Telecommunications companies across Asia Pacific (APAC) have a significant opportunity to grow new markets through artificial intelligence (AI), but many risk falling behind due to unresolved “data debt” and slow workforce upskilling, according to Accenture.
In a virtual briefing on Nov. 18, the global technology consultancy said AI is no longer viewed by telcos simply as a tool for operational efficiency.
Tore Berg, Accenture APAC managing director for communications, media & technology, noted that 73% of telco CXOs now see AI as a source of revenue growth, reflecting a shift toward more strategic, value-generating use cases.
Accenture’s research shows that telcos can expand revenue in two major ways. First, they can serve as key AI partners for enterprises, with 84% of businesses in a 2025 survey saying they view telcos as primary enablers for their AI adoption.
Operators across the region are already exploring roles in sovereign AI platforms, proximity computing, private networks, edge infrastructure, and emerging metered-capacity business models.
Second, telcos can develop new consumer-facing AI services by leveraging the extensive telemetry and customer data that sit within their networks.
This positions them to become AI aggregators that can offer personalized digital services directly to subscribers.
However, Accenture warned that most telcos lack the internal data readiness needed to pursue these opportunities.
Nearly three-quarters of APAC telco leaders reported poor visibility across their networks, slowing decision-making and hindering AI deployment.
Employees spend two-thirds of their time cleaning data instead of analyzing it, and only a fraction of operators have an integrated, cross-functional data strategy.
Workforce readiness is another major concern. Around 73% of telco executives believe AI is advancing faster than their organizations can upskill employees, indicating that many operators are struggling to redesign roles for the AI-driven workplace.
Despite these challenges, Accenture identified a small group of industry “frontrunners” — only 21% of APAC communication service providers — that have already achieved meaningful value from their AI investments.
These frontrunners tend to focus on use cases with clear returns, such as autonomous network repair, AI-assisted customer service agents, and sales co-pilots.
They are also building responsible digital cores with guardrails for agentic AI, investing heavily in autonomous networks that self-configure and self-optimize, and retraining teams to work alongside these systems.
A defining trait among these leaders, Accenture said, is their commitment to continuous reinvention to keep pace with rapid technological change.
Vivek Luthra, Accenture senior managing director for data & AI, emphasized that achieving AI readiness will require “bold, strategic bets” rather than incremental improvements.
“Scaling AI impact requires proactive C-suite leadership and a commitment to structural transformation,” he said. “Technology and talent are the two main areas that need investment.”
