AI Needs Stronger Networks: COAI Chief on India's Telecom Future

AI's growth will depend on more than data centres and AI models. Telecom networks, spectrum availability and reliable connectivity will be critical to supporting India's AI ambitions, says Lt Gen Dr S.P. Kochhar, Director General of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), in an interview with ET AI at India Mobile Congress 2026.Kochar discusses the telecom industry's demand for additional spectrum, the role of edge computing and network slicing in 6G, and the cybersecurity challenges emerging as AI becomes more widely deployed.