P.I. Works is taking significant strides in AI-driven automation for modern, complex 5G Standalone networks. Their EVO platform and EXA applications offer crucial visibility and cross-layer intelligence necessary for sophisticated Open RAN deployments. This collaboration with TELUS highlights the importance of software-defined management in unlocking new revenue streams.
TELUS has advanced its Open RAN deployment, with 20% of its network currently using this technology. This transition to an open, multi-vendor architecture is supported by P.I. Works. TELUS integrates different third-party radios and cloud infrastructure, showcasing its commitment to an open ecosystem.
As Neeraj Rawat puts it, TELUS embraces the integration complexities for the value it delivers to end customers. “We want to make sure that we have the best of breed and have the best solution coming in from different suppliers,” he stated. This approach aims to enhance the overall customer experience through diverse and innovative solutions.
The conversation also highlighted the risk of relying excessively on equipment vendors for network intelligence. Arif Siradjev clearly expressed that if vendors control network intelligence, they essentially dictate operational decisions. P.I. Works offers a vendor-agnostic intelligence platform, empowering operators to implement third-party applications or develop in-house solutions. This independence is critical for innovation and data-driven decision-making.
TELUS realizes the potential of having contractual and architectural access to interfaces previously restricted. Rawat mentions, “Now you have multi-layered visibility into your system. You can do predictive analysis and preventive maintenance. You can cure a problem before it actually happens.” This enhanced visibility aids in predicting and preventing network issues.
Both Rawat and Siradjev caution against waiting for 6G to extract value from intelligent networks. Rawat stressed the importance of using the existing tools and data in 5G SA to gain insights and revenues. He observed the vast data being exposed and the potential for developing new use cases based on per-slice quality metrics in 5G SA, opening doors for business-to-business and government services.
The link between Open RAN and AI RAN is vital. Rawat was clear: “Open RAN is certainly a prerequisite for AI RAN. If it is not open, then you cannot control your AI.” Siradjev views AI RAN as a continuation of Open RAN’s objectives, now focusing on AI-driven resource management for enhanced network operations.
P.I. Works supports its vision with proven technologies like the EVO platform and EXA applications, already deployed in real-world scenarios. As the shift towards AI RAN continues, P.I. Works believes operators, not hardware vendors, should control network intelligence. Given their current tools and capabilities, their argument becomes increasingly compelling.
