The onset of the artificial intelligence (AI) era is poised to revolutionize telecommunications, significantly reshaping networks, economic models, and the overall digital infrastructure. Mathew Oommen, the Group CEO of Jio Platforms, discussed this paradigm shift during his keynote address at the Mobile World Congress in 2026, underscoring the transition’s transformative nature.
Oommen described this AI-led transformation as a “generational transformation” that will redefine telecom networks and create unprecedented economic opportunities. He emphasized that this isn’t merely an upgrade but a wholesale reset of economic and business equations. AI innovations, he suggested, could give birth to entirely new businesses valued at trillions of dollars. “The AI era is not an upgrade cycle. It is completely resetting the economic and the business equation,” said Oommen. He highlighted that over $3 trillion will be invested in AI this year alone, spotlighting the significant commitment to this technological shift.
Moving beyond traditional connectivity, telecom networks are expected to form the backbone of a burgeoning “intelligence economy.” This economy will feature AI integrated across diverse sectors like energy, finance, and defense. Oommen pointed out that both AI and telecom infrastructures will evolve to accommodate intelligent endpoints like devices, sensors, and connected systems, which will be crucial in this new ecosystem.
Furthermore, AI’s impact could lead to a transformation in business operations, with automation and intelligent systems taking center stage. This change hints at a possible “functional dismantling of the workforce,” which could have profound implications for organizational structures and employment.
Moreover, AI’s integration into critical areas such as energy, transport, and national defense systems will redefine these sectors. Oommen asserted, “The foundational layer is going to be the telecom layer, because when you build infrastructure at scale, you will build intelligence at scale.”
Oommen addressed Jio’s aspirations in this rapidly shifting landscape, highlighting their plan to establish an “intelligence grid.” The approach involves shifting towards token-based services, marking a departure from conventional service models. Oommen stated, “The telecom currency is going to be rapidly changing from minutes to bytes to tokens,” illustrating this fundamental shift.
Emphasizing their commitment, Jio aims to pioneer scalable token services and optimize dollar per token per watt costs. This ambition builds on Jio’s success in reducing connectivity costs in India, aiming to extend those efficiencies further.
Transformation usually brings with it a blend of uncertainty and opportunity. For telecom operators, AI’s integration into networks could trigger anxiety. Yet, it also opens doors to privilege those capable of navigating these changes effectively. Oommen’s message portrayed this transition representing the industry’s largest opportunity yet, challenging operators to leverage these emerging prospects for growth.
