Tag: telecom

As telecommunications providers race to modernize networks, enable 5G, and manage soaring data volumes, they also face unprecedented challenges – from tightening regulations and economic uncertainty to increasing customer churn and fraud. In this climate, artificial intelligence (AI) in telecommunications isn’t just a buzzword; it’s becoming a cornerstone for strategic survival and competitive differentiation. But the promise of AI is only as powerful as the data that fuels it and the decisions it enables. In this blog post, we explore the pressing challenges telecom providers face, including the evolving economic and regulatory landscape, and how Experian’s telecom solutions are uniquely equipped to support telecom leaders using advanced analytics, data-driven decisioning, and fraud prevention solutions. The current state of telecommunications: a perfect storm Telecom providers are under pressure from multiple angles: Shrinking ARPU and rising competition Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) is declining in many regions as price competition increases and Over-the-Top (OTT) services continue to displace traditional service lines. In North America alone, mobile ARPU has dropped by more than 8% in recent years1. Customer experience expectations Modern customers expect seamless digital experiences. Yet, legacy systems and data silos often prevent real-time personalization and service optimization, increasing churn risk2. Regulatory scrutiny and data privacy Telecoms must comply with a complex web of data protection and privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, KYC, etc.) while also navigating policies around fair access, net neutrality, and cross-border data flow3. Fraud and credit risk The growing prevalence of synthetic identity fraud and account takeovers demands more robust, intelligent fraud prevention and credit risk strategies, especially in prepaid and postpaid customer segments. In 2023, synthetic identity fraud caused more than $2.6 billion in financial damage globally4. The role of advanced analytics and AI in telecommunications Against this backdrop, AI and telecommunications are becoming increasingly intertwined. By leveraging AI and advanced data analytics, telecom operators can move from reactive to proactive operations. This includes: Churn prediction and mitigation using machine learning. Network optimization through AI-driven traffic forecasting. Fraud detection via real-time anomaly detection models. Credit risk modeling with AI-powered segmentation. However, not all AI solutions deliver the same level of impact. For telecom providers, challenges like fragmented data ecosystems, model governance, and the need for explainable outcomes—especially in highly regulated environments – can limit AI’s full potential. Only Experian can: solving telecom’s data and decisioning challenges This is where Experian stands out. As a trusted leader in data and decisioning, Experian provides telecoms with scalable, regulatory-compliant tools that can help accelerate digital transformation. Purpose-built telecom solutions Our telecom solutions are designed specifically to address sector pain points like fraud, credit risk, and customer churn. Whether you're a traditional mobile network operator (MNO) or a disruptive MVNO, Experian can help you make smarter decisions—faster.'Our telecom solutions are designed specifically to address sector pain points like fraud, credit risk, and customer churn. Whether you're a traditional mobile network operator (MNO) or a disruptive MVNO, Experian can help you make smarter decisions—faster. Advanced analytics expertise Experian helps telecoms harness the power of advanced analytics to make sense of complex, high-volume data. From customer segmentation to behavioral modeling, our tools bring clarity and actionability that unlock new value from existing data. Predictive modeling solutions that drive results With our specialized predictive modeling solutions, telecoms can implement next-best-action strategies across acquisition, onboarding, and retention. These models are tested, explainable, and auditable—ensuring compliance while delivering ROI. Robust fraud and identity capabilities With rising fraud threats including synthetic identity and account takeovers, Experian can deliver AI-enhanced, layered fraud prevention strategies. Our tools detect anomalies in real-time, leveraging fraud analytics and behavior-based risk signals, helping you reduce losses without adding friction to the customer experience. Scalable, future-ready advanced analytics solutions Our full suite of advanced analytics solutions enables telecoms to future-proof their operations, ensuring they stay compliant while innovating faster than competitors. Data-driven innovation: use cases Here’s how telecoms are already seeing ROI with Experian: A leading North American communications company retained 30% of revenue by implementing Experian Optimize to improve the growth and retention of customers. A multichannel media company used Experian’s solutions to drive a customer-focused approach to campaign planning resulting in a 35% increase in customer revenue without increasing marketing spend. A European wireless telecom provider optimized collections allocations, segmenting customers by demographic and behavioral groups to provide a higher rate of reconnections. Results included a 10% increase in net customer value, a 15% increase in balance collected and a 9% increase in collections agency earnings. Navigating what’s next in telecom The future of AI in telecommunications is promising for providers who can bridge the gap between AI aspiration and execution. Telecommunication providers must not only adopt the right technologies but also partner with trusted data stewards who understand the regulatory, economic, and operational landscape. We’re that partner. At Experian, we help telecom leaders go beyond surface-level insights to power meaningful outcomes, whether that’s to drive smarter acquisition, stronger client retention and faster innovation. Our solutions are grounded in trusted data and measurable outcomes. The pressure on telecoms isn’t going away. But with the right AI-powered tools and data-driven strategies, providers can shift from playing defense to leading with innovation. Now is the time to rethink how you approach data, risk, and customer engagement. Ready to see how Experian can help your telecom organization unlock the power of AI and advanced analytics? Explore our telecom solutions or contact an Experian expert to start transforming your strategy today. Learn more Partner with our team

