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.