Accelerating the autonomous network journey - a pathway to enhanced capabilities and strategic advantage

Introduction: the evolution towards autonomous networks

In our increasingly interconnected world, where telecommunications serve as the backbone of global digital infrastructure, the demand for heightened efficiency, reliability, and agility has reached unprecedented levels. Telecom operators are under immense pressure to meet rapidly evolving customer expectations and manage the ever-growing surge in data traffic.

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, the telecommunications sector stands at the cusp of a significant revolution—one driven by the pursuit of fully autonomous networks (AN). The TM Forum's Autonomous Network (AN) Level Assessment provides a critical framework for evaluating and advancing network automation within Communications Service Providers (CSPs). As CSPs navigate the complexities of network operations, the AN Level Assessment offers a structured pathway to achieving greater efficiency, enhanced customer experience, and a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

This shift goes beyond mere technological advancement; it signifies a profound reimagining of network management that holds the key to unlocking new levels of digital performance.

Understanding the AN Level Assessment

The TM Forum's AN Level Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation tool designed to measure a CSP's progress towards network autonomy. This framework categorizes network automation maturity into six distinct levels, ranging from Level 0 (manual operations) to Level 5 (full autonomy). Each level represents a milestone in the journey towards a fully self-managing, self-optimizing, and self-healing network.

• Level 0: manual operations - all operations are manual, with little to no automation.
• Level 1: assisted operations - some automation is present, but human intervention is still required.
• Level 2: partial autonomy - significant automation exists, but human oversight is necessary for decision-making.
• Level 3: conditional autonomy - networks can operate autonomously under specific conditions, with minimal human intervention.
• Level 4: high autonomy - most operations are automated, requiring only occasional human input.
• Level 5: full autonomy - the network is fully autonomous, managing and optimizing itself without human involvement.

The assessment not only helps organizations identify their current position on this maturity scale but also provides actionable insights into the steps required to advance to the next level.

The strategic importance of AN Level Assessment

Advancing through the AN maturity levels is not just about technology; it’s about strategic positioning, operational efficiency, and competitive differentiation. Here’s why the AN Level Assessment is essential for CSPs:

• Operational efficiency and cost reduction: autonomous networks reduce the need for manual interventions, significantly lowering operational costs associated with network management, maintenance, and issue resolution. This results in a leaner, more efficient operation that can scale more effectively as the business grows.
• Enhanced customer experience: a more autonomous network means fewer outages, faster issue resolution, and more reliable service. This leads to improved customer satisfaction, higher retention rates, and stronger brand loyalty.
• Strategic differentiation and brand leadership: by advancing in network autonomy, CSPs position themselves as leaders in innovation and technology within the telecom industry. This enhances the brand's reputation as a forward-thinking provider committed to staying ahead of industry trends.
• Investor and board relations: demonstrating progress in network autonomy can bolster investor confidence and meet board expectations for innovation and operational excellence. The ability to show clear metrics of improvement and efficiency gains is crucial for securing ongoing support and investment.

Leading CSPs in the autonomous network journey

Several CSPs are making significant strides in advancing their AN maturity, with notable examples leading the way in specific areas of network automation and management:

• Telkomsel Indonesia: aiming for AN Level 4 by 2025, Telkomsel is focusing on deploying high levels of automation across various network domains. Their integration of AI-driven tools for proactive network management has resulted in enhanced service quality and reduced downtime.
• China Unicom: with significant strides in service provisioning and maintenance, China Unicom is leveraging intent-based networking and AI to automate and optimize network operations, progressing toward higher levels of network autonomy.
• MTN Group: MTN is a leader in implementing all-optical autonomous networks, with substantial improvements in network reliability and efficiency. Their focus on self-optimizing and self-healing capabilities is driving them towards Level 4 automation.
• AIS (Advanced Info Service): AIS is enhancing its network operations through autonomous systems that support self-configuration and optimization, aiming to deliver end-to-end autonomous capabilities that improve both operational efficiency and customer experience.
• China Mobile: while their progress