Nvidia recently highlighted work to help operators rethink dependence on closed AI systems. The company went on to promote open-source models to give carriers direct control over network automation and customer workflows.
In a blog, Nvidia stated operators including SoftBank Corp, AT&T and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison are increasingly deploying open models alongside proprietary systems, explaining they retain full visibility over sensitive network data and can fine-tune models for their specific operational needs.
The move reflects a broader shift across telecommunications.
Nvidia highlighted the findings of its State of AI in Telecommunications 2026 survey in which 89% of operators deemed open-source software critical to their AI strategy, driven in part by independent benchmarks showing open models closing performance gaps in reasoning, coding and autonomous network triage.
Operators are dividing their workloads rather than relying on a single system. Expensive, proprietary models are reserved for complex tasks where closed platforms still hold an edge, while lower-cost open foundation models handle day-to-day operations.
SoftBank used Nvidia’s Nemotron family as the foundation for its Large Telecom Model, employing years of internal operational data.
Rajeev Koodli, principal fellow at SoftBank and SVP of SB Telecom America, explained open models allow it to capitalise on rapid global AI progress and its accumulated network expertise.
AT&T is also taking a multi-model approach. Chief data and AI officer Andy Markus said the goal is to intelligently match “every workload to the right combination of performance, cost and control”.
Nvidia highlighted Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison tailored its open models to Indonesian language and culture.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Nvidia
Source: Tahawul Tech