By 2026, we aim to speed up 5G, improve rural access, and strengthen cybersecurity: Airtel Business CEO

The convergence of AI, IoT and 5G is transforming India's telecommunications, particularly for enterprises upgrading digital infrastructure. Telecom providers must prioritise security and efficiency while balancing innovation with tangible outcomes. In an interview with TechCircle, Sharat Sinha, Director and CEO of Airtel Business, the B2B arm of Bharti Airtel, explains how Airtel Business is leveraging technologies such as 5G IoT and AI to enhance operational efficiencies. He also discusses how Airtel Business is embedding security into every layer of the digital ecosystem and outlines the company’s technology roadmap. Edited experts.

What technologies are you most excited about in the telecom sector at present?

At Airtel Business, we are excited about the convergence of 5G, AI, and IoT, transformative tools reshaping enterprise operations. We're particularly enthusiastic about AI's evolution toward intelligent orchestration. AI is embedded across our platforms, like Airtel IQ's fraud detection and our AI-driven Spam Protection enhances communication reliability and security. In Airtel IoT solutions, AI and analytics improve energy management through automation and predictive maintenance, optimising energy use and reducing downtime. Private 5G networks enable latency-sensitive operations, exemplified by our industry collaborations driving a shift from proof-of-concepts to full-scale transformation.

Which areas in technology will be your focus this year and why?

Airtel Business is focused on AI, cloud, IoT, and cybersecurity to enable seamless digital transformation with robust security. We're investing in generative AI for predictive engagement, real-time 5G communications, and intelligent fraud detection. Our IoT solutions are redefining logistics and fintech, with transformative potential in manufacturing, BFSI, healthcare, and automotive. AI is utilised in our data centres for predictive maintenance and energy optimisation. Security offerings like Airtel Secure Internet and Secure Digital Internet combine AI-powered threat detection with Zero Trust Architecture for comprehensive protection.

How is Airtel Business leveraging technologies such as 5G and AI to enhance operational efficiencies for businesses?

The integration of 5G and AI is poised to revolutionise enterprise solutions, enhancing productivity, customer experiences, and sustainable growth. Our partnership with Google combines connectivity and AI to develop industry-leading AI/ML solutions trained on large datasets, accelerating generative AI deployment to unlock problem-solving potential. Airtel IQ Spam Protection, an AI/ML-based platform, detects and prevents fraudulent messages. We are the first data center in India to deploy AI for predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, and streamlined operations. Converging AI and 5G can drive digital transformations across industries with improved security and automation.

How is Airtel Business employing AI algorithms to assist organizations in mitigating cyber-threats?

Airtel Business leverages advanced AI algorithms to monitor customer networks in real time for irregular activities and potential vulnerabilities, providing real-time protection. Our i-SOC actively monitors networks 24/7, utilising AI-driven threat intelligence and Machine Learning to detect and reduce cyber-threats. AI-powered orchestration tools enable continuous automated threat detection, response, and mitigation, enhancing cybersecurity effectiveness and reducing response time. AI is also used for proactive network management, ensuring secure connectivity. These initiatives provide robust, adaptive, and AI-enhanced cybersecurity frameworks. Furthermore, Airtel Secure Internet and Secure Digital Internet provide end-to-end protection by integrating advanced firewalls or cloud-based security using Zero Trust Architecture, reducing attack surfaces and simplifying security management.

How are Indian enterprises tapping Airtel’s IoT platform for real-time connectivity?

Indian businesses are leveraging Airtel's IoT platform to drive real-time connectivity and digital transformation. In the automotive industry, our IoT solutions enable real-time analytics on driving patterns, enhancing safety features. In fintech, we've partnered with leading companies to develop voice-enabled smart speakers and sound boxes for instant payment confirmations. We also contribute to the National Smart Grid Mission, providing connectivity for smart metering. In manufacturing, our Industry 4.0 IoT solutions monitor equipment, predict maintenance, reduce waste, and prevent material theft. Our Smart Energy Management solutions lower energy costs, track emissions, and enhance ESG compliance.

What impact do solutions like Airtel IQ's cloud and AI integration have on business communication trends? Can you tell us about its enterprise adoption?

Customer experience is a key differentiator. Airtel IQ is a transformative suite of cloud-based communication solutions that streamline customer interactions across multiple channels via AI and automation. Airtel IQ Spam Protection employs AI/ML algorithms to proactively filter spam, enhancing customer engagement and safeguarding trust. Airtel IQ Business Connect powered by Vonage integrates calling, SMS, and WhatsApp into a unified interface, eliminating communication silos and enhancing customer engagement. This solution integrates with existing enterprise systems without additional hardware investments.

Are you planning to expand in the next year by hiring new talent or upskilling existing employees?

We are focused on attracting top talent and empowering our existing workforce with future-ready skills. We offer structured training in cloud computing, 5G, cybersecurity, data analytics, and AI through internal programs and partnerships. We also emphasize leadership development and cross-functional learning to build an agile workforce.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how far along is your organisation's digital transformation journey, and what contributed to that score?

Airtel Business is at a 9 in its digital transformation journey. Initiatives like voice-activated AI assistants, blockchain exploration for secure billing, and 5G and cloud communication integration stem from a customer-first approach and strategic collaborations, positioning us as a telecom innovator. We've progressed significantly in AI-driven communication platforms (e.g., Airtel IQ Spam Protection), cybersecurity innovations (Airtel Secure Internet and Secure Digital Internet), IoT and smart infrastructure (IoTHub for smart metering), and 5G integration. We continue to innovate, expand AI and IoT capabilities, and enhance cybersecurity frameworks.

When looking at evolving customer needs, which key technology areas do you see a need to improve?

We recognise the need to improve 5G connectivity, AI-enabled security and data centres, cloud-native applications, and integrated insights. We are extending our 5G network, utilising AI in Security Operations Centers and data centres, embracing cloud-native approaches, and integrating AI and analytics for personalised customer interactions.

What is your tech roadmap for the next 12-18 months?

Over the next 12–18 months, we are focused on integrating generative AI into platforms like Airtel IQ, accelerating 5G deployment, expanding rural connectivity, and strengthening our Zero Trust Architecture-based cybersecurity frameworks. These initiatives support the evolving needs of Indian enterprises.