Canada just got a little smarter — at least when it comes to mobile networks. TELUS and Samsung have teamed up to roll out the country’s first AI-powered Radio Access Network (RAN) Intelligent Controller, a bit of telecom jargon that basically means your phone signal will soon be managed by artificial intelligence. AI-powered 5G network Canada

So what’s the big deal? Traditionally, networks run on a lot of hardware, human oversight, and pre-set rules. With an AI-powered RAN controller, the network becomes more like a living system. It can predict traffic spikes, spot anomalies before they become outages, and even power down equipment during quiet hours to save energy. That last part isn’t just good for TELUS’s bottom line — it helps reduce the carbon footprint of running sprawling 5G infrastructure.

The technology comes from Samsung’s CognitiV Network Operations Suite, which TELUS is plugging into both its older hardware-based setups and its shiny new virtualized and Open RAN deployments. In plain English: it works across the board, and it’s flexible enough to handle equipment from different vendors.

For customers, this could mean smoother video calls, fewer dropped connections at big events, and a network that feels more reliable day to day. For TELUS, it’s also about future-proofing. Open RAN and AI give operators freedom from single-vendor lock-in and allow them to run new apps on top of their networks — think load balancing tools or energy-savers — without waiting years for the next big equipment refresh.

“AI will help us enhance customer experiences and optimize how our network runs,” said Bernard Bureau, TELUS’s VP of Wireless Strategy, highlighting that this rollout also plays into “responsible sovereign AI development” — in other words, keeping Canadian data and decision-making close to home. Samsung, meanwhile, sees this as proof that its AI-driven network software is ready for primetime outside of the lab.

Of course, the proof will come once this system is running nationwide. AI can be powerful, but it can also misstep if predictions go wrong. The real test will be whether TELUS can show tangible gains: faster speeds, lower costs, and greener operations without hiccups.

Still, being first in Canada gives TELUS bragging rights — and a head start. As global operators increasingly leverage AI to manage complex 5G networks, this move positions TELUS as one of the early leaders in what many insiders view as the inevitable next phase of telecom: smart, self-optimizing networks.

For Canadian consumers, it may not be something you notice right away — but the next time your streaming marathon doesn’t buffer during rush hour, you might just have an AI quietly working in the background to thank.