a webinar to present the note. By invitation only.
Programme:
- Opening remarks by Akim Oural, Executive Board member
- Presentation of the main findings of the "AI and electronic communications networks" briefing note, by Boris Gartner and Suzelle Ayite, members of the Arcep team in charge of forward-looking work on the topic of “AI and networks”
- Discussion with ecosystem stakeholders and Scientific committee members, moderated by Amanda Alves, Deputy head of Arcep’s “Frequencies and Technologies” unit:
- Isabel Pampliega, Technology Strategy Director, Microsoft
- Philippe Mouthon, CTO of Mobile Networks Europe, Nokia
- Damien Jahan, Director of Network Strategy & Development, SFR
- Sabrina Stanislas-Boumier, Head of Government Affairs, France, Qualcomm
- Yves Gassot, Member of Arcep’s Scientific Committee
Associated documents
- Briefing note: Future networks: AI and electronic communications networks (English version)
- Slides presentation (in French)
- Replay the Webinar
Arcep’s “Future networks” cycle of inquiry
The purpose of the “Future networks” cycle of inquiry is to prepare Arcep for upcoming challenges in network regulation, and to steer its actions accordingly. It also enables the Authority to lend its expertise to public debate, one of the courses of action identified in Arcep’s "Ambition 2030" strategy.
Analyses are conducted on topics identified by Arcep and its Scientific committee, to understand how networks are likely to evolve over the next five to ten years.
Where to read previous briefing notes?
• “Electronic communications networks’ resilience” briefing note (May 2025)
• “Telecoms with an IT core” briefing note (October 2024)
Do you want to stay informed about upcoming briefing note presentations?
Following through on this forward-looking process, Arcep will be publishing a briefing note on Friday, 26 September on, “Choosing your digital lifestyle: electronic communications networks and digital practices”. Discussions are also underway on two additional topics; “Data in future networks” and “Quantum technologies and networks”. Request your invitation at: com[a]arcep.fr
Do you think you can contribute to this work?
Arcep invites anyone wanting to do so, to take up these analyses and to send their contributions to: reseaux-du-futur[a]arcep.fr