Barcelona – The relentless march of artificial intelligence is already straining mobile networks, according to Nokia CEO Justin Hotard, who spoke at the opening of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on Monday. Hotard warned that mobile networks are facing unprecedented levels of traffic as AI applications become increasingly prevalent, describing the situation as “bursting at the seams.” The annual industry gathering, a key event for the future of mobile technology, is focusing heavily on the implications of AI for network infrastructure and the broader telecommunications landscape.
The challenge, Hotard explained, isn’t entirely latest. Mobile networks have consistently evolved to accommodate increasing demands, initially handling voice calls, then moderate data usage, and subsequently the bandwidth-intensive requirements of video and streaming services. Although, artificial intelligence represents a fundamentally different order of magnitude. “Now we have a new task, and that is artificial intelligence,” he said, emphasizing the necessitate for significant adjustments to existing infrastructure. Nokia, a leading provider of network equipment and services, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges.
AI Traffic Surging Across Mobile Networks
The scale of the problem is substantial. Hotard revealed that there are already 1.3 trillion AI sessions per year, a figure that is rapidly increasing. Crucially, more than half of these AI sessions are taking place on mobile networks, placing immense pressure on operators to expand capacity and optimize performance. This surge in AI-driven traffic is driven by a wide range of applications, from AI-powered assistants and image recognition to augmented reality and the burgeoning field of the Internet of Things (IoT). The demand for low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity to support these applications is only expected to grow.
Hotard’s keynote address, titled “Blueprints for the Intelligent Future,” is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4th, at 10:00-11:00 CET on the MWC Main Stage in Hall 4. The MWC Barcelona website details the session, which will explore the transformative impact of AI on technology, connectivity, and daily life, including advancements in mobile networks and the creation of new interconnected ecosystems.
A Structural Reset for Network Infrastructure
The implications of this AI-driven traffic surge extend beyond simply adding more bandwidth. According to reporting from RCR Wireless News, AI workloads require a “total structural reset” in networks. Traditional network architectures are not optimized for the unique demands of AI, which require massive data processing capabilities, low latency, and efficient resource allocation. This necessitates a shift towards more flexible, software-defined networks that can dynamically adapt to changing traffic patterns and application requirements.
Hotard, who was appointed Nokia’s President and CEO on April 1, 2025, brings extensive experience in the technology sector to the role. Prior to Nokia, he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Data Center & AI Group at Intel, where he oversaw a significant expansion of the company’s AI business. He similarly held leadership positions at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), including Executive Vice President and General Manager of High-Performance Computing, AI & Labs, where he led the development of the world’s first exascale supercomputer for the US Department of Energy.
The Role of Nokia in Addressing the Challenge
Nokia is actively developing new technologies and solutions to address the challenges posed by AI. This includes advancements in network virtualization, edge computing, and AI-powered network management tools. Edge computing, in particular, is seen as a critical enabler for AI applications, as it allows data processing to be moved closer to the source, reducing latency and improving performance. The company is also investing in research and development to explore new network architectures and protocols that are specifically designed for AI workloads.
The company’s focus extends beyond simply handling the increased traffic volume. Hotard emphasized the potential of AI to create immersive, real-time, and personalized experiences across various sectors, including sports, entertainment, and mobility. This suggests that Nokia is positioning itself not only as a provider of network infrastructure but also as a key enabler of the AI-driven innovation that will shape the future of these industries.
As Mobile World Congress continues, further details are expected regarding specific technologies and partnerships aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of AI into mobile networks. The industry is clearly recognizing that a proactive and strategic approach is essential to ensure that networks can keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of the AI era.
The next key event at MWC will be Justin Hotard’s keynote address on Wednesday, where he is expected to provide further insights into Nokia’s vision for the future of intelligent networks. Attendees and those following the event online can find more information and updates on the official MWC Barcelona website.
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