Yago Tenorio of Verizon on AI, Open RAN, and the Next Smartphone Moment

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Carrier 2.0, host Steve Saunders talks with Santiago ‘Yago’ Tenorio, CTO of Verizon, about the defining forces shaping the next generation of carriers. From how telecoms can truly monetize AI for customers to the realities of Open RAN and the coming 6G era, Yago shares a clear-eyed perspective on where innovation meets practicality—and what the industry must do to stay relevant.Key Talking PointsThe Carrier Question – Why monetising AI for customers, not internal use, will define the next era of telecom.Open RAN Has Already Happened – Dispelling myths around Open RAN and how Verizon is already deploying it at scale.The MEF Has Rebranded (Again) – Steve and Yago unpack the MEF’s new identity as Mplify—and what it says about the state of telecom branding.The Role of AI – Why AI is both overhyped and underestimated, and how future systems could anticipate user intent.Signal or Noise – Yago rates the hypeThe Smartphone Moment – How AI and new interfaces like smart glasses could replace the phone entirely.Industrial Digitalization Opportunity – Why private 5G networks, slicing, and on-site compute give carriers fresh revenue streams.Hyperscalers and the Industry 4.0 Revolution – How carriers and hyperscalers can work together to deliver the low-latency, AI-ready infrastructure the future demands.The Carrier Question – What defines Carrier 2.0? For Yago, it’s the carrier’s ability to translate connectivity into intelligence and intelligence into customer value.LinksJoin Steve Saunders’ mailing list for bonus insightsCreditsThis show is brought to you by FNTV, supported by Cisco.

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