Davos 2026: India has opportunity to transition from AI-powered 5G to AI-native 6G, says Ericsson’s Erik Ekudden

As the World Economic Forum 2026 concludes in Davos, discussions about Artificial Intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly compelling. Erik Ekudden, the Chief Technology Officer of Ericsson, shared his insights with Business Today, highlighting the transformative potential of AI beyond traditional data centers. Ekudden noted that AI is already instrumental in enhancing 5G systems, and he sees a significant opportunity for India to evolve towards an AI-native 6G framework. "There is an opportunity to make a further evolution from AI-powered 5G to that AI-native 6G," he explained. He pointed out that India is leading the way with its enhanced 5G initiatives, paving the path for a thoughtful introduction of 6G. With projections of India reaching nearly one billion 5G subscriptions within the next five years, Ekudden expressed optimism about the country’s role in shaping future connectivity. He stated, "India’s preparations for 6G will serve as a confidence booster on a global scale," emphasizing that if advanced AI-native technology can thrive in India's diverse and densely populated environment, it could set a precedent for global adaptation. He highlighted the booming connectivity landscape in India, mentioning the importance of managing various service categories autonomously within the network. AI, he noted, is unlocking new revenue opportunities for telecom operators, allowing for faster business operations, the creation of new network slices, and tailored experiences for applications and enterprises. Ekudden further underscored India's pivotal role in not only addressing connectivity challenges but also in transitioning towards a sophisticated, autonomous "intelligent fabric." As part of its commitment to this evolution, Ericsson is expanding its services in India, including the establishment of a new Research & Development unit in Bengaluru, aimed at advancing 5G and 5G Advanced capabilities.