According to Mavenir, a key element of the offering is a token-based charging model that allows telcos to bill AI usage through mechanisms similar to those already used for traditional telecom services
In sum – what to know:
AI monetization – The platform is designed to help operators package and bill AI services using token-based consumption models similar to existing telecom charging mechanisms.
Hybrid deployment – Operators can run AI workloads on-premises using their own models while selectively connecting to external frontier models when needed.
Operator role – The initiative reflects a broader effort by telecom operators to move beyond connectivity and participate more directly in the AI value chain.
Mavenir and Red Hat have introduced a joint AI platform aimed at helping telecom operators deploy, manage, and monetize AI services using infrastructure under their control.
Mavenir said that the new platform combines its AI software capabilities with Red Hat’s AI and Kubernetes-based infrastructure technologies. The offering is intended to support operators that want to offer AI services to consumers and enterprises, while maintaining control over data, billing, and service delivery.
According to the companies, the platform supports on-premises deployment and allows operators to run their own AI models, including small language models (SLMs), while also connecting to external frontier models through policy-based controls when more advanced capabilities are required.
Mavenir also said that the platform can be used in three different ways. Operators can offer AI services directly to subscribers, provide AI infrastructure and tooling to enterprise customers, or deploy the platform as part of broader AI infrastructure initiatives and AI grid environments.
A key element of the new offering is a token-based charging model that allows telcos to bill AI usage through mechanisms similar to those already used for traditional telecom services. Mavenir and Red Hat argue that this approach could enable operators to introduce AI consumption plans and usage-based pricing models without fundamentally changing their existing business support systems.
The platform relies on Red Hat OpenShift and Red Hat AI technologies, while incorporating Mavenir’s software for model orchestration, charging, service assurance, and AI operations management.
The launch comes as telecom operators continue to evaluate how they can generate revenue from AI beyond internal network automation and operational efficiency initiatives. While many operators have invested in AI infrastructure, identifying sustainable commercial models remains a challenge across the industry.
One implication of the Mavenir-Red Hat approach is that it positions operators as potential AI service providers rather than simply connectivity providers. By integrating AI usage metering, billing, and service assurance into a single platform, operators may be able to offer managed AI services to enterprises using existing customer relationships and support structures.
The announcement also reflects a growing industry focus on data sovereignty. Many operators, particularly in Europe, are exploring ways to deploy AI services while maintaining greater control over customer data and model governance. At the same time, questions remain about whether telecom operators can successfully differentiate their AI offerings from those already available through hyperscale cloud providers.
“Operators are watching AI revenues flow to hyperscalers and third-party platforms while they provide the connectivity that makes it all possible. This changes today. The Integrated AI Platform developed in collaboration between Mavenir and Red Hat gives operators the infrastructure to become AI service providers in their own right. Operators gain sovereign control over models and data, token-accurate monetization that integrates with their existing BSS, and the service assurance to back their own managed AI services with contractual SLAs,” said Bejoy Pankajakshan, chief technology and strategy officer at Mavenir
Mavenir is best known as a supplier of software platforms for telecommunications operators. The company provides software for mobile core networks, Open RAN deployments, network automation, messaging, digital services, and cloud-native network infrastructure.
While Mavenir is positioning operators as future AI service providers, analysts say success will depend on access to AI infrastructure and the ability to move beyond traditional connectivity services.
Dimitris Mavrakis, senior research director at ABI Research, told RCR Wireless News that token-based AI business models are already emerging in some markets.
“This business model is already commercial in China, where all three mobile operators [China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom] are now bundling tokens with their monthly subscription plans. They have different business models regarding tokens, ranging from self-hosted models to AI model marketplace,” he said.
Mavrakis also said operators that want to offer AI services will need access to AI inference infrastructure, either through their own GPU deployments or partnerships.
“Any operator can succeed in this business, but they need access to token generation, which in this case would refer to AI inference servers. Deploying GPUs themselves would require a significant upfront investment and only Tier-1 operators would be spend the capital and effort to deploy these servers. For smaller players, there are alternative business models to offer token-based services, e.g. partnership with a neocloud or a hyperscaler,” the analyst added.
