Indian Telecom Providers See AI as Key Revenue Driver: Ciena Survey

Indian telecom and network service providers are increasingly optimistic about the revenue potential of artificial intelligence (AI), with 67% saying AI-driven network services could become the primary source of revenue growth over the next three to five years, according to a Ciena survey.

The study, conducted by Censuswide between July 13 and 23 across 12 major markets, surveyed 100 respondents in each market.

India’s AI Network Outlook

- 98% expect managed optical fibre network (MOFN) services to generate revenue by connecting AI computing clusters within three years.

- 88% say optical network upgrades are urgently needed to support premium AI services.

- 94% consider advanced network automation critical to capturing AI opportunities.

- 58% plan to generate revenue through multi-cloud connectivity services.

- 88% expect edge or localised AI services to contribute more than 10% of enterprise revenue within three years.

Global Picture

Globally, 90% of service providers expect high-capacity AI network services to drive revenue growth over the next three to five years, while 96% expect MOFN services to generate revenue from connecting distributed AI computing clusters.

The findings underline the growing importance of high-capacity networks, optical infrastructure, automation and edge connectivity as AI adoption accelerates worldwide.