Telecom cloud computing is revolutionizing the industry as operators race to modernize networks with AI, edge computing and cloud-native solutions.

Long bound by rigid, legacy infrastructure, telecom providers are now shifting toward flexible, software-driven architectures that promise faster deployment, greater agility and new revenue streams. With AI-powered automation optimizing everything from customer interactions to network performance and cloud-based functions streamlining operations, the industry is moving toward a fully integrated digital ecosystem, according to Amir Rao (pictured, left), director of product management, telco 5G, EC2 edge at Amazon Web Services Inc.

AWS’ Amir Rao talks with theCUBE about telecom cloud computing.

“At the end of the day, this is their business choice,” Rao said. “I think the value that we bring as a cloud provider is we bring our cloud continuum to the edge, and by helping them build their cloud at the edge … is something that they want to monetize.”

Rao was joined by Jan Hofmeyr (right), vice president EC2 and networking at AWS, as they spoke with theCUBE’s Dave Vellante and Savannah Peterson at MWC25, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed how telecom providers are embracing cloud computing, AI and edge technology to modernize networks, accelerate 5G deployment and drive new revenue opportunities. (* Disclosure below.)

AWS drives telecom cloud computing with 5G and AI

At the heart of this transformation is AWS, which is extending its cloud capabilities to the telecom sector with a series of game-changing innovations. One of the biggest announcements centers around AWS Outposts for 5G, a solution designed to bring the flexibility of cloud infrastructure closer to network operators, according to Hofmeyr.

“We announced our Outposts for 5G networks here at the show, a pre-announcement, and it’s designed for running networks,” he said. “Every one of these servers is a 400 gig-capable server that gives you that same AWS experience but for networks.”

Cloud Radio Access Network is another milestone in AWS’ strategy. By running RAN functions on Outpost servers equipped with AWS EC2 Nitro and Graviton processors, telecom providers can now extend cloud computing all the way to the radio site. This not only optimizes network efficiency, but also opens up possibilities for AI-driven automation at the edge.

In an industry where infrastructure upgrades used to take months, AWS is offering a model where network services can be deployed in minutes, revolutionizing the speed and scalability of telecom operations, according to Rao.

“We bring that economy of scale to the edge rather than actually bringing or building something which is bespoke, which could run into the cost economic challenges,” he said. “[We] bring the price performance of Graviton to the edge and actually provide silicon diversity for the radio access networks.”

Beyond infrastructure, AI is playing a crucial role in reshaping telecom services. While AI has already proven its value in areas such as customer service through solutions such as AWS Connect, its potential within network operations is just beginning to be realized, according to Hofmeyr.

“I think we have so much opportunity to use it in the network, whether it’s from running the rig, which is the optimization of the network, to getting more data and understanding how to optimize and operate your network,” he said. “One thing I do know is our customers need the flexibility to run where it makes sense to run the applications.”

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of MWC25:

(* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for MWC25. The sponsors of theCUBE’s event coverage do not have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE