Underpinning the shiny new cellular networks is a lot of software that handles the multitude of processes that allow our MNOs to bill and support customers, launch new product offerings, and generally function as moderately coherent enterprises. These systems are generally outdated, but are steadfastly intractable, and so AI on the horizon is an exciting opportunity for both operators and vendors. However, a recent wave of consolidation in this BSS market has vendors concerned. The incumbents (the likes of Amdocs, CSG, Netcracker, and also Ericsson) remain quite entrenched, and at a layer below them, Qvantel acquiring Optiva ($162 million), Hansen buying Digitalk (~$45 million), and Amdocs buying Matrixx (~$200 million) has proven quite disruptive – never mind the proposed mega-merger…