Nokia and UAE telco du announced on Wednesday that they have successfully completed a trial of Nokia’s AI and GPT-powered automation assistant designed to simplify and accelerate optical network expansions and operations, and improve network efficiencies.

Using Nokia’s WaveSuite AI, du’s engineering team were able to perform real-time network status queries, instantly retrieve accurate documentation, and plan future network evolution through a single natural language interface.

The result, says Nokia, was faster troubleshooting, fewer network errors, and a more efficient use of resources, with optical network planning streamlined by 50%, The solution also delivered 30% more efficient network designs during the trial.

Nokia said its WaveSuite AI solution aims to help telcos cope with rising demands for connectivity and bandwidth driven by the acceleration of data centre buildouts for the AI era, which themselves create challenges for network operators.

WaveSuite AI uses both classic and generative AI to provide insightful real-time network data, contextual assistance based on network information and an easy-to-use interface that improves productivity and reduces time-to-repair, said Ron Johnson, senior VP and GM of optical networks at Nokia.

“By simplifying planning, reducing tactical errors, making it easier to find answers in documentation and accelerating operations, and easing network operational processes, WaveSuite AI enables service providers to more rapidly deliver higher speed and more reliable services in a proactive approach,” he said in a joint statement.

“We designed and built more efficient networks in a fraction of the time by automating routine tasks and providing intelligent tools,” said Saleem Alblooshi, CTO at du. “Most importantly, this means our customers in the UAE will benefit from more reliable, SLA-backed connectivity for their mission-critical applications.”