Day 2 at MWC 2025 was packed with insightful discussions on digital acceleration, AI-driven network transformation, Open RAN and monetization strategies. HCLTech, alongside industry leaders, explored how telcos can embrace innovation, optimize operations and unlock new revenue streams in an evolving landscape.

The role of AI, automation and modernization in telco

In a fireside chat, Brendan Gaffey, Global Co-leader Tech, Media and Telecom Practice at McKinsey & Company, highlighted that AI, automation, agility and modernization are the key drivers of value creation in the telecom industry. Speaking with Joe Lawrence, CTO of Network Acceleration at HCLTech, Gaffey emphasized that unlocking this potential requires a holistic transformation approach — one that includes strategic enterprise planning, an engineering-centric shift, agile operating models, a strong data architecture, modernized platforms and robust change management.

Prioritizing digital adoption to stay competitive

A panel featuring Martin Zimmerman, CTO, North America at ANDREW (an Amphenol company) and Romit Ghose, Head of Product - Telecom & Media at ServiceNow, explored how digital adoption and network transformation are crucial for telcos to maintain competitiveness. The session focused on the need for continuous modernization, automation and customer-centric strategies to keep up with rapid industry shifts.

AI’s impact on network transformation

In a session led by Jayasri Krishnan, AVP at HCLTech, Praveen Atreya, VP of Technology Development and Network Planning at Verizon, shared insights on how AI is revolutionizing network operations. From predictive maintenance to intelligent traffic management, AI is reshaping how networks are built, managed and optimized, enhancing both performance and efficiency.

Maximizing network monetization and efficiency

The theme of monetization and operational efficiency continued with multiple sessions:

• HCLTech's Fabio Aiello, CTG Strategy Director and Ivano Cassis, R&D Manager at HCLTech, examined how network providers can unlock new revenue streams by leveraging platform-based strategies to maximize monetization potential.
• Domenico Convertino, Senior VP, CTG at HCLTech, revealed how extreme automation is driving energy-efficient network operations, a critical factor in sustainable telecom development.
• Paolo Ceccherini, Network, Application & Video Solution, WW Lead at HCLTech, concluded Day 2 with a presentation on monetizing networks through IoT use cases.

The future of Open RAN and collaboration in telco

In a fireside chat, Kristian Toivo, Executive Director at Telecom Infra Project (TIP) discussed how Open RAN is transforming how telcos build and manage networks. The conversation highlighted the role of system integrators like HCLTech in enabling open network adoption, as well as the importance of industry collaboration to accelerate the deployment of commercialized open network technologies.