Samsung and TELUS Launch Canada’s First AI-Powered RIC Deployment
Samsung Electronics and TELUS have announced the launch of Canada’s first commercial Radio Access Network Intelligent Controller (RIC) — a major step toward fully software-based, AI-driven networks.
Samsung will provide its RIC solution as part of the Samsung CognitiV Network Operations Suite (NOS), featuring open multi-vendor support and a wide range of intelligent applications. This will enable TELUS to enhance automation, boost energy efficiency, and optimize wireless network performance nationwide.
What the RIC Brings to Canada
The RIC is a software-driven element of Open RAN (O-RAN) architecture, designed to use AI and automation to dynamically optimize network operations. It allows operators to:
- Deploy and manage diverse intelligent applications
- Continuously monitor and analyze performance
- Implement advanced energy-saving strategies
- Improve efficiency and deliver higher-quality services
This deployment builds on TELUS and Samsung’s February 2024 achievement of launching Canada’s first commercial virtualized and O-RAN network. With RIC integration, TELUS will now embed AI across network operations, driving efficiency and reducing costs.
Executive Perspectives
Bernard Bureau, Vice President of Wireless Strategy & Services at TELUS, said:
“This partnership aligns closely with our commitment to responsible sovereign AI development and will enable us to provide more personalized, efficient and sustainable services. Importantly, it also allows us to manage and optimize RAN equipment from multiple vendors through a single, unified platform, maintaining the diversity and flexibility that are core principles of O-RAN.”
Angelo Jeongho Park, EVP and Head of Global Sales & Marketing, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics, added:
“AI is ushering in a new era of possibilities, and vRAN is the best way forward on the path to AI-RAN. With TELUS, we are fueling the transition to a more intelligent and autonomous network.”
Samsung’s Intelligent RIC Capabilities
Samsung’s O-RAN compliant RIC works with both legacy hardware and virtualized networks, enabling TELUS to automate and optimize operations across its infrastructure. Intelligent features include:
- KPI Anomaly Detector (KAD): Proactively identifies performance issues
- RAN Anomaly Insight (RAI): Provides deep diagnostics and analysis
- Energy Saving Manager (ESM): Predicts traffic patterns and automates energy savings
- Load Balancing Manager (LBM): Optimizes resource use to enhance reliability
The solution supports Samsung’s own applications as well as third-party innovations, ensuring TELUS can take advantage of the best tools across the industry.
Deployment Roadmap
Samsung completed its initial software delivery in July 2025, with continued rollouts planned throughout the year. TELUS will conduct extensive testing in multiple Canadian markets as the system expands.
Building on Canada’s AI Momentum
Samsung has been contributing to Canada’s technology landscape for over 30 years and continues to advance AI innovation locally. Since launching the AI Centre Toronto (AIC-Toronto) in 2018, Samsung has played an active role in strengthening Canada’s global AI leadership.
About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a world-leading communications technology company operating in more than 45 countries and generating over $20 billion in annual revenue with more than 20 million customer connections through our advanced suite of broadband services for consumers, businesses and the public sector. We are committed to leveraging our technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. TELUS is passionate about putting our customers and communities first, leading the way globally in client service excellence and social capitalism. Our TELUS Health business is enhancing 157 million lives across 200 countries and territories through innovative preventive medicine and well-being technologies. Our TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods business utilizes digital technologies and data insights to optimize the connection between producers and consumers. Guided by our enduring ‘give where we live’ philosophy, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $1.8 billion in cash, in-kind contributions, time and programs including 2.4 million days of service since 2000, earning us the distinction of the world’s most giving company.
