Technology leaders gathered at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona focused on a central theme this year: the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming telecommunications networks and digital services.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event at the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via exhibition center, Abdu Mudesir, Board Member for Product and Technology at Deutsche Telekom, outlined how AI is already reshaping the telecom sector.
According to Mudesir, the next major shift involves integrating AI directly into telecom networks. “Artificial intelligence is moving into the network itself and becoming an intelligent companion for customers,” he said.
AI Integrated Into Live Phone Calls
One of the company’s latest innovations is the Magenta AI Call Assistant, which integrates AI directly into live phone calls.
Customers can activate the assistant during conversations to access real-time services such as translation, information retrieval, and everyday task support. The assistant works across all devices on the network and initially supports 30 languages.
Mudesir emphasized that telecom networks are evolving beyond simply connecting users. “Networks are no longer limited to linking two people. They actively support them during communication,” he explained.
AI Strengthens Network Infrastructure
Artificial intelligence also operates behind the scenes to improve infrastructure reliability.
A key example is MINDR, an intelligent system that predicts, detects, and resolves network issues automatically—often before customers notice them.
“AI works on two levels,” Mudesir said. “It helps customers directly while also strengthening the reliability of network infrastructure in the background.”
Greece’s Strategic Role in Telekom’s AI Plans
Mudesir highlighted the importance of Greece within the group’s broader AI strategy, where COSMOTE TELEKOMrepresents the company’s presence.
He described Greece as a market distinguished by innovation and an important part of Telekom’s technological development plans.
COSMOTE TELEKOM also plays a key role in the country’s digital transformation thanks to its strong technological infrastructure. The company recently became the first provider in Greece to commercially launch 5G Standalone networks, strengthening its leadership in next-generation connectivity.
Europe’s Digital Sovereignty
Another major theme at the congress involved Europe’s digital sovereignty, particularly in relation to cloud computing, AI infrastructure, and computing power.
To support this goal, Deutsche Telekom is investing in sovereign European cloud and AI infrastructure. One initiative includes the company’s AI Factory, designed to provide secure computing power to businesses, research institutions, and public sector organizations.
Mudesir stressed that reliable infrastructure is critical when AI controls real-time industrial systems such as manufacturing lines or logistics networks.
Voice Interaction and the Future of Technology
Telekom is also building a broader ecosystem around artificial intelligence through its Magenta AI platform, which debuted in Greece in 2025.
Mudesir believes AI will increasingly integrate into networks, products, and services while changing how users interact with technology.
“In the future, people will interact with AI more through voice rather than constantly looking at screens,” he said, describing speech as the most natural form of communication that simplifies technology.
Expanding Connectivity Through Satellite Partnerships
Telekom is also expanding connectivity through strategic partnerships, including cooperation with Starlink.
The collaboration will combine Telekom’s mobile networks with satellite connectivity to extend coverage across Europe, particularly in remote areas where traditional infrastructure is difficult to deploy.
The direct-to-device satellite service is expected to become available in Greece by 2028.
Telecom’s Next Challenges
Looking ahead to 2026, Telekom plans to focus on three key priorities:
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Integrating AI directly into telecom networks
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Expanding autonomous network capabilities
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Strengthening sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure in Europe
According to Mudesir, the company’s competitive advantage lies in combining strong connectivity, artificial intelligence capabilities, and global reach.
“The role of technology is simple,” he concluded. “It should empower people—not burden them.”
