New Delhi, Nov 8: Leading telecoms globally are deploying artificial intelligence (AI) across network operations, customer service, and fraud prevention to drive efficiency and reduce costs, according to a new report.

These initiatives are already contributing to EBITDA margin gains, with predictive maintenance and automated support systems leading the way, according to an IDC report.

AI also enables personalised offerings and dynamic pricing, boosting average revenue per user (ARPU) and reducing churn.

Fraud detection systems enhanced by AI are helping reduce losses, reinforcing customer trust and regulatory compliance. With AI accelerating time-to-market for new services, telecoms can better monetize emerging technologies like 5G and edge computing.

“In the longer term, as AI continues to evolve, it will be increasingly recognized not as a mere technological enhancement, but as a strategic enabler poised to drive sustainable growth for telecommunications operators,” said the report.

Meanwhile, worldwide spending on telecommunication and pay TV services is projected to reach $1,532 billion in 2025, representing an increase of +1.7 per cent year-on-year, according to the IDC report.

The latest forecast is slightly more optimistic compared to the forecast published earlier this year, as it assumes a 0.1 percentage point higher growth of the total market value.

The regional dynamics remain mixed, with inflationary effects, competition, and Average Revenue per User (ARPU) trends playing a central role in shaping market trajectories, said Kresimir Alic, research director, Worldwide Telecom Services at IDC.

The breakdown by telecom service type confirms that established trends remain intact, despite adjustments to overall market forecasts.

Mobile continues to dominate, driven by rising data consumption and the expansion of M2M applications, which are offsetting declines in traditional voice and messaging revenues.

Fixed data services are also expected to grow steadily, fuelled by increasing demand for high-bandwidth connectivity.

The global connectivity services market is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 1.5 per cent over the next five years, maintaining a cautiously optimistic outlook.

New Delhi, Nov 8: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that he held a cordial discussion with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on the sidelines of the ICC Board meeting held in Dubai on Friday, adding that there’s been willingness from both sides to break the stalemate over the Asia Cup trophy at the earliest.

The ongoing standoff over the Asia Cup 2025 trophy comes after India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, defeated Salman Agha’s Pakistan side by five wickets at the Dubai International Stadium to secure their ninth Asia Cup title.

But the post-match celebrations took an unbelievable turn when the Indian team opted not to accept the trophy or winner’s medals from Naqvi, the ACC Chairman who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“Yesterday, there were two meetings of the ICC. One is the formal board meeting and the other is the informal board meeting. There were two meetings and in both the meetings, I and the chairperson of PCB, Mohsin Naqvi were present.”

“But as it (the Asia Cup trophy issue) was not on the agenda of the ICC’s meeting, we made a request and the ICC facilitated a meeting between me and Naqvi on the sidelines of the board meeting.”

“We had a long meeting for about an hour and at the initiative of one of the very senior ICC board members, who’s a very senior person. So, they facilitated the conversation, and then the discussion between India and Pakistan happened yesterday at the ICC’s meeting place.”

“Mohsin Naqvi and I had a cordial discussion and we are trying to solve this problem. He will also be giving us some options, and we will also be giving up some options so that the stalemate can be broken at the earliest possible time,” said Saikia to Media on Saturday.

Before leaving for the ICC quarterly meeting in Dubai, Saikia had told Media about raising the grievance around the delay in the Asia Cup trophy handover despite a letter being sent to the continental body. It remains to be seen if a solution to the trophy handover issue comes in the next few days.

There were certain reports suggesting that a committee might be constituted to resolve the Asia Cup trophy impasse. Saikia, however, dismissed the speculation, stating that no such committee had been formed.

“That is totally incorrect news which is going on in the media. There is no truth in that news material. This is speculated news from some corners; I have no idea of this. But it is also news to me because it had not happened in that manner in the ICC’s meeting. I can assure you that,” he added.

Mumbai: A major infrastructure project in the Mumbai metropolitan region is making solid progress. The Ulwe Coastal Road, a six-lane, seven-kilometre corridor linking the iconic Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), has reached approximately 60 per cent physical completion, according to the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).

The corridor consists of a 5.80 km stretch of coastal road and a 0.90 km link road to the airport, forming a direct connection between the harbour bridge and the upcoming airport.

CIDCO’s vice-chairman and managing director emphasised that once completed, the link will not only decongest key roads such as Palm Beach Road, Amra Marg and National Highway-348 but will also strengthen connectivity to major economic hubs like the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and the Navi Mumbai Special Economic Zone (NMSEZ).

From a commuter’s perspective this is a positive development. The new route is expected to slash travel time dramatically between South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, which in turn could reduce daily stress for thousands of motorists and help streamline logistics for businesses relying on port and airport access.

The road’s advanced engineering features include prefabricated vertical drains, stone column reinforcement and rock fill from the airport site, all aimed at long-term structural stability.

In addition to structural strength the project is focusing on safety and sustainability. The corridor will feature energy-efficient LED lighting, smart traffic management systems and anti-crash barriers, which reflect a modern approach to urban road design.

While 60 per cent completion is commendable, residents, commuters and businesses will be watching keenly for the announcement of full commissioning. The smooth integration of this link into the broader transport network promises tangible benefits for mobility, economic growth and regional quality of life once the project is fully operational.