In an interview with CNBC-TV18 during the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Ekudden emphasized that the emergence of agentic AI—where multiple AI agents collaborate across intricate workflows—will significantly transform network traffic patterns, necessitating a reevaluation of telecom network design, construction, and operation.
“When agents start communicating with one another to craft larger solutions, significant change occurs,” Ekudden remarked. “A single workflow might encompass dozens or even hundreds of agents interacting at once. This fundamentally alters the characteristics of network traffic.”
From applications to infrastructure
Up until now, the AI narrative has largely focused on task automation or enhancing productivity within organizations. Ekudden contends that agentic AI signifies a transformative shift—linking systems from end to end, rather than merely optimizing isolated functions.
This transition has direct ramifications for telecom networks. Rather than primarily one-directional traffic—like content moving from the cloud to users—agentic AI facilitates constant, multi-directional data exchanges among devices, sensors, wearables, and cloud-based AI systems.
“Will AI traffic exclusively flow downwards, from an AI agent to a device or AI glasses?” Ekudden questioned. “Or will it also include substantial data being transmitted from sensors and devices upward to the cloud? In truth, it will be both—and that requires a complete transformation in network infrastructure.”
The emergence of the ‘intelligent fabric’
Ekudden suggested that agentic AI will render networks significantly more “communicative,” with ongoing interactions among machines. This necessitates what he refers to as an “intelligent fabric”—networks capable of dynamically understanding, prioritizing, and managing various types of traffic in real time.
“Not all traffic carries the same weight,” he stated. “Networks must incorporate awareness and intelligence to optimize performance, latency, and reliability based on specific use cases.”
Ericsson is already progressing in this direction through AI-enhanced autonomous 5G networks. These systems leverage built-in AI to enhance performance, minimize energy usage, and expedite service deployment—capabilities that will grow increasingly vital as agentic AI expands.
The significance of 5G
Though the industry often positions agentic AI as a future concept, Ekudden affirmed that the groundwork is being laid today via 5G standalone networks. AI-optimized 5G, he noted, provides the low latency, high reliability, and robust uplink performance essential for AI-driven workflows.
“You don’t have to wait for 6G to reap the benefits of AI,” Ekudden remarked. “AI-enabled 5G is already delivering substantial value and serves as the foundation for future developments.”
As agentic AI applications proliferate across various sectors—from smart manufacturing and logistics to transportation and retail—the demand on networks will escalate, particularly regarding uplink capacity and responsiveness.
A clear trajectory to AI-native 6G
Looking ahead, Ekudden characterized the transition to 6G as an evolution rather than a disruption. The advancements made today with AI-enhanced 5G will seamlessly lead into AI-native 6G, where intelligence is embedded throughout every network layer.
“The journey toward 6G truly begins with 5G standalone today,” he asserted. “From that point, there is a smooth upgrade path as networks evolve to become more inherently intelligent.”
This evolution is crucial to facilitating large-scale agentic AI implementations, where networks need to function almost as active participants in digital workflows, as opposed to mere data conduits.
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Why this is significant for India and beyond
Ekudden highlighted that nations with advanced, scalable 5G networks—like India—are uniquely positioned to spearhead this transition. Extensive deployments create real-world testing grounds for new AI-driven network capabilities, which can be honed and commercialized.
For telecom operators worldwide, the takeaway is unmistakable: the value of networks in the AI landscape will increasingly rely on intelligence, programmability, and adaptability—not merely coverage or speed.
Below is an excerpt from the interview.
Q: AI remains a dominant topic at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos. CEOs are discussing their intended applications and investments. Ericsson has utilized AI in an embedded manner for several years. Can you share your experiences and insights for the future?
Ekudden: It’s essential to recognize that AI is already driving 5G networks today. Reflecting on discussions here in Davos, the focus has primarily been on AI ROI and diffusion. These are vital, as the most advanced companies are now seeing returns on their investments, and we’re witnessing more AI applications and agentic flows infiltrating enterprises. However, the critical conversation must connect to how AI reaches end users or how data flows from sensors. Advanced connectivity will be the cornerstone for AI’s future, and we’re only beginning that conversation.
