As operators continue to invest heavily in 5G, many are still working to unlock meaningful returns. In this interview, Shaun McCarthy, president and chief revenue officer at Spectrum Effect, explains why interference and inefficient spectrum use remain major barriers to network performance. He outlines how Spectrum Effect uses the radio access network as a sensor, applying AI and machine learning to analyze real-time data and drive automated actions that improve utilization, throughput and user experience across large-scale deployments.

McCarthy also discusses how AI is moving from pilots into day-to-day network operations. He describes a shift away from analysis paralysis toward faster deployment, iteration and scale, as operators recognize the need for closed-loop automation and intent-based networks to stay competitive. The conversation explores spectrum coexistence, enterprise 5G use cases and the growing role of AI in enabling fleets of connected devices beyond private networks. As the industry looks ahead to continued 5G evolution and early conversations around 6G, McCarthy emphasizes the importance of software-driven innovation, practical monetization strategies and building networks that can increasingly operate autonomously.

As operators continue to invest heavily in 5G, many are still searching for ways to translate that spend into measurable returns. In this interview, Shaun McCarthy, president and chief revenue officer at Spectrum Effect, explains why interference management and spectrum utilization remain among the most complex challenges in the radio access network. He outlines how Spectrum Effect uses the RAN as a sensor, applying machine learning and AI to analyze network data and drive real-time actions that improve performance, efficiency and user experience across large-scale deployments.

McCarthy also shares how the role of AI in telecom is evolving beyond trials and pilots into day-to-day operations. He highlights two critical paths: using AI to deliver actionable insights that empower engineering teams, and leveraging closed-loop automation to resolve network issues autonomously. As operators shift focus from overanalyzing ROI to deploying and scaling AI-driven solutions, McCarthy sees growing opportunities for monetizing 5G through enterprise use cases, spectrum coexistence and edge-based AI. The message is clear: moving faster, deploying sooner and iterating at scale will define the next phase of 5G success.