Last week in Copenhagen, DTW Ignite brought together the global communication service provider (CSP) community to discuss the future of the industry. From bold visions of AI-native networks to pragmatic roadmaps for automation, the conversations were focused on real-world execution. Three key takeaways from the conference reinforce why location technologies are central to the innovation strategies of CSPs, today and into the future.

1. AI & Data:The rise of AI-native communication service providers

DTW Ignite saw the launch of the AI-Native Blueprint, which articulates an industry-wide shift towards positioning AI as the driver of transformation within CSPs. The emergence of “agentic AI” presents another opportunity for CSPs to use AI to evolve into personalized ecosystem platforms.

Effective application of AI hinges on having quality data. When it comes to optimizing logistics and physical infrastructure, even the most powerful AI models need assistance with accurate, customizable geospatial data. That’s where Mapbox comes in.

Whether a CSP is planning 5G rollouts, optimizing field service operations, or orchestrating services dynamically across complex networks, Mapbox provides the location data that connect AI algorithms to the physical landscape. By pairing AI with precise location context, CSPs will be able to engage customers more proactively, plan smarter, and operate more efficiently.

2. Autonomous networks: Driving toward Level 4 with location-aware automation

Zero-touch operations are no longer just aspirational for telcos. The industry is accelerating toward “Autonomous Networks Level 4”, where automation drives end-to-end efficiency. But sessions at DTW Ignite highlighted that some of the biggest operational hurdles remain the challenges of managing distributed field service operations.

Mapbox is helping CSPs tackle this challenge. Our dynamic routing and ETA calculation capabilities allow network operations teams to reduce technician travel time, respond faster to outages, and increase productivity at scale.

Of particular interest at DTW Ignite was the collaboration between Mapbox and Kraken Technologies, where Mapbox APIs have equipped the AI-driven Kraken Field platform with new geospatial awareness. Octopus Energy has used the Mapbox-powered Kraken Field platform to reduce technician travel time and improve job efficiency by 88% — a clear, practical step toward autonomous capabilities.

3. Network APIs: A new frontier for monetization and growth

DTW Ignite buzzed with conversations about Network APIs, not as a technical layer, but as a business enabler. The ability to expose network capabilities through open, standardized APIs is unlocking a new generation of services.

A great example came from Aduna, a joint venture supported by Ericsson and several global CSPs. At the event, Aduna and Microsoft Azure showcased how they are bringing powerful network APIs (like SIM swap detection, real-time device location, and on-demand QoS) to developers via the Azure Marketplace.

Mapbox fits naturally into this model. As an API-first platform, Mapbox makes it easy to integrate geospatial information into API-based services, enabling enhancements that will expand opportunities for CSPs to monetize their network in novel ways and deliver differentiated value to enterprises and end users.

Mapbox: A strategic location partner for CSPs

DTW Ignite made one thing clear: Mapbox is uniquely positioned to support CSP innovation across every layer of the stack, from feeding accurate location data into new planning tools and predictive analytics, to driving new revenue streams by enhancing open network APIs with  location intelligence. CSP at the forefront of these innovations are asking: How are we using location today — and how much more value could we unlock with the right partner?

To continue the conversations inspired by DTW Ignite, let’s connect.