Regarding AI in networks, we are already using AI to enhance user experience, reduce energy consumption, and expedite service delivery. Autonomous networks, particularly autonomous 5G networks, are effectively deployed in today’s leading systems.
Q: ROI is a key concern, and many companies are still questioning its viability. Are you experiencing returns yet?
Ekudden: We are seeing that, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have started early in our journey. AI in R&D is already yielding benefits, transforming how we develop systems. Developer experience is crucial for many talented engineers, especially those in India. This journey began many years ago, and over the past year, we are witnessing significant productivity gains, which is fantastic. Moreover, when we alter entire workflows—not just coding and testing but the entire process—it accelerates our ability to bring new products to market.
Q: The conversation around agentic AI has gained momentum, with many believing it could revolutionize various sectors. You are a firm advocate of this idea as well.
Ekudden: Absolutely, because this is the turning point where we can progress from automating simplistic tasks to integrating workflows. When agents begin communicating, developing larger solutions, that’s where significant transformation happens.
It’s worth noting its impact on digital infrastructure itself. Ericsson constructs mobile network infrastructures globally, handling 50% of the world’s traffic outside China. Therefore, understanding where AI traffic will flow is crucial. Will it merely be downlink traffic from an AI agent to a device, or will it also encompass data sent from sensors or AI glasses to the cloud? This shift will change traffic patterns and dictate how we design and build networks.
Thus, AI has a profound effect on networks, particularly agentic AI, which fosters a high level of interaction among countless agents. Consider a workflow involving dozens, or even hundreds, of agents communicating—this creates a fabric, a mesh of communication. I term it the intelligent fabric, as it must be aware of the traffic’s nuances. Not all traffic holds equal importance. This is the direction we’re moving with today’s 5G standalone systems, leading to an upgrade equipped with AI capabilities going forward.
Q: Although 5G is our focus, India is at the cutting edge of the transition to 6G. Before diving specifically into India, what does the progression from 5G to 6G signify in the AI landscape?
Ekudden: As mentioned, we are already embedding AI in networks to enhance user experience all the way through to customer service. Consequently, AI-powered 5G represents an essential opportunity for our customers as we transition towards AI in society. There’s no need to await 6G.
India has an excellent foundation, boasting one of the best and most extensive networks developed in the country. With a robust network suitable for AI, we can start creating AI-based services for society while also improving network functionalities.
The journey toward future 6G really initiates with 5G standalone today. AI-optimized 5G allows us to unlock these advantages and offers a relatively seamless upgrade path to AI-native 6G. It’s a progressive journey.
Q: Let’s discuss India. Ericsson has been a long-time proponent of the Indian market, partnering with numerous telcos, including Bharti Airtel. How has your journey been so far, and what implications does accelerating growth have for Ericsson’s plans in India?
Ekudden: Indeed, we have supported India for over a century, making it our second-largest market. Participating in the rollout of 5G at unprecedented speed has been a remarkable experience for both us and our clients. It now powers nearly all of India with 5G.
Looking forward, we anticipate that within the next five years, there will be over a billion 5G connections in India. The growth is exponential, and we project that around 79-80% of connections will utilize 5G shortly. This necessitates significant upgrades to networks, ensuring coverage across all regions, enhanced capacity, and improved uplink capabilities.
For us, engaging in India is paramount, as is collaborating within the Indian ecosystem with top clients both locally and globally. This provides us with valuable insights, allowing us to develop superior products and better serve our customers. Additionally, it connects us to a flourishing ecosystem of startups and universities that are utilizing improved networks to innovate AI applications—ranging from smart manufacturing to transportation and retail.
Furthermore, it enhances the value we create in India. While a robust network is essential for AI, programming that network is crucial for achieving optimal performance. Network programmability, APIs, and establishing a software layer atop the network that enterprises can leverage—these are initiatives we are actively pioneering in India. Collaborating closely with the Indian ecosystem and the government is vital to our mission.
As we move toward 6G, including the Bharat 6G initiative and government-led efforts, we are fully engaged in these development processes alongside our partners and customers. India has positioned itself well for a strong journey to 6G by maintaining one of the most formidable 5G networks today, progressing with AI-powered 5G, and then seamlessly transitioning to 6G. Their vision and plan are exceptionally robust.
Watch the accompanying video for the complete conversation.
