10 Terms to Know Ahead of India Mobile Congress 2026, as AI-led evolution of telecom networks continues

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of the telecom network. It is moving beyond customer-facing use cases and into processes like network management, radio access, infrastructure, and security. This shift is expected to be a focus at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, to be held between October 7 and 10, at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi.

The IMC is billed as Asia’s largest digital technology forum for telecom, media, and technology (TMT) sectors. This year, it will include talks on AI-native telecom networks, Radio Access Network (RAN), autonomous and zero-touch networks, edge and cloud AI infrastructure, and network APIs.

For businesses, policymakers, and technology professionals who follow these sectors, knowing the terminology is getting crucial. Here are 10 terms that are likely to come up during the discussions at IMC 2026.

1. AI-RAN

AI-RAN stands for Artificial Intelligence Radio Access Network. RAN is the part of a network that connects users and devices to the wider network. AI-RAN means using AI and advanced computing inside this part of the network. This helps improve performance, make use of resources, and run operations more efficiently.

2. Intelligent RAN

Intelligent RAN means using AI and automation to make radio access networks react quickly to changes in network conditions. AI can look at traffic patterns and performance data. It helps operators decide how to allocate network resources based on real-time needs.

3. AI-native telecom networks

An AI-native network is built with AI and automation at its core. It does not simply add AI as a tool. Instead, AI becomes a central part of how the network operates, from optimisation and automation to security and decision-making.

At IMC 2026, “Unified Edge and Cloud: The Next AI Shift” will explore how intelligence is moving across edge and cloud environments, and what this shift means for the way AI-powered networks and services are designed, managed and scaled.

4. Network slicing

Network slicing lets a single physical telecom network be split into multiple virtual networks. Each slice can be set up for needs like high reliability, low latency or large numbers of connected devices. AI helps operators manage these slices by adjusting them based on traffic and service demands.

5. Digital twins

A digital twin is a copy of a physical system. In telecom, it can model network equipment and simulate changes before they happen on the live network. This allows operators to test configurations, spot problems early, and plan upgrades without disrupting services.

6. Agentic networks

Agentic networks use AI agents to carry out tasks related to the network. These agents work based on rules and goals. Instead of just detecting a problem, an AI agent can analyse what is happening, figure out the best response, and act on it. This idea ties closely to the industry's goal of building networks.

7. Zero-touch networks

Zero-touch networks aim to reduce the need for actions in network management. With AI and automation, networks can find faults, check performance, and even make some changes automatically. The goal is to make managing networks faster, smarter, and more efficient.

8. Edge AI

Edge AI means running AI processing where data is created, rather than sending all data to a central cloud or data centre. In telecom, this reduces delay and supports applications that need responses, like industrial automation, connected cars, and other real-time systems.

9. Network APIs

Network APIs let developers and companies connect to parts of the telecom network using software interfaces. These can include services for authentication, security, and checking network quality.

10. Sovereign AI

Sovereign AI refers to a country’s control over parts of its own AI system. This includes data, computing power, AI models, and supporting technologies. India’s push towards AI sovereignty is centred on building greater domestic control over the data, computing infrastructure, models, and technologies that power its AI ecosystem. At IMC 2026, conversations about control and telecom are part of the official agenda.

These terms show a bigger change happening in telecom. Networks are now more software-driven, with AI helping shape how infrastructure is planned, managed, and protected.

At IMC 2026, these ideas will be discussed along with 6G, cloud and edge computing, cybersecurity, semiconductors, network APIs and autonomous networks. The event will bring together technology firms, telecom operators, policymakers and others.
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