By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
Group
Chief Executive Officer of Telkom SA, Serame Taukobong has highlighted the
growing role of artificial intelligence and intelligent networks in shaping the
future of the telecommunications industry during discussions at the Mobile
World Congress Barcelona 2026.
Speaking
after engagements at the global telecom gathering in Barcelona, Taukobong said
the event reaffirmed that the sector is entering a critical phase where
intelligence driven by AI, data and advanced connectivity infrastructure will
define the next stage of digital growth. Held under the theme “The IQ Era,” the
conference brought together policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to
examine how intelligent systems will reshape network operations and digital
services.
According
to Taukobong, telecommunications companies are moving beyond traditional
network operations toward predictive, AI-enabled systems capable of
anticipating demand, optimising performance and improving customer experience.
He noted that intelligence is increasingly becoming the core architecture
through which operators deliver efficiency, resilience and new forms of value
within the digital economy.
The
discussions at the event also reinforced the strategic direction being pursued
by Telkom through its “One Telkom” approach, which focuses on integrating fixed
and mobile capabilities, strengthening digital platforms and building a unified
data foundation to enable intelligence across the organisation. The company
said this transformation is already contributing to improved operational
integration, increased network traffic and stronger commercial performance.
Taukobong
also emphasised the importance of infrastructure modernisation and
sustainability, noting that telecommunications operators play a critical role
in maintaining national digital infrastructure. He said Telkom is consolidating
legacy systems, embedding intelligent energy management and incorporating
renewable power solutions as part of efforts to build more resilient and
efficient networks capable of supporting future digital demand.
Telkom
currently operates more than 180,000 kilometres of fibre infrastructure
connecting communities across South Africa, which the company considers a
strategic national asset supporting broader digital participation and economic
development.
During
the event, Telkom’s wholesale infrastructure subsidiary, Openserve, received
the Exceptional Contributing Member Award at the 2026 Broadband Excellence
Awards organised by the World Broadband Association. In addition, Dr Sunil
Piyarlall was recognised with the Exceptional Individual Contributor Award,
highlighting the technical expertise within the company’s network teams.
The
recognitions, according to Telkom, underscore the group’s ongoing role in
advancing broadband standards and contributing to the development of global
telecommunications infrastructure.
