  The rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in
generative AI and foundational models (FMs), have ushered in transformative
changes across various industries. Large language models (LLMs), a type of FM,
have demonstrated their prowess in natural language processing tasks and
content generation, revolutionizing how we interact with software products and
services. This article explores the integration of FMs in the
telecommunications industry, shedding light on the concept of AI native telco,
where AI is seamlessly woven into the fabric of telecom products. It delves
into the engineering considerations and unique challenges associated with
implementing FMs into the software life cycle, emphasizing the need for AI
native-first approaches. Despite the enormous potential of FMs, ethical,
regulatory, and operational challenges require careful consideration,
especially in mission-critical telecom contexts. As the telecom industry seeks
to harness the power of AI, a comprehensive understanding of these challenges
is vital to thrive in a fiercely competitive market.
