Key Takeaways
- O2 partnered with Mavenir to trial a network‑based solution that creates a personalised hearing profile for each participant.
- The technology operates in the background, adapting call audio in real time without requiring users to change devices or habits.
- Nearly 90 % of trial participants reported clearer calls, reduced listening effort, and fewer misunderstandings.
- Quotes from a profoundly deaf participant and O2/Mavenir executives highlight the trial’s impact on accessibility and future service potential.
- Mavenir’s cloud‑native, AI‑by‑design portfolio positions it to scale similar accessibility innovations across the telecommunications industry.
Overview of the O2‑Mavenir Proof‑of‑Concept Trial
O2 conducted a proof‑of‑concept trial in Reading, United Kingdom, on June 11, 2026, to test a new technology aimed at improving phone‑call clarity for customers with hearing loss. The trial was carried out in collaboration with Mavenir, a cloud‑native network‑software provider, and focused on delivering real‑time audio optimisation directly within O2’s mobile network. By embedding the solution in the network rather than on the handset, participants could continue using their existing phones and numbers without any noticeable change to their usual calling routine.
How the Personalised Hearing Profile Is Created
Before the trial began, each participant completed a short, automated hearing test that measured their perception of various sound frequencies. The results were used to generate a personalised hearing profile, which was securely linked to the individual’s mobile number. This profile enabled the network to understand how each user perceives speech and background noise, forming the basis for real‑time audio adjustments during calls.
Network‑Based Real‑Time Audio Optimisation
Unlike traditional accessibility features that rely on device‑specific settings or third‑party applications, the optimisation performed in this trial took place entirely inside O2’s core network. The system continuously analysed the incoming call audio and applied adjustments tailored to the participant’s hearing profile, enhancing speech intelligibility while suppressing distracting frequencies. Because the processing occurred transparently, users experienced clearer calls without needing to activate any special mode or accessory.
Trial Outcomes and Participant Feedback
Following the trial, close to 90 % of participants reported noticeable improvements in call clarity. They described conversations as easier to follow, noted a reduction in listening effort, and experienced fewer misunderstandings. Many also remarked that the calling experience felt more natural and less fatiguing, indicating that the technology successfully alleviated everyday frustrations associated with hearing loss during phone conversations.
Participant Testimonial: Mary Higgins
Mary Higgins, who is profoundly deaf and took part in the trial, shared her experience: “I usually find phone calls tiring and stressful, even with hearing aids. Making a call without them is almost impossible. Using the technology was a completely different experience, as I could hear clearly without my hearing aids and didn’t need to keep asking people to repeat themselves.” Her testimony underscores the potential of network‑level solutions to provide meaningful relief for individuals who rely heavily on assistive devices.
Executive Perspective: Jorge Ribeiro of Virgin Media O2
Jorge Ribeiro, Director of Core Networks at Virgin Media O2, commented: “For many people with hearing loss, making a phone call can be a difficult and frustrating experience. This trial is about using the intelligence within our network to improve that experience without asking customers to do anything differently. We are encouraged by the early results from this proof‑of‑concept and are excited to explore how this type of technology could support more accessible services for our customers in future.” His remarks highlight O2’s commitment to leveraging network capabilities for inclusive innovation.
Executive Perspective: Brandon Larson of Mavenir
Brandon Larson, SVP & General Manager of Cloud, AI & IMS Business Strategy at Mavenir, added: “Core networks are a powerful platform for innovation of services and delivering new value to customers. Our partnership with Virgin Media O2 in improving the call experience for their customers with hearing loss is a great example of that.” Larson’s statement emphasises the strategic role of cloud‑native, AI‑driven network software in enabling operators to launch differentiated, socially responsible services.
About Mavenir: Company Background and Capabilities
Mavenir enables intelligent, automated, programmable networks through telco‑first, cloud‑native, AI‑by‑design software solutions for mobile operators. With deep telecommunications domain expertise, the company has deployed its technology with over 300 operators in more than 120 countries, collectively serving more than half of the world’s subscribers. Mavenir combines telco experience with cloud, IT, and data‑science capabilities to solve real‑world customer challenges. Its AI‑by‑design portfolio is positioned to drive the evolution of operators into technology‑focused companies (TechCos) and to deliver the AI‑native future of telecommunications.
Implications for Future Accessible Services
The successful proof‑of‑concept demonstrates that network‑based hearing‑optimisation can be a viable path toward greater accessibility in everyday communications. By processing audio enhancements within the carrier’s infrastructure, the approach removes barriers related to device compatibility, user awareness, and the need for supplementary apps. Early results suggest that scaling such technology could reduce the social isolation often experienced by people with hearing loss, improve professional and personal interactions, and align with broader regulatory and corporate goals for inclusive service design.
Conclusion
O2’s trial with Mavenir illustrates a promising shift from device‑centric accessibility features to network‑level intelligence that works transparently for the end‑user. The high satisfaction rate, compelling user testimonials, and supportive executive commentary point to a clear pathway for expanding these capabilities across O2’s customer base and potentially to other operators worldwide. As Mavenir continues to expand its cloud‑native, AI‑driven portfolio, similar innovations could become a standard offering, making clearer, less effortful phone conversations a reality for millions of individuals with hearing loss.