What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Rakuten Mobile is intensifying its AI-driven strategy with the goal of achieving Level 5 network autonomy within the next 18-24 months. The company, which currently rates itself at Level 4 in some use cases, aims to enhance its operations through AI in areas such as customer experience, network management, operations, and sustainability. This initiative is part of Rakuten's broader strategy to leverage AI for operational efficiency and growth. The company is also focusing on building small language models (SLMs) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Why It's Important?
Rakuten's push towards AI-driven network autonomy represents a significant shift in the telecommunications industry, potentially setting a new standard for service providers. Achieving Level 5 autonomy could lead to more efficient network operations, reduced costs, and improved customer experiences. This move could also influence other telecom companies to adopt similar strategies, thereby accelerating the industry's overall technological advancement. The focus on sustainability and operational efficiency aligns with global trends towards more environmentally friendly and cost-effective business practices.
What's Next?
Rakuten plans to continue developing its AI capabilities, particularly in building SLMs that require less computing power and are easier to deploy. The company will likely focus on refining these models to enhance their application in industry-specific scenarios. As Rakuten progresses towards its autonomy goals, it may face challenges related to balancing cost and value, as well as ensuring the safety and compliance of AI-driven operations. The industry will be watching closely to see if Rakuten can achieve its ambitious targets and what impact this will have on the broader telecom sector.
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