Traditional telecom companies are positioning themselves as key players in the development of cutting-edge digital sovereignty solutions, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. At a recent AI conference, industry leaders emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Mirko Bibic, CEO of Bell Canada, highlighted the significance of digital sovereignty, defining it as a digital economy that isn't controlled by external forces. He emphasized that his company is fully invested in the AI space and sees digital sovereignty as a critical component of its work in AI. Bibic noted that Bell's AI Fabric project, which aims to create the largest AI compute project in Canada, is a key part of this effort.
Telus, another major telco, has announced the launch of Canada's first fully sovereign AI Factory. Jaime Tatis, senior vice-president and chief AI officer at Telus, described the AI Factory as an extension of the company's decades-long work in building technical infrastructure for the country. This development underscores the telco industry's commitment to innovation and its role in shaping the future of AI.
The concept of digital sovereignty is gaining traction globally, with other regions also exploring its implications. For instance, the Africa Premier AI Conference 2025 emphasized the need for digital sovereignty and inclusive innovation in Africa's digital future. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of digital sovereignty will only continue to grow.
