stc Group unveils white paper on AI-native core network by 2030
stc Group, a Saudi Arabian digital services provider, has published a white paper titled "AI-Native Core Network" at the Network X 2026 conference. The document outlines how the group intends to move to an AI-based telecom network by 2030.
- stc Group published the white paper "AI-Native Core Network" at Network X 2026.
- The group plans to move to an AI-based telecom network by 2030.
- The approach covers AI-adapted infrastructure, network functions and autonomous operations.
- According to stc Group, the aim is higher reliability, faster fault recovery and less manual intervention.
- The foundation is meant to support AI agents and applications on 5G-A and 6G networks.
What the white paper sets out
According to stc Group, the white paper explains how the company plans to build artificial intelligence directly into the design and operation of its network. The aim is to support new digital services and improve reliability.
The group says it continues to expand network capacity so it can support AI-based applications and meet changing connectivity demands. It is also modernizing its core network, which manages user connections and delivers communication services. By integrating AI deeply into this infrastructure, stc Group wants the network to adapt to changing service requirements and to resolve problems with less manual intervention.
Why networks are becoming more complex
The white paper points out that advances in AI and 5G-Advanced, described as the next phase in the development of 5G, are making networks more complex. Services such as AI-powered calls and immersive communication need faster and more responsive connections.
AI agents, defined in the release as software systems that carry out tasks on behalf of users, also require networks to coordinate communication and computing resources for each individual task.
Three elements of the approach
To meet these demands, stc Group developed an approach that the white paper presents. It covers three areas:
- infrastructure adapted for AI
- network functions
- autonomous operations
The white paper describes in detail how the group plans to build the infrastructure needed to run AI, embed intelligent functions in network processes and automate further operational activities. According to the company, these capabilities would help the network allocate resources more efficiently and recover from faults faster, while engineers could focus on improving and supervising services.
What it means for the network and its users
stc Group calls the publication a significant milestone in the development of its network. In its view, it creates a scalable foundation for future AI services, AI agents, intelligent interaction scenarios and next-generation applications on 5G-A and 6G networks.
Building on its previous investments, the group says it aims to increase network reliability, support next-generation digital services and speed up the shift from cloud-native networks to AI-based ones. The release gives no timetable beyond the 2030 target and no performance figures.
stc Group describes itself as a digital services provider offering digital infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, internet of things (IoT), digital payments, digital media and digital entertainment. It consists of 13 subsidiaries operating in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.
