Leveraging 5G and generative AI in the public sector

As the public sector seeks to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency, the integration of advanced technologies like 5G connectivity and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is becoming increasingly crucial. Investing in both 5G and GenAI promises faster data analysis, streamlined processes, and expedited achievement of government objectives.

Accelerating data transfers with 5G networks

Training GenAI models requires managing vast amounts of data, necessitating networks with high bandwidth and low latency. A centrally managed 5G wide area network (WAN) enables government network administrators to harness the power of 5G, ensuring that each AI training exercise receives the necessary network support. This support might involve traffic steering to allocate sufficient bandwidth for AI training or link bonding to boost bandwidth for significant data transfers.

Alternatively, public sector organisations can deploy private 5G networks to provide dedicated bandwidth for each GenAI model during training. This approach ensures that AI initiatives have the necessary resources without impacting other critical network functions.

Real-time responses for public services

Once a GenAI model is deployed, or when personnel utilise general AI tools like conversational agents, the goal is to obtain real-time responses that support government missions. For example, AI-enhanced surveillance camera solutions are becoming commonplace for collecting actionable data, aiding in public safety and security efforts. Cameras can capture images, replicate the images into multiple data streams that are then processed through multiple AI enhancement tools – for example, one for registration plates, one for facial recognition, and one for traffic metering. These cameras require robust network support to transmit large volumes of video data efficiently, a need that 5G networks are well-equipped to meet.

5G, AI and edge computing

5G technology is poised to revolutionise edge computing, particularly in the realm of AI processing at the edge. As enterprises worldwide prioritise leveraging AI for strategic advancements, the demand for local AI processing and compute capabilities has surged.

Ericsson is collaborating with industry leaders in computing and AI to develop innovative edge AI solutions. Leveraging 5G connectivity, these solutions allow AI models to be deployed and run directly on-premise at enterprise sites, enabling smooth hybrid data processing across both edge and cloud environments. This advancement is critical for industries such as healthcare for example, where real-time decision making is essential.

Moreover, edge AI's integration with computer vision technology, enhanced by 5G, allows machines to interpret and analyse visual data locally, ensuring rapid responsiveness in applications like surveillance and quality control. By minimising latency and bandwidth usage and bolstering privacy and security, 5G-connected edge AI computing is set to redefine the landscape of edge processing, providing optimised solutions for operational technology (OT) environments and ensuring continuous operation even in areas with limited traditional connectivity.

Empowering IT administrators with virtual experts

GenAI-powered virtual experts can assist government IT administrators by providing real-time answers to complex network questions through natural language processing (NLP). In the past, resolving intricate network performance issues might have required consulting multiple technical documents or experts on cellular network performance. Now, AI-based virtual assistants can synthesise information from numerous sources, including typical behaviour of the network, delivering concise answers or graphical representations, thus saving valuable time for IT teams.

Enhancing network security with GenAI

The role of GenAI in network security is particularly significant for the public sector. Government networks face an unprecedented level of sophisticated cyber threats, with adversaries increasingly leveraging AI to enhance their attacks. This includes more targeted phishing campaigns and new forms of mass-produced malware.

To counter these threats, government agencies must employ GenAI tools in their cybersecurity strategies. AI can help detect anomalies, predict potential security breaches, and automate responses to mitigate risks, ensuring that critical infrastructure and sensitive data remain protected.

The synergy of 5G and AI in government operations

Whether training an in-house large language model (LLM) or utilising mainstream GenAI tools, the public sector stands to benefit immensely from the synergy between AI and 5G. Training AI models is an intensive process that involves collecting and processing vast datasets — potentially petabytes of information — to support extensive workflows and serve a large constituent base.

This training process requires continuous, high-volume data transfers and near-instantaneous feedback to fine-tune models effectively. For example, government departments may choose to use virtual assistants for optimising automated repetitive administrative tasks like data entry, document processing, and permit applications, freeing up staff to do more complex work. Local governments can enable traffic flow optimisation using pedestrian and vehicle pattern analysis to improve city navigation or departments can enable environmental monitoring and management with waste management optimisation, identifying areas for more efficient waste disposal.

By leveraging 5G networks, government agencies can facilitate the substantial data transfers required for AI training and deployment. This ensures that AI applications perform optimally, delivering real-time insights and services that advance public sector goals.

Final thoughts

As 5G becomes the standard for connectivity, integrating it with GenAI technologies presents a transformative opportunity for the public sector. By investing in both, government organisations can achieve faster data analysis, improve security measures, and streamline processes — ultimately enhancing services for citizens and advancing the public good.

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