Leadership in 5G and Cloud Solutions
Esfandiari, with over 15 years of experience in the industry, is spearheading Oracle’s initiatives to create innovative solutions for 5G, IoT, and cloud networks.
Oracle’s Vision for Real-Time Communication
At the heart of Oracle Communications’ strategy is a dedication to enhancing crucial industries through real-time communication. Esfandiari articulates this vision: “Our ultimate goal is to facilitate real-time communication for essential sectors. In terms of network capabilities, we offer solutions fundamental to the 5G framework, encompassing policies, signalling, analytics, and automation.”
Target Audience and Product Range
Oracle primarily serves telecommunications providers and mid to large-sized companies looking to convert their voice networks to cloud-based systems. The company’s offerings include core 5G networks, real-time video and voice communication tools, and business support systems (BSS) that enable service providers to manage and monetize their networks efficiently.
The Significance of Instant Connectivity
The need for immediate connectivity is crucial across numerous sectors. Esfandiari emphasizes, “Industries such as healthcare, public safety, and hospitality are undergoing significant changes and rely heavily on real-time access.” She asserts that businesses require seamless, secure, and dependable communication, whether through cellular, satellite, or Wi-Fi networks.
AI and the Future of 5G
As discussions about advancing from 5G to 5.5G unfold, Esfandiari identifies AI as a crucial element in tapping into the full potential of next-generation networks. “5G is merely a technology on its own,” she explains. “However, it enables automation and AI-enhanced features essential for enterprise applications.” AI is intricately woven into Oracle’s communications technology, enhancing everything from network automation to voice and video functions.
Integrating AI in Communication
Esfandiari further elaborates on how AI enhances real-time communication, mentioning examples such as Vision AI for analyzing emergency response data and AI-driven automation for network operations. “To ensure AI effectively promotes automation, a cloud-native infrastructure is essential—and that’s where 5G plays a critical role,” she adds.
Data Analytics and AI
Moreover, Esfandiari underscores the importance of AI in data analytics. “Service providers possess vast amounts of data, whether it pertains to customers or network operations,” she states. “The main challenge lies in unlocking and utilizing that data to foster autonomous networks and AI-based decision-making.”
Barriers to AI and 5G Implementation
Despite the potential of AI-enhanced 5G networks, Esfandiari points out three significant hurdles that service providers encounter during implementation:
1. **Cultural Shift**: “Operators need to cultivate a DevOps and CI/CD mentality to transition towards zero-touch, autonomous networks, necessitating a fundamental cultural change in operations.”
2. **Data Strategy**: “Establishing an effective data framework is crucial. Service providers must collaborate with organizations that can assist in unlocking and effectively leveraging their network data.”
3. **Technological Transformation**: “While operators are skilled at assessing new technologies, the shift to AI-driven networks demands a comprehensive approach that integrates automation throughout the technology stack.”
Enterprise Applications and 5G Monetisation
A significant topic of conversation at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 was the monetization of 5G, an area where Esfandiari is heavily involved. “We believe that the monetization of 5G will primarily stem from enterprise applications rather than consumer-focused use cases,” she asserts. “The investments in 5G core networks are what will genuinely drive revenue growth.”
Oracle’s Strategy for 5G Monetisation
Oracle’s strategy for monetizing 5G revolves around enabling enterprise applications through its Enterprise Communications Platform (ECP). “We collaborate with major service providers like AT&T and Vodafone to incorporate 5G connectivity into sectors such as public safety and retail,” Esfandiari explains. “Ultimately, enterprises prefer to avoid network complexity and desire their applications to function effortlessly.”
Bridging IT and Telecommunications
For service providers, Oracle’s role is to connect the realms of IT and telecommunications. “We operate at the crossroads of these two domains,” Esfandiari remarks. “We leverage our extensive knowledge in automation, APIs, and AI insights to help operators discover new avenues for revenue.”
The Path Forward for 5G and AI Integration
Looking towards the future, Esfandiari believes that the advancement of 5G will continue to be shaped by enterprise applications and AI technology. “We have witnessed the rise of AI-driven autonomous networks at MWC, and this is merely the beginning,” she notes. “Operators who invest in 5G core infrastructure and AI-driven automation will be best positioned to harness the full potential of this technology.”
