Smart Hive XG: Transforming smart cities with an AI marketplace

Smart city marketplace an industry priority

CSPs are under growing pressure to deliver value that extends beyond basic connectivity. As 5G infrastructure matures, they are uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of their networks. However, it’s not just their bottom line at stake—myriad ecosystem stakeholders rely on CSPs' expertise and infrastructure to realize large-scale IoT projects.

The Smart Hive XG Catalyst was created as a strategic solution to address this demand. It unites companies across the ecosystem, enabling seamless collaboration with the goal of driving a 20% revenue increase for CSPs. The vision is to create a smart city marketplace where all ecosystem components work together effectively. This platform optimizes deployment requirements, selects the best technologies and vendors, and ensures ongoing improvement after deployment.

Phase I of the project focused on establishing Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka as a model smart city. It involved developing an AI-enabled marketplace aligned with Open Digital Architecture (ODA) that fosters collaboration and simplifies the creation of smart city solutions. Phase II, branded Smart Hive XG Horizon, builds on this foundation. It transitions from AI-enabled to AI-native solutions, embedding artificial intelligence into every operational layer. This evolution aims to enhance efficiency while supporting sustainable, intelligent urban environments.

Smart Hive XG supports the development and improvement of smart city solutions

At its core, Smart Hive XG Horizon features an AI platform for smart cities that streamlines operations and personalizes user experiences. The platform integrates digital twin technology and AI-driven automation, delivering real-time insights that facilitate seamless interactions among diverse stakeholders.

AI within the platform dynamically adapts to user behavior and ecosystem trends. This results in hyper-personalized recommendations that optimize key areas like sales, marketing, customer experience, and operations. Over time, the platform evolves continuously, enabling smarter collaboration and more effective decision-making.

A standout innovation in Phase II is the use of generative AI (genAI) tools. These include virtual assistants customized for sectors like healthcare, education, and tourism, as well as operational functions like sales and customer service. For instance, an AI-powered health assistant can address urban healthcare challenges proactively, while an operations assistant enables zero-touch partner onboarding processes.

The platform also prioritizes financial sustainability. AI-driven improvements reduce inefficiencies, automate repetitive tasks, and optimize resource allocation, minimizing the need for new hires. Predictive analytics and intelligent automation tackle challenges in network management, IT support, and customer service. By continuously learning from user interactions and feedback, the platform remains adaptable and effective.

Realizing the value of AI in smart cities

Phase II of Smart Hive XG Horizon advances the potential of smart cities, transforming them into hubs of innovation and efficiency. By aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the platform addresses critical urban challenges such as resource management, governance, and sustainability.

The Catalyst enables CSPs to transition into providers of high-value services, positioning them as key players in smart city ecosystems. Using its AI-powered platform, CSPs can monetize their 5G infrastructure in innovative ways. These include unlocking new revenue streams in B2B, B2C, and B2B2X markets. Network slicing, for example, can support applications such as connected healthcare systems and smart energy grids, further enhancing the CSP value proposition.

From a commercial perspective, the project sets new benchmarks for collaboration and scalability. By incorporating TM Forum standards and open APIs, the platform ensures seamless interactions between CSPs, vertical players, and government authorities. This reduces integration costs and accelerates the deployment of smart city solutions. AI-driven predictive maintenance optimizes resource usage, while real-time analytics improve the responsiveness of public services.

As Kaumadee Sooriyaarachchi at Sri Lanka Telecom PLC reflected, "this project has been a truly incredible journey of growth, teamwork, collaboration, and innovation as we transition from Smart Hive XG to Smart Hive XG Horizon. We are finally demonstrating the potential for operational cost reductions and unlocking value through marketplace approaches, AI enablement, automation, revenue assurance, and optimization by leveraging TM Forum standards."

By adopting an AI-native framework, CSPs can achieve a 30% boost in EBITDA, driven by controlled operational expenditure growth (capped at 17%) and new revenue streams. Equally vital is the platform’s power to position CSPs as indispensable orchestrators of smart city ecosystems—delivering the innovation and collaboration these ecosystems urgently demand.