The telecom infrastructure industry is at a turning point. With rising demand for data, the expansion of 5G networks, and the increasing complexity of managing thousands of tower sites, traditional operational methods are no longer enough. Tower companies must embrace digital transformation to remain competitive, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Artificial intelligence is proving to be a game-changer in this space, revolutionising predictive maintenance, asset management, and site monitoring.
Despite the clear advantages of AI and automation, many towercos still rely on outdated, manual processes. This slow adoption is not due to a lack of technology but rather industry inertia, skill gaps, and concerns about integrating new digital systems with existing infrastructure. However, those that are making the shift are already seeing tangible benefits, from improved fault prediction accuracy to enhanced energy efficiency. At TowerXchange Meetup MENA 2025 leaders gathered to discuss the next steps of the industry.
Digital transformation: the urgency to modernise
Telecom towers are critical infrastructure, but their management has remained largely unchanged for decades. Many operational activities still mirror the traditional aspects of the business, despite rapid technological advances. “Throughout this industry, there are still a lot of operational activities that are similar to 25 years ago,” noted Majid Al Kharoosi, Managing Director of Oman Tower Company. “We are all here to improve shareholder value, but optimisation of costs is equally important to drive business growth.”
One of the key drivers of digital transformation in the towerco sector is the need for cost optimisation. Rising energy prices, increasing site maintenance costs, and growing pressure to improve service reliability have forced towercos to rethink their strategies. Digital solutions, particularly AI and automation, provide the tools needed to enhance efficiency while reducing operational expenses.
Yet, the pace of change has been inconsistent. “It’s very apparent that many of the customers I’m talking to are considering digitising their assets, but the process is still incomplete,” said Kamlesh Patel, Chief Growth Officer at Truebyl. “They are still performing manual tasks—tasks that could be automated with minimal effort.”
AI in predictive maintenance: minimising downtime and costs
One of the most significant ways AI is transforming the industry is through predictive maintenance. Instead of following rigid, pre-scheduled maintenance routines or responding to equipment failures after they occur, AI-driven systems can monitor tower equipment in real time, identifying potential issues before they become critical.
By analysing vast amounts of performance data, AI can detect patterns that signal wear and tear, overheating, or power fluctuations. This proactive approach allows towercos to prevent failures, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of their infrastructure. “Anyone not using AI is going to struggle,” warned Allan Fairbairn, Director of Delivery, IT, and Business Excellence at Helios Towers. “AI can be applied across the entire value chain, from customer service to site management and beyond.”
Another major issue in tower management is undeclared or unauthorised equipment installed on sites. AI-powered image recognition technology can help detect and track assets, ensuring that towercos have accurate records of what is installed at each site. Kamlesh Patel highlighted the importance of first laying the groundwork: “Until you’ve digitised your operations, you can’t make something automated. The first step is ensuring your data and systems are in place—then you can evaluate the right software solutions.”
The rise of smart towers and edge computing
The next phase of telecom tower evolution is the emergence of smart towers, enabled by AI, IoT, and edge computing. Traditional towers function primarily as passive infrastructure, hosting antennas and telecom equipment. However, smart towers integrate digital technologies to improve energy management, security, and overall operational efficiency.
Edge computing, in particular, is playing a crucial role in this transformation. By processing data closer to the source—at the tower site rather than in distant centralised data centres—edge computing reduces latency and enables faster decision-making. This is especially beneficial for remote monitoring, allowing tower operators to assess performance, identify faults, and make real-time adjustments without requiring frequent site visits.
However, integrating AI and edge computing into existing operations is not always straightforward. “If operations outside the organisation—such as those with municipalities and mobile operators—are not digitised, then you may still need to provide old-fashioned services in certain areas,” Majid Al Kharoosi pointed out. This highlights the need for broader collaboration in the industry to ensure the full benefits of digital transformation are realised.
Overcoming challenges: skills gaps and integration hurdles
While the benefits of AI and digital transformation are clear, the transition is not without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles facing towercos is the shortage of digital skills within the industry. Compared to sectors like oil and gas, which have been early adopters of AI and automation, telecom infrastructure has been slower to build a workforce skilled in data analytics, machine learning, and automation. “The skills level in our sector is still evolving,” noted Allan Fairbairn. “We are behind oil and gas in terms of digital expertise, but the foundations are now being set for digital talent to join the sector.”
Another challenge is integrating AI with existing operational models. Many towercos operate in regulatory environments where legacy systems and manual processes are deeply embedded. Additionally, telecom operations often rely on external stakeholders such as municipalities, mobile network operators, and infrastructure partners. If these external entities are not equally digitised, it can create friction in the implementation of AI-driven solutions.
Leadership teams also play a critical role in shaping the digital transformation journey. “We’ve got processes that are suboptimal, so the real question is: how are we addressing it?” Fairbairn asked. “AI can help by freeing up time to focus on other things. Continuous improvement is key.”
The path forward: leadership and innovation
For towercos to fully unlock the potential of AI and digital transformation, leadership must play a proactive role in driving innovation. Many companies still operate with suboptimal processes simply because “this is how it’s always been done.” Modernisation requires a shift in mindset, where leaders prioritise efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
“Evaluate the software that’s available and determine whether it can fulfil what you need. There are solutions tailored to different business models, but you need to take that first step.” Added Patel. As AI continues to evolve, its capabilities will only expand. The towercos that invest in these technologies today will be the ones best positioned to adapt to future industry changes, whether in energy management, automated inspections, or new revenue models driven by digital infrastructure.
A smarter, more efficient future
The telecom infrastructure industry is moving towards a future where AI and automation will be at the core of operations. The transition may not be immediate, but the momentum is undeniable. From predictive maintenance to edge computing and smart towers, digital transformation is reshaping how towercos operate, making them more efficient, resilient, and profitable.
The key takeaway for towercos is simple: the longer they delay digital adoption, the more they risk falling behind. “Why is it taking so long?” Fairbairn questioned. “The technology is ready. The industry just needs to embrace it.” The tools and solutions are already available—the challenge is taking the first step towards a smarter, more connected future.
Conclusion: adapt or fall behind
The telecom tower industry is standing at a crossroads—one path leads to smarter, AI-driven operations, while the other clings to outdated, inefficient processes. The choice is clear. AI is not just a tool for optimisation; it’s a necessity for survival in an increasingly digital world. Those who embrace it will see reduced costs, improved efficiency, and a competitive edge. Those who hesitate risk being left behind, stuck in a cycle of rising expenses and reactive maintenance. The question is no longer if AI will reshape tower operations, but who will take the lead in this transformation—and who will struggle to keep up.
