Asia’s AI Networks
How Artificial Intelligence is reshaping networks and business
Asia’s telecommunications landscape is vast, diverse and rapidly evolving. With billions of subscribers across countries with varying levels of digital infrastructure, the region has become a strategic laboratory for the future of telecom. Amid this complexity, five companies stand out—not only for their market share and revenue but also for their bold moves to transform networks into AI-driven platforms, reshaping the very nature of what it means to be a telecom operator.
From China’s state-backed giants to India’s market disruptors and Singapore’s regional orchestrators, these players are demonstrating that leadership in Asia is no longer just about coverage or connectivity. It is about embedding intelligence into every layer of the network, redefining services and turning infrastructure into a strategic asset.
China Mobile: Building the “Brain of the City”
China Mobile is the largest telecom provider in Asia and the world, with over 1 billion subscribers. CEO Yang Jie positions the company as more than a network operator: it is evolving into a computing-power platform powered by AI.
“We are transitioning from ‘Network + IT’ to ‘AI +’. Our goal is to build a ‘Brain of the City’ where AI-driven computing power is as accessible and ubiquitous as electricity”, Yang Jie explains.
Here, AI is not merely an optimisation tool—it is the engine that connects data, computation and network capabilities, enabling intelligent infrastructure across cities.
NTT (Japan): Photonics for Energy-Efficient AI
Japanese giant NTT, including its mobile arm NTT Docomo, is pushing the boundaries of network innovation through its Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) architecture. CEO Akira Shimada emphasizes sustainability and speed, leveraging photonics to meet the immense energy demands of AI applications.
“To realize the full potential of AI, we must overcome the limits of current power consumption. Our IOWN technology will provide the photonics-based infrastructure that makes Generative AI both sustainable and instantaneous”, Shimada says.
At NTT, AI is integrated not only to enhance performance but to ensure that the network itself becomes efficient, scalable and sustainable.
Reliance Jio (India): AI for Everyone
In India, Reliance Jio has transformed digital access, quickly capturing nearly 500 million users. CEO Akash Ambani sees AI as a tool to democratize technology, making services accessible across every sector of Indian society.
“Jio is no longer just a telecom operator; we are a platform company. We are committed to developing a suite of ‘Made-in-India’ AI solutions that will transform every sector from agriculture to healthcare”, Ambani notes.
Jio’s approach underscores a broader shift in Asia: telecom operators becoming platform companies, where AI is a driver of inclusivity and digital empowerment.
China Telecom: Integrating AI into the Cloud
China Telecom, with over 430 million subscribers, focuses on the synergy between cloud computing and AI. CEO Ke Ruiwen describes AI as the soul of the digital era, embedded throughout the network and cloud infrastructure to power industrial digitalization.
“We are accelerating the transformation towards an AI-refactored company, integrating AI into every layer of our cloud infrastructure to empower industrial digitalization”, he explains.
This full-stack integration positions China Telecom not just as a provider of connectivity but as a hub for intelligence and operational decision-making.
Singtel (Singapore): Orchestrating Regional Digital Ecosystems
Singapore-based Singtel, despite its small domestic market, leverages investments across Asia-Pacific—including Optus (Australia), Airtel (India), Telkomsel (Indonesia) and Globe (Philippines)—to reach hundreds of millions of users regionally. CEO Yuen Kuan Moon emphasizes AI-enabled personalization and ecosystem orchestration.
“Innovation is about staying relevant. By leveraging AI and 5G, we are moving beyond connectivity to orchestrate digital ecosystems that offer seamless experiences across borders for our 770 million customers”, he says.
Here, AI drives cross-border digital integration, enabling hyper-personalized experiences and creating new value streams beyond traditional telecom services.
Focus and Strategic Transformation
| CEO | Company | AI and Innovation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Yang Jie | China Mobile | AI as the “brain” of the network |
| Akira Shimada | NTT | Photonics for energy-efficient AI |
| Akash Ambani | Reliance Jio | AI solutions for mass accessibility (“AI for Everyone”) |
| Ke Ruiwen | China Telecom | Full AI-cloud integration |
| Yuen Kuan Moon | Singtel | AI for cross-border digital ecosystems |
These examples illustrate a broader regional pattern: Asian telecom leaders prioritize the physical and infrastructural dimensions of AI, from computing power to energy efficiency, compared to many Western counterparts, who often emphasize software and customer-facing applications.
From Telecom to Tech
AI is no longer just a tool for optimisation—it is reshaping business models, networks and strategies. Telecom companies in Asia are becoming technology companies, orchestrating data, connectivity and intelligence at scale.
The region shows that embracing AI at the infrastructure level does more than enhance networks—it transforms the company itself, positioning it for leadership in the digital era.