In today’s fast-paced world, the telecommunications industry is not just about connecting calls or sending messages. It’s about creating seamless digital experiences, especially when onboarding new customers. However, with the rise of digital services, the industry faces an increasing challenge: the need to mitigate fraud while streamlining the onboarding process.  The digital onboarding revolution Digital onboarding has transformed the way customers join telecommunications services. No longer are people required to visit a physical store or wait for lengthy paperwork. Instead, they can sign up for mobile, internet or TV services from the comfort of their homes, often within minutes. The convenience, however, has opened new doors for fraudsters. As the onboarding process happens online, the risk of identity theft, synthetic identity fraud and other fraudulent activities has surged. So, how can telecom companies provide fritctionless experiences while keeping fraud at bay? Mitigating fraud in telecommunications onboarding Know your customer (KYC) verification: Implement robust KYC solutions to verify the identity of new customers. This may include identity document checks, facial recognition or biometric authentication. Device and location data; and velocity: Analyze the device and location data of applicants. Does the device match the customer’s claimed location? Unusual patterns could signal potential fraud.  Behavioral analysis: Monitor user behavior during the onboarding process. Frequent changes in information or suspicious browsing activity may indicate fraudulent intent.   Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI): Leverage AI/ML algorithms to detect patterns and anomalies humans might miss. These technologies can adapt and evolve to stay ahead of fraudsters.   Document verification: Use document verification services to ensure that documents provided by customers are genuine. This can include checks for altered or forged documents. Industry data sharing–consortia: Collaborate with industry databases and share fraud-related information to help identify applicants with a history of fraudulent activity or reveal patterns. The balancing act While it’s crucial to mitigate fraud, telecommunication companies must strike a balance between security and a seamless onboarding experience. Customers demand a hassle-free process, and overly stringent security measures can deter potential subscribers. By combining advanced technology, behavioral analysis and proactive fraud prevention strategies, telecom companies can create a secure digital onboarding journey that minimizes risk without compromising user experience. In doing so, they empower customers to embrace the convenience of digital services while staying one step ahead of fraudsters in today’s interconnected world.  Learn more about Experian and the telecom industry Learn more about our fraud and identity solutions

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you are undoubtedly aware that the 4G ship has sailed into port. The 4G network is a completely different technology as compared to 3G, the network it is replacing. 3G was fast, but 4G will set the world on fire. It’s kind of like the difference between a farm tractor and a Lamborghini. Rather than just being able to check email and (slowly) surf the net (as with 3G), 4G users will be able to watch live television and rip through online content like nobody’s business. So what does this mean for communications companies? Change device, change carrier? The big question for wireless providers is whether or not customers will change carriers as they upgrade to new, 4G-supported devices. The simple answer is, it depends. Customers who are currently under contract will not likely jump ship for the simple fact that it will cost too much. For example, let’s say I want to upgrade five devices. I can probably buy these less expensively by changing carriers (due to attractive introductory offers). However, if I have to cancel three contracts prior to term end to do it, it may cost me upwards of $1,000—probably more than I can save by changing carriers. For customers who are at the end of a contract term, upgrading to 4G presents a golden opportunity to change providers, if that’s something they’ve been considering. Wireless providers will obviously need to contact these customers well before their contracts are up and make them an offer they simply can’t refuse. Other concerns for wireless providers Obviously, key players in the market have invested a significant amount of money to develop the 4G infrastructure, and sooner or later they’re going to want to recoup those costs. Introductory offers will motivate many to upgrade to 4G, but will all these new/upgrade customers be able to pay the higher monthly bills that will likely come with their new 4G devices? While locking in all these new contracts will positively affect sales quotas, it will be more important than ever to assess these customers’ cash flow situations and credit-worthiness, so they don’t end up negatively affecting the bottom line. Concerns for other telecommunications companies One other interesting aspect to consider is this: With a 4G device, consumers can effectively create their own “hot spot.” So the question is, just as many people are dropping their landlines in favor of wireless, will 4G device users decide to drop their Internet providers? How about their cable television service? I intend to revisit this topic in 3-6 months to see whether early 4G adopters are in fact jumping to different carriers and/or dropping other services. What do you think might happen as 4G becomes the new normal? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.