AI for Electronic Communications: Commission Launches Flagship Actions under the Apply AI Strategy

The European Commission has announced on 8 October a new set of flagship actions to boost the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the electronic communications sector, under the Apply AI Strategy. 

The integration of AI in the electronic communications sector has accelerated significantly in recent years, driven by the growing demand for automation, network optimisation, and enhanced customer experience. 65% of operators worldwide are establishing AI strategies and are actively trialling AI-based solutions across network and customer service operations. Nearly half of operators surveyed allocate 5–15% of their total digital budget to AI.  

Moreover, 6G (the next generation of mobile communications) will be AI-native, meaning that AI will be used throughout telecom operations, enabling network optimisation and generating new service revenues. In addition, the Commission acknowledges the important interplay between AI and telecoms - both as enablers of AI through advanced connectivity and as emerging providers of AI services. 

Yet, here is currently a limited EU industrial presence in the edge AI device markets due to high entry barriers and lack of necessary skills. Edge AI and Mobile Edge Computing are the deployment of AI algorithms directly on network and edge devices such as sensors or IoT devices, low-power edge devices and other innovative devices such as Virtual Reality-glasses, wearables, drones or robots.  

To accelerate AI uptake and support AI first policy in the electronic communications sector, the Commission will:  

• promote EU capacities in edge AI devices by providing dedicated support under the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking and the Chips Joint Undertaking by March 2026.
• create a European Telco AI platform until the end of 2026 (AI stack pilot action under the Digital Europe Programme) for telecom operators, vendors and user industries to collaboratively build AI stack elements, including mediation layers, data engineering, cloud interfaces, and AI services, potentially based on open source. 

In addition, the Commission will support the creation of dedicated telecom data sets and specialised AI models and solutions for telecoms as well as European participation in key Standardisation Development Organisations, including through facilitating common European positions. 

These actions aim to make Europe’s electronic communications ecosystem smarter, more resilient, and globally competitive, paving the way for the next generation of sustainable, AI-enabled industry.