A specialized panel discussion titled “AI Networks,” held as part of the 30th edition of the Cairo ICT 2026 exhibition and conference, discussed ways to enable telecommunications service providers to improve the efficiency of intelligent network management and rationalize energy consumption, amidst emphasis on the importance of governance and digital security.
Experts and representatives of the telecommunications sector pointed out during the session the significant leap in digital infrastructure in the Egyptian market, explaining that the bandwidth capacity of data centers has increased dozens of times over the past year to meet the requirements of artificial intelligence technologies. Participants reviewed company experiences in reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency, as Etisalat Egypt confirmed achieving savings of about 7% in energy consumption in the first year, while Huawei Egypt indicated the success of its solutions in reducing about 25% of consumption and costs at some levels of network management.
Governance and the human element in network management
The session witnessed a consensus that artificial intelligence is no longer just a background auxiliary tool, but has transformed into a strategic partner in decision-making. However, company representatives emphasized the pivotal role of the human element; Dr. Ayman Amiri, Chief Information Officer at Orange Egypt, confirmed that the final decision remains human to use AI tools cautiously to avoid any catastrophic risks, explaining that securing networks is the company's top priority.
For his part, Engineer Ismail Saeed, Chief Technology Officer at Telecom Egypt, explained that digital transformation and network management using smart systems ensure they are highly free from human error, while Engineer Amr Fathy, Chief Information Officer at Etisalat Egypt, stressed that the governance of these technologies, security, and trust precede the expansion of 5G services.
The role of government regulation and service quality
Regarding regulatory bodies, Engineer Hossam Abdel Mawla, Vice President for Technical Affairs and Service Quality at the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), confirmed that quality measurements are not aimed at imposing fines but represent a collaborative system to monitor problems and find root solutions. He explained that the authority relies on indicators supported by artificial intelligence and the “G-Loc” system belonging to the emergency center to ensure that customers receive the highest value.
What does this development represent in practice? This discussion embodies the transition of the telecommunications sector in Egypt from the stage of adopting abstract technologies to the stage of sustainable operation, where the successes of artificial intelligence are measured by its direct ability to reduce huge energy bills that exceed billions, and secure infrastructure against increasing risks, while maintaining full human oversight to ensure the reliability of services provided to consumers.