Choosing the right locations for telecommunications towers can require teams to analyse a wide range of information, from population patterns and network coverage to future demand and geographical conditions. EDOTCO Group is now using artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the process and accelerate network planning.
The telecommunications infrastructure provider developed its Network Planning & Analytics (NaPA) platform to bring planning, geospatial and operational information together in one system. This allows planners to identify coverage gaps, evaluate potential tower sites and compare different network rollout options without having to rely on multiple separate reports.
A major development came with the introduction of NaPA GPT, an AI-powered conversational interface built on Microsoft Azure. The system enables planning teams to interact with the underlying data using natural language, making it easier to obtain insights without requiring lengthy data preparation.
Previously, teams could rely on EDOTCO’s Data Science team to prepare the necessary datasets before analysis could begin. More complicated requests could take anywhere between three days and a week to complete.
With NaPA GPT, planners can now submit queries and receive a ranked shortlist of potential network investment areas within minutes based on predefined criteria. They can also refine the results through follow-up questions, such as asking the system to prioritise locations near transport corridors or areas experiencing rapid development.
The platform uses technologies including Azure Container Apps, Azure Blob Storage and Azure Generative AI. Meanwhile, NaPA also enables selected government agencies to access customised dashboards featuring infrastructure-related data.
EDOTCO Group Director of Engineering Technology & Innovation Pradeep De Almeida said the company’s aim was to use AI to transform how network planning is carried out, allowing teams to spend less time collecting and navigating data and more time assessing future investment opportunities.
Looking ahead, EDOTCO is exploring further applications including predictive planning, what-if simulations and AI-assisted recommendations for network investments. The technology could also potentially support regulatory planning and smart city development as the company expands its use of AI.
