Full Breakdown
Mplify Alliance Shifts Focus to Network-as-a-Service and AI Internet
3/6/2026, 11:43:28 AM
Mplify Alliance's New Mission
At the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, the Mplify Alliance, formerly known as the MEF Forum, unveiled its strategic pivot towards network-as-a-service (NaaS) and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. This transformation, articulated by Chief Technology Officer Pascal Menezez, marks a departure from its previous focus on Metro Ethernet standards and carrier connectivity. The organization aims to position network operators for what it describes as an emerging "AI internet," which emphasizes the need for a more sophisticated network infrastructure than traditional best-effort networks.
Key Developments in AI and Network Integration
Mplify's strategy centers on integrating automation APIs, common data models, and model context protocol (MCP) servers to facilitate seamless interactions between AI systems and network services. During the congress, Mplify demonstrated its collaboration with industry leaders such as Colt Technology Services, Orange, Google Cloud, and GSMA Open Gateway. This partnership showcased how agentic AI, combined with standardized network APIs, can enable closed-loop orchestration across both wireless and wired networks. Real-world applications were illustrated through use cases provided by automotive innovators DENSO and Tata Elxsi, highlighting the potential for connected vehicles and autonomous systems.
The Role of AI in Network Architecture
Menezez emphasized that the integration of AI into network architecture necessitates a fundamentally different approach compared to traditional enterprise traffic. Rather than creating new systems from the ground up, Mplify is repurposing its existing assets—such as automation APIs and service models—within an AI context. A critical component of this initiative is the development of agent blueprints, which serve as standardized guides for operators and developers to create agents compatible with various frameworks.
Vision for an AI Federation
Looking ahead, Mplify envisions the establishment of an AI federation or AI exchange, designed to interconnect providers for enhanced training and inference workloads. This future framework aims to deliver cloud-like speed and automation, while also addressing security concerns through the development of AI-focused cybersecurity measures, policy enforcement, and auditing processes.
Official Statements & Responses
Pascal Menezez stated, “That’s what the market needed for business workloads — until AI changed the equation,” underscoring the necessity for a network fabric that accommodates AI workloads. He further noted the importance of security in this evolving landscape, indicating that Mplify is actively working on solutions to enhance cybersecurity in the context of AI.
Criticism & Opposition
While Mplify's shift towards an AI-centric network model has garnered attention, some industry observers express skepticism regarding the feasibility of implementing such extensive changes across existing infrastructures. Concerns have been raised about the potential challenges in standardizing APIs and ensuring interoperability among diverse systems.
What's Next
As Mplify continues to develop its AI internet framework, further collaborations with technology providers and ongoing demonstrations at industry events are anticipated. The organization is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of network services in an increasingly AI-driven world.
