[MWC 2026] GlobalData launches a white paper on the evolution of voice services in the age of AI

/PRNewswire/ — At MWC 2026, Andy Hicks, senior principal analyst at GlobalData, launched the white paper Reinventing Voice: A Converged, AI-Enabled, and Multimodal Voice Core for the Next Generation of Telecommunications. The white paper highlights how, in the age of AI, operators can use a fully converged voice network to innovate AI services and redefine the value of voice services.

Fully convergent voice network: the ideal choice for operators managing multigenerational networks
While 5G-A accelerates, the evolution of global network standards remains uneven. Although 2G and 3G networks are reaching end-of-life, some operators need to keep them active to support essential services such as M2M communication and international roaming. In this context, fully converged voice networks, capable of managing 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G services, are becoming fundamental for operators. This type of network addresses operational challenges related to lifecycle issues and lays the foundation for a smooth future transition.

In the face of the global transition to containerization, fully converged architecture facilitates the transition from virtual machines to containers. This approach allows operators to reduce TCO while enabling continuous innovation and rapid upgrades of voice services.

AI + voice: Transform the value of operators’ voice in three steps
The rapid advancement of AI presents new opportunities for voice service innovation. Andy Hicks thinks that the deep integration between AI and voice technology can be achieved by following three fundamental steps.

First, AI is used to improve basic calling functions and create a competitive advantage over OTT applications. Typical examples include intelligent noise suppression and greater immersion in spatial audio, where calls move to a more sophisticated level of communication.

Next, AI is integrated into audio channels to introduce innovative features such as real-time translation and intelligent call summaries. For these services the terminals must not have any further requirements. Operators can quickly deploy these services to gain a competitive advantage in AI-powered voice innovations.

Finally, AI is being integrated into video and data channels to drive voice innovation, moving from a single-modal to a multi-modal approach, offering services such as interactive customer support and healthcare, and bringing the concept of Call-as-a-Service to life.

Andy Hicks highlighted that operators should make the most of the opportunities offered by AI. Relying on a fully converged voice network, they can promote service innovation and completely renew the core value of voice services, thanks to the dual advancement of 5G-A and AI.

Click here to consult the white paper: LINK

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