With cloud and AI, IBM broadens 5G deals with Verizon and Telefonica

submited by

Style Pass

2021-06-28 06:30:08

A man stands near an IBM logo at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 25, 2019. REUTERS/Sergio Perez/File Photo

BARCELONA, June 28 (Reuters) - IBM (IBM.N) will offer telecom operators Verizon (VZ.N) and Telefonica (TEF.MC) new services ranging from running 5G over a cloud platform to using artificial intelligence, the U.S. technology company said on Monday.

Big technology players such as Microsoft (MSFT.O) and Amazon (AMZN.O) are vying for a share of 5G revenue by offering telecom operators next-generation software tools.

IBM, using technology it obtained from buying software firm Red Hat, will offer the telecom operators cloud services to run their networks and assist them in selling products tailored to customers. No financial terms were disclosed about the tie-ups, which broadened IBM's existing partnerships with the two firms.

A cloud platform uses software instead of physical equipment to perform network functions, helping telecom operators build 5G networks faster, reduce costs and sell customised services.