Page 5 - Connecting the Future How Connectivity and AI Unlock New Potential

Executive Summary

The transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot be realized without comprehen-
sive, resilient, and secure digital connectivity. As AI continues to reshape economies, governance,
and societies, this white paper, building on the 2024 International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
report “The State of Broadband: Leveraging AI for Universal Connectivity,” argues that high-quality
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network infrastructure is not just complementary but foundational to trustworthy and widespread
AI development. This paper explores the reciprocal relationship between AI and connectivity: AI
demands advanced digital infrastructure to function, while also offering powerful tools to optimize
and secure the very networks on which it depends. Without coordinated action, the uneven adop-
tion of AI risks reinforcing the global digital divide, leaving developing economies increasingly
behind.

1 Connectivity as a Prerequisite for AI

Chapter 1 outlines the critical role of physical and digital infrastructure in enabling AI systems. The
successful development and deployment of AI depends on robust networks – across backbones
and subsea cables (first mile), Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and fiber (middle and last mile), and
fixed wireless, Wi-Fi, mobile or satellite networks (last mile). These systems must be high-bandwidth,
low-latency, and resilient to disruption. Equally important are cloud services, data centers, and
edge computing systems that power real-time AI applications across sectors. Despite global gains,
infrastructure remains uneven: high-income countries have made significant advances to support
AI integration, while Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face major affordability and access gaps.

Policy Recommendations

1 Expand access to spectrum for wireless service, both licensed and unlicensed, and
invest in resilient physical infrastructure (fiber, wireless, cloud, satellite).

2 Encourage public-private partnerships to close middle and last-mile gaps.

3 Expand IXPs and reduce regulatory barriers to Internet Service Provider (ISP) compe-
tition.

4 Support diverse energy generation and faster permitting for AI-ready data centers.

5 Expand access to digital public infrastructure and workforce training.

2 AI Enhancing Connectivity

AI does not just rely on networks – it also improves them. Chapter 2 explores how AI can optimize
network performance, efficiency, and security. From real-time traffic routing and spectrum manage-
ment to anomaly detection and predictive maintenance, AI enhances network resilience, security,
and operational efficiency. This is particularly important in emerging markets, where intelligent
automation can compensate for gaps in staffing, infrastructure, and resources.

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