Driving AI adoption in telecoms event round-up
techUK hosted members from industry, policy, and academia to explore the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in telecoms as part of the Intelligent Networks campaign. The event focused on strategic priorities, governance frameworks, and future-proofing AI investments, bringing together diverse stakeholders to share insights and foster collaboration.
Strategic vision and sectoral priorities
During the opening remarks, it was highlighted the UK’s strategic commitment to AI in telecoms referencing major initiatives such as the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the AI Security Institute, and the AI Growth Lab. Over £500 million has been invested in open networking and AI for networks, with further funding anticipated.
As networks evolve from 5G to 6G, challenges such as data growth, customer expectations, and security intensify. AI is seen as central to addressing these, with the UK chairing the Global Coalition on Telecoms and setting six priorities for responsible AI adoption. The panel emphasised the need for ethical, accountable, and transparent AI frameworks, supported by collaboration across industry, academia, and government.
Governance, risk, and organisational readiness
The panel explored how organisations can balance innovation with governance. Governance was framed as an enabler of innovation, not a barrier, with calls for governance-by-design aligned with ISO standards and risk management practices. AI maturity assessments were discussed, focusing on people, processes, technology, and data. A proposed framework for telecoms-specific maturity assessment was introduced, inviting broader collaboration.
Leadership engagement and AI literacy were flagged as critical gaps. Clear strategies, ROI monitoring, and continuous training were recommended to align governance with business goals. The panel also stressed the importance of defining risk appetite and ensuring frontline staff are equipped to identify and escalate risks.
Future-proofing, standards, and responsible experimentation
The final theme focused on future-proofing AI investments. Modular tools, clean data, and scalable governance frameworks were recommended to ensure long-term value. AI should be treated like any other IT investment, with clear objectives and review cycles. The importance of interoperability standards and global governance frameworks was highlighted, particularly for cross-border AI adoption.
Testing and experimentation were discussed in depth. Safe sandboxing environments, representative testing for telecoms, and cross-functional governance teams were proposed to manage risk effectively. The need for assurances, traceability, and regular model testing was underscored, especially for AI systems affecting live network operations.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, techUK will continue to bring this conversation forward under the ACT Group, planning further engagement sessions in the new year. These will provide a platform for ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange, ensuring that AI integration in telecoms remains a strategic focus across the ecosystem.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
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Kir Nuthi
Kir Nuthi
Kir Nuthi is the Head of AI and Data at techUK.
She holds over seven years of Government Affairs and Tech Policy experience in the US and UK. Kir previously headed up the regulatory portfolio at a UK advocacy group for tech startups and held various public affairs in US tech policy. All involved policy research and campaigns on competition, artificial intelligence, access to data, and pro-innovation regulation.
Kir has an MSc in International Public Policy from University College London and a BA in both Political Science (International Relations) and Economics from the University of California San Diego.
Outside of techUK, you are likely to find her attempting studies at art galleries, attempting an elusive headstand at yoga, mending and binding books, or chasing her dog Maya around South London's many parks.
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- [email protected]
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
Sue Daley OBE
Sue Daley OBE
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
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