Spotlight: Fast-tracking Telco's future: AI for network intelligence

June 24, 2026

11:00-12:30

Spotlight Stage

AI & Data

Spotlight

Why is it so difficult to build digital network automation in telco? One reason is that the data is siloed, massive, and on-prem. Bringing AI to the data is a compliance and architectural challenge, but the rewards are plentiful. This Cloudera Spotlight session will highlight telecom operators working to deliver true AI-driven network automation based on robust, at scale data platforms, using agentic approaches, from hybrid cloud to air-gapped on-prem environments. Hear from service providers who have embarked on the journey and learn the secrets of what it takes to be successful.

Opening remarks and TM Forum perspective on AI and Data
Ian Holloway, Chief Architect, TM Forum

Presentation: The network data lakehouse and the edge-to-AI pipeline
Despite the telco industry’s relentless focus on automation, the need to make progress towards automated and autonomous networks has never been greater. In this session, we will discuss the core technological capabilities that make up the network data lakehouse, and how they lay the foundation for an edge-to-AI pipeline that enables network intelligence.

Jeremiah Morrow, Product Marketing Manager, Industry Solutions, Cloudera

Presentation: Network evolution trends: AI best practices for delivering accelerated margin growth.
Despite historic scale and global investments in networking infrastructure, telcos continue to experience lagging financial returns compared to broader tech industries. To break this cycle of stagnation and deliver accelerated margin growth, operators must transition from traditional connectivity providers or TelCos into AI-first TechCos. In this talk, we will explore the network evolution trends reshaping the telecommunications landscape. You will discover actionable best practices for bridging the gap between raw network data and enterprise AI, built on the foundation of a secure, telco-grade architecture.

Dr Athul Prasad, Global Director AI, Cloudera

CSP Use Case: The value equation of AI : Turning intelligence into business outcomes.
Hamzeh Saud Aldraaee, Technical Marketing and Analytics General Manager, Zain

Session speakers

Ian Holloway

Chief Architect

Jeremiah Morrow

Product Marketing Manager, Industry Solutions

Athul Prasad

Global Director, AI

Hamzeh Aldraaee

Technical Marketing and Analytics General Manager

Spotlight: Fast-tracking Telco's future: AI for network intelligence

Spotlight

Session speakers

Ian Holloway

Jeremiah Morrow

Athul Prasad

Hamzeh Aldraaee

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