Fujitsu is stepping up its push into AI-powered telecommunications, unveiling its AI-RAN solution at MWC Barcelona 2025. The integrated platform optimizes GPU server resources by combining Radio Access Network (RAN) functions with artificial intelligence applications — a move designed to improve network efficiency and unlock new opportunities for telecom operators.
Carlos Cordero, CTO of Fujitsu Spain, shared how the company’s global research efforts align with solving real-world customer challenges. “My job connects Fujitsu’s global R&D with the needs of our customers,” Carlos explained. “I look at our five key technology areas and focus on matching those innovations to specific problems our customers face.”
In an exclusive conversation, Carlos outlined Fujitsu’s broader goals in helping telcos maximize their 5G investments while enabling AI-driven transformation.
Fujitsu’s AI-RAN solution marks a major step toward integrating artificial intelligence directly into network operations. By intelligently allocating GPU server resources, the platform enhances the performance of both AI applications and RAN functions — driving efficiency at the core of telecommunications infrastructure.
Beyond AI-RAN, Fujitsu spotlighted two key technology pillars at this year’s event: Photonics and Open RAN.
“Photonics allows us to move massive amounts of data over fiber — an area where we excel,” Carlos noted. “We’ve also been early advocates of Open RAN, and our portfolio there is strong.”
Together, these technologies support the growing demand for faster, more flexible networks capable of supporting advanced AI applications.
Fujitsu also highlighted its Private 5G solutions, aimed at helping organizations meet rising connectivity needs driven by AI adoption. As costs drop, deploying private 5G networks is becoming viable even for small businesses — opening new revenue streams for telecom providers.
“Private 5G was expensive in the past, but now it’s accessible to smaller companies,” Carlos shared. “This creates real opportunities for telcos looking to improve their 5G return on investment.”
For operators, finding new monetization models is crucial. “Telcos face two main challenges — maximizing returns on 5G infrastructure and discovering new revenue streams,” Carlos explained. “With our technology, including network management and operations, we’re well-positioned to help.”
Carlos emphasized that 5G Standalone networks are a game-changer — enabling use cases that simply weren’t possible with 4G or earlier generations.
“5G isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a fundamental shift,” he said. “Standalone 5G unlocks capabilities that can transform industries, from automating factories to revolutionizing healthcare.”
With AI embedded into 5G networks, industries like manufacturing can achieve smarter, autonomous operations, while healthcare providers gain new tools to enhance patient care.
“It’s about enabling automation at scale,” Carlos explained. “5G allows a factory to become truly intelligent and self-operating. In healthcare, it makes things possible that just weren’t with 4G or 3G.”
For Fujitsu, this intersection of AI and 5G is where the biggest market potential lies. “It’s a huge opportunity for telcos — but also for companies like us because it layers one advanced technology on top of another,” he added.
Europe’s Telecom Landscape and the AI Adoption Challenge
Carlos believes Europe’s telecom industry is performing well globally, though he sees potential consolidation ahead due to market saturation.
“Europe is competitive, but maybe there are just too many telcos per country. We could see some consolidation in the future,” he predicted.
Still, Carlos pointed out that while telcos are doing their part building the infrastructure, enterprise AI adoption remains slow. “At MWC, everyone’s showcasing AI — but we’re not seeing anything truly disruptive yet,” he observed. “Businesses are still cautious when it comes to fully deploying AI technologies.”
As Fujitsu continues refining its AI-RAN solution and private 5G offerings, the company is betting that the next big wave of telecom innovation will come from helping operators and their customers — fully unlock the potential of AI-driven networks.
