B2C AI aggregator The B2C AI aggregator positions telcos as trusted providers of consumer AI services by embedding intelligent assistants into the core app and extending into adjacent AI-powered services. CSPs can curate, deliver and orchestrate freemium and premium AI capabilities such as translation, content generation, spam protection, digital identity, digital shopping agents and personalized recommendations integrated across the consumer’s daily digital life. Over time, operators can expand these services into AI-native devices, creating a seamless ecosystem that enhances engagement, loyalty and cross-sell.Consumer adoption is accelerating at scale. Global consumer generative AI is predicted to reach 5 billion38 users by 2026; IDC research predicts that, by 2027, consumers will spend $100 billion39 via AI agents that run independently on their smartphones to programmatically shop for goods, services and considered purchases. CSPs’ right to play is anchored in ownership of the primary consumer interface and existing trust.40,41 Monetization spans freemium-to- premium AI services, bundled connectivity and devices, reduced churn, commissions on AI-driven transactions and ecosystem partnerships as engagement scales. CASE STUDY 7 Deutsche Telekom is leading consumer AI with its app-less AI phone concept Deutsche Telekom is positioning itself as an innovation leader by exploring app-less mobile devices and AI-driven user experiences. It introduced an app-less AI phone concept and launched a proof of concept (POC) at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, harnessing partnerships with Perplexity, Google Cloud and Qualcomm to drive this vision. 15 The Strategic Role of Telecom Providers across the AI Value Chain

The Strategic Role of Telecom Providers Across the AI Value Chain 2026