stc group publishes white paper on AI-native core network by 2030
stc group, which describes itself as Saudi Arabia's leading digital enabler, has released an AI Native Core Network White Paper at Network X 2026. The paper outlines how the group plans to evolve towards an AI-native telecom network by 2030.
- stc group released its AI Native Core Network White Paper at Network X 2026.
- The company plans to evolve towards an AI-native telecom network by 2030.
- The approach covers AI-native infrastructure, network functions and autonomous operations.
- stc group says the goals are faster fault recovery, more efficient resource allocation and less manual intervention.
- The group aims to support 5G-A and 6G applications and AI agents.
What the white paper sets out
According to stc group, the paper explains how the company aims to embed AI directly into the design and operations of its network. The goals are to support emerging digital services and improve reliability.
The group is upgrading its core network, the part of the infrastructure that manages user connections and delivers communications services. By integrating AI deeply into this layer, stc group says it wants the network to adapt to changing service requirements and to resolve issues with less manual intervention.
The paper sets out an approach that spans three areas:
- AI-native infrastructure
- network functions
- autonomous operations
It details how the group plans to develop the infrastructure needed to run AI, embed intelligence within network functions and automate more operations.
Why networks are becoming more complex
The white paper points to advances in AI and 5G-Advanced, described as the next stage of 5G, as drivers of growing network complexity. Services such as AI-enabled calling and immersive communications require faster, more responsive connectivity.
AI agents, which the release defines as software systems that carry out tasks on users' behalf, add another demand. According to the paper, networks need to coordinate communications and computing resources around each task.
stc group says its approach would help the network allocate resources more efficiently and recover from faults faster. Engineers, in turn, could focus on service improvement and oversight rather than routine operations.
What it means for stc group and the industry
stc group calls the release of the white paper "an important milestone" in its network evolution. The company says it is building a scalable foundation for future AI services, AI agents, intelligent interaction scenarios, and next-generation 5G-A and 6G applications.
Building on its existing investments, the group says it aims to improve network reliability and support the next generation of digital services. It also states an ambition to accelerate the industry's transition from Cloud Native to AI Native networks.
The announcement is a statement of direction rather than a product launch. The release gives no investment figures, rollout phases or interim dates beyond the 2030 target.
stc group offers digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), digital payments, digital media and digital entertainment. It comprises 13 subsidiaries across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.
PR Newswire: stc group unveils its vision for AI-native networks at Network X 2026
