India’s telecom networks are evolving from basic connectivity infrastructure into intelligent, AI-driven systems, as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in how networks operate and services are delivered, Arvind Kumar, Director General, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), said on Tuesday.
“What we once referred to as a simple pipe has now transformed into an intelligent pipe,” Kumar said while addressing a pre-summit event on artificial intelligence in telecommunications organised by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and STPI in New Delhi.
Kumar said the next phase of telecom innovation would depend on building AI-led ecosystems that connect startups, academia and industry, adding that collaboration across these segments would be critical as networks become more software-defined and data-intensive.
He also said the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026 was expected to provide a framework for responsible and effective adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors, including telecommunications.
The event was held as India expands its 5G and fibre networks and telecom operators increasingly deploy AI tools to manage growing network complexity and rising data traffic.
TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said artificial intelligence was no longer a future concept for the telecom sector but was already being deployed at scale.
“From network automation to spam detection, AI is shaping how telecom services are delivered and experienced,” Lahoti said, adding that how AI systems are designed and governed would determine whether telecom services remain trusted and inclusive.
Founded in 1991 under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, STPI was established to support India’s software exports and IT services industry. Over time, it has expanded its presence to more than 68 centres across the country, including in smaller cities, providing infrastructure and support to technology firms and startups.
STPI widens role beyond software exports to emerging technologies
STPI has in recent years sought to play a role in supporting emerging technology areas, including artificial intelligence and data-driven applications, as part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic innovation and product development.
Kumar, who previously served as advisor at the telecom regulator, has extensively worked on policy and regulatory issues related to broadband, cloud services and next-generation networks.
The pre-summit discussions are expected to feed into the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which is expected bring together policymakers, industry and technology stakeholders to discuss artificial intelligence adoption and governance as India’s digital infrastructure continues to evolve.
