As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an integral part of our daily lives, companies like Cisco are leading the charge in developing AI-driven solutions. Policymakers, meanwhile, are grappling with how to keep up, particularly as businesses integrate AI into their products and services. At Cisco, we see the benefits of AI-enabled networks every day – from helping our customers with proper equipment setup and detecting service disruptions to preventing and mitigating security intrusions. That’s why Cisco supported Analysys Mason in delivering a comprehensive overview for regulators of AI’s transformative impact on communication networks and its potential to help countries achieve their digital goals.
The report outlines how AI-powered networks offer numerous benefits that can reshape the digital landscape. They build trust in digital services — an essential component of any digital economy —by enhancing security and reliability. AI can boost operational and energy efficiency — reducing costs and expanding network coverage, potentially leading to more affordable services and increased adoption. And AI’s potential to improve network performance and customer experience can decrease customer turnover and enhance revenue.
Despite these promising benefits, there reportedly continue to be barriers to AI deployment in communications networks. Data is often fragmented, which makes it more difficult for AI to analyze. Cisco’s 2024 AI Readiness Index found that only 13% of organizations globally and 16% of organizations in the U.S. are ready, from a data perspective, to deploy and fully leverage AI. Moreover, some network teams report that they are hesitant to trust AI due to perceived security and operational concerns. There is also a shortage of skilled professionals in the communications industry to manage AI, which is compounded by budget constraints and complex regulations — making it challenging for companies to invest in AI projects.
But what does this mean for policymakers? As we advance further into the 21st century, governments understand that connectivity is crucial for national competitiveness and many governments want to encourage secure and trustworthy AI adoption. The U.S. is now developing an AI Action Plan to support innovation and increase cross-sectoral uptake of AI. Similarly, the UK is moving forward with its AI Opportunities Action Plan to reform public services and make investments in AI infrastructure. Now is the right time for policymakers to help unlock the benefits of AI-enabled connectivity by establishing best practices, supporting industry standards, investing in skills training, and promoting research and development. By streamlining regulations and encouraging AI adoption, governments can ensure that their citizens realize the full connectivity benefits of the AI revolution.
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