3 steps to kickstart your journey to Level 3+ autonomous networks

Along with my colleagues at Cambridge Consultants (CC), I’ve explored the immense promise of autonomous networks that reach Level 3 and beyond. This exploration was laid out in our whitepaper, Get ahead in the race to autonomous networks, where the many benefits of cracking the formula to reach Level 3+ networks become obvious. From differentiated performance to incredible cost-efficiency and sustainability gains, AI-driven autonomous networks are the route forward for growth and a competitive edge.

And yet, as stated in Capgemini’s report, Networks with intelligence: why and how the telecoms sector should accelerate its autonomous networks journey, only 17% of surveyed telcos have a comprehensive strategy to achieve Level 3+ by 2028, despite 61% of businesses saying this is a key aspiration. As things stand, most remain stuck between Level 2 and 3 (as defined by the TM Forum ), but are struggling to make that final leap – so what is holding businesses back?

Key challenges to autonomous network development

We explored this question at CC’s recent roundtable event at Network X Americas , where leaders from across the telecoms industry discussed their goals around autonomous networks and the key barriers they’ve come up against. From technological maturity to integration complexities and regulatory compliance, there remain hurdles that businesses must overcome before their journey to network automation can progress.

Some of the key challenges described were:

• Data Integration and Trust: Integrating diverse data sources is complex, and there is a significant trust component in allowing systems to operate autonomously.
• Data Normalisation: Disparate data needs to be interpreted and normalised for effective automation, which is currently challenging.
• Quality and Accuracy of Data: The success of AI models heavily depends on the source, quality, and amount of data available.
• Vendor Neutrality: There is a need to avoid dependence on specific vendors, emphasising the importance of interoperability and agnostic systems.

At the 6G Global Summit the topic came up again. While attendees agreed that AI-driven networks are set to unlock the transformative potential of 6G, many were curious on how to navigate this journey whilst ensuring responsible development, ethical considerations, human-centered innovation, sustainability and a positive societal impact. Similarly, at MWC24 , whilst AI and the prospect of developing Level 3+ networks was a hot topic, so were the challenges of integration, interoperability and the risks around AI-driven networks, from making sure update rollbacks are available to regulatory, security and ethical concerns.

The key takeaway? Everyone things autonomous networks are a great idea, but are stuck on how to actually get started. This question seems to have prompted many to err on the side of caution, waiting for others to take the leap so they can follow their lead. The problem with this is that once it’s been done, you’ll lose out on the differentiated performance that makes autonomous networks so appealing – because, well, everyone will be doing it. The real value comes from being bold, being first and being unique to offer your user base a truly differentiated service before anyone else. Only by doing this can you not only keep the pace, but set the pace of the market.

But back to the primary question: where do you start?

Addressing the challenges around autonomous network adoption

Step 1: Assessing your business needs

Let’s start at the basics. The first task is simply to assess whether autonomous networks are right for you. Here, I suggest you start by looking at your current network capabilities and strategic goals. Do you have a need for increased operational efficiency, enhanced user experience and improved sustainability practices? These are the key value indicators to look for – and note here I say value indicators, not performance indicators. So if these needs are relevant to you and your goals, then autonomous networks may be the way forward for your business.

Step 2: Establishing a culture of automation for successful integration

Great, step one done.? Now, how to begin tackling the question of integration.

To successfully integrate Level 3+ autonomous networks into your business, you must commit to establishing a culture of automation. This is not about replacing humans with bots – rather, it’s about allowing each of us to become more productive and effective in the safest and most secure way possible. It involves integrating automation into everyday operations, starting with simple tasks, and progressing to more complex systems.

As our whitepaper explores, embracing a robust AI Assurance framework will be critical to long-term success. This approach to AI innovation is built on a foundation of transparency, explainability, fairness and regulatory compliance, allowing you to proceed on your journey on an ethical and responsible framework. Equally, it can ensure that the data you build your network on is sound – an area that has been raised time and time again as a key concern for businesses.

As my colleague and whitepaper co-author, Head of AI Dr Maya Dillon, states in her article Autonomous Networks: In AI We Trust , AI Assurance directly addresses the question around data by do rigorous tests to ensure your data is compliant and unbiased, which in turn promises that your overall system adheres to GDPR and EU regulations. Only with this assurance in place can you deploy AI across all layers of your network, safe in the knowledge that they’re build on an ethical foundation that makes them not only technically advanced, but also trusted, transparent and resilient.

Step 3: Seek and practical advice for your specific goals

For the final 3rd step, you need to call in the experts. Every business will have unique needs and objectives that must be aligned with technological development. CC can provide both strategic advice and insights alongside practical development around AI and automation, as outlined in my previous article, The latest in cutting-edge autonomous network innovation at CC . We are unique positioned to address some of the key challenges facing many industry leaders in the race to autonomous networks, including technological maturity, regulatory compliance and beyond.

Ultimately, success requires a balanced approach, integrating advanced technologies and innovation within an ethical framework. While the shift towards autonomous networks will not be an easy one, it will be an essential strategic move for your business to differentiate itself within a highly competitive landscape. Those who embrace the challenge will reap the greatest rewards.

So don’t wait – reach out to CC to continue the conversation and position yourself at the forefront of this revolution. We have the insights, expertise and experience to strategically advise your business and accelerate your journey towards Level 3+ network automation now.

Is there anything I’ve missed? What challenges have you come up against when exploring autonomous network development? Let’s talk.