The convergence of AI and 5G is transforming industries, unlocking new capabilities in connectivity, automation, and real-time intelligence. As organizations navigate this shift, leaders must strategically invest in next-generation infrastructure while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Piyush Jain, a recognized thought leader and member of the Forbes Business Council, heads the strategy and consulting practice at Monitor Deloitte in Southeast Asia and serves as the TMT Industry leader for Deloitte’s Strategy, Risk, and Transaction services. With nearly two decades of expertise in telecom, media, and technology (TMT), Piyush has guided global enterprises through 5G deployments, AI-driven network optimization, and multi-billion-dollar telecom M&A deals.
“The intersection of AI and 5G is redefining how businesses operate and how consumers experience digital services,” Piyush explains. “Organizations that integrate these technologies effectively will lead the next wave of digital disruption.”
AI-Powered 5G Networks and the Future of Connectivity
The integration of AI in 5G networks is driving a shift from reactive to predictive and autonomous network management. Telecom providers are leveraging AI-driven automation to optimize network efficiency, enhance security, and manage bandwidth dynamically. With real-time intelligence, these advancements improve the quality of service (QoS) and enable network slicing, allowing carriers to tailor connectivity for industries such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial IoT.
Piyush played a key role in assisting one of the large telecom providers in South East Asia, in launching one of the world’s first 5G standalone (SA) networks. His expertise guided the client through 5G investment and business case development, regulatory licensing, and monetization strategy, while also structuring a joint venture for a shared network with a rival operator to minimize upfront capital expenditure. The project ensured nationwide 5G deployment while significantly reducing infrastructure costs.
“5G is more than just speed—it’s about building a resilient, intelligent, and scalable digital infrastructure that supports industries in real-time decision-making,” Piyush emphasizes.
AI and 5G: Enabling Intelligent Enterprises
As AI adoption accelerates, its integration with 5G-enabled edge computing is unlocking transformative capabilities across industries. Businesses are increasingly deploying AI-driven automation, predictive analytics, and hyper-personalized services, enhancing efficiency while reducing operational costs.
Deloitte’s Global TMT 2025 Predictions indicate that 25% of enterprises using Generative AI (GenAI) will deploy AI agents in 2025, a number expected to grow to 50% by 2027. Piyush, highlights the rapid adoption of AI-driven network automation and intelligent data processing as key drivers of 5G monetization. “The AI-first era will accelerate the need for hyper-personalized, latency-free experiences, making AI-optimized 5G networks essential,” he notes. “From edge computing to AI-powered cybersecurity, businesses must rethink their digital infrastructure strategies to remain competitive.”
Piyush sees AI’s role in 5G as a force multiplier, allowing enterprises to shift from centralized cloud computing to distributed intelligence at the edge. AI-powered network orchestration, cybersecurity, and autonomous service management will be critical in ensuring scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency as businesses embrace AI-led transformation.
The Investment Roadmap for 5G and AI
The rapid expansion of 5G infrastructure requires strategic capital allocation, as telecom operators balance high upfront costs with long-term profitability. Piyush has played a pivotal role in structuring major multi-billion-dollar telecom deals across Southeast Asia, ensuring that network investments drive sustainable revenue growth.
His recent work includes advising on the multi billion telecom mergers in Indonesia and Thailand, the total enterprise value of which exceeds $15 billion. In almost all these mergers the focus was to streamline operating model and underlying network and tech architecture to support the new mergeCo, and provide best in class customer experience using the merged co expanded footprint. His expertise in telecom Data Center, Towers and fiber transaction has also helped clients optimize infrastructure monetization, ensuring maximum investor returns.
Looking ahead, Jain expects the next wave of digital transformation to focus on AI-powered network slicing, enabling telecom operators to offer customized network services for diverse enterprise applications.
As global 5G investment surpasses $1.1 trillion by 2030, the companies that leverage AI for automation, invest in next-gen digital infrastructure, and build strategic technology partnerships will define the future of connectivity.
“5G and AI together are unlocking entirely new business models,” Jain concludes.
With industry pioneers like Piyush guiding this transformation, AI and 5G are set to redefine the global technology landscape, driving innovation, economic growth, and digital resilience.
The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and consultant and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the firms mentioned.