The operator is working with AI-solutions provider Zinkworks to bring in automation to monitor network performance in real time and resolve potential problems before they affect users.

Thise builds on technology already used in Virgin Media O2’s fixed broadband network, where automation is claimed to have educed repair times by more than a third and cut engineer visits by 12 per cent. Similar results are expected from mobile deployment by preventing faults, reducing manual intervention and limiting call-outs.

The system predicts where issues could occur and triggers corrective action. It will be deployed across radio access and core infrastructure.

Jeanie York, chief technology officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Greater automation will help us predict and prevent issues and allow us to better spot and fix problems when they arise, reducing downtime and ensuring customers can trust us to deliver the dependable mobile experience they rely on.”

Paul Madden, CEO of Zinkworks, added: “operators are increasingly looking to deploy AI at scale to strengthen network performance and reduce outages”.

]]> https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/uncategorised/article/virgin-media-o2-and-zinkworks-to-plug-more-ai-into-the-network/feed/ 0 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/uncategorised/article/vodafone-boosts-invetsment-in-ai-automation-across-uk-and-europe/ https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/uncategorised/article/vodafone-boosts-invetsment-in-ai-automation-across-uk-and-europe/#respond Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:55:51 +0000 https://mobilenewscwp.co.uk/?p=179173 Vodafone and Irish AI network automation firm Zinkworks are developing an AI software platform to speed up the rollout of new network features across Europe. 

The project is part of Vodafone’s wider strategy to use AI and automation at scale to improve network performance and customer experience.

The system, called Rapid RIC, is designed to make Vodafone’s networks more reliable, energy-efficient and responsive to customer needs. It will enable engineers to launch new network apps, known as “rApps,” in weeks rather than months.

These apps can automatically spot and fix network problems, boost signal strength in busy areas, and switch off unused parts of the network to save power without manual upgrades to masts. Customers should see faster connections, fewer dropouts, and more consistent coverage, particularly in rural or high-demand areas.

The new platform is expected to go live early next year across Vodafone’s European markets. It uses Open RANtechnology, which allows operators to mix and match hardware and software from different suppliers.

Rapid RIC uses Generative AI to automatically create software code. Vodafone says this will cut development times by up to 70 per cent and reduce costs. An AI simulator will also test the apps to ensure they run smoothly.

The platform could eventually be offered to other telecoms companies. At launch, Vodafone plans to introduce two apps: One is an energy-saving app that automatically powers down unused network connections and reactivates them when needed. The other is a  performance-boosting app that fine-tunes signal settings for improved coverage.