The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) has launched the first industry-wide Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap to help telecommunications organizations adopt and measure ethical approaches to artificial intelligence (AI).
The roadmap is designed to guide telco operators as they explore an estimated $680 billion market opportunity over the next 15-20 years.
Developed with insights from McKinsey and a group of telecom operators, the roadmap provides tools for organizations to assess their current AI maturity. It offers clear guidance for enhancing responsible AI practices. This is the first time the telecoms sector has united under a common framework for AI use, aiming to ensure the technology is deployed ethically and responsibly.
“The transformative potential of AI has long been apparent, but its integration in our work and our lives must be done in a responsible and transparent way,” said Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA. “This roadmap will empower more operators to embrace AI responsibly and unlock the technology’s full value.”
The initiative has garnered support from major telecom operators, with 19 mobile network operators (MNOs) already committed to using the roadmap, including Axiata, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica, and Telstra.
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The roadmap comprises five key dimensions: organizational strategy, governance, technical controls, third-party collaboration, and corporate change management. It also aligns with global regulations and best practices, such as those from the OECD and UNESCO, ensuring AI is used in ways that prioritize fairness, privacy, accountability, and environmental impact.
José María Álvarez-Pallete López, Chairman & CEO of Telefónica and GSMA Board Chair, stressed the importance of ethics in AI: “It is crucial for us all to ensure responsible guidelines for AI are implemented now, and it is great to see the telecoms industry leading the way with the GSMA’s new roadmap.”
As AI becomes more integral to telecom operations, the RAI Maturity Roadmap will help organizations navigate the opportunities and risks, ensuring that they harness the full potential of AI while maintaining industry-wide ethical standards.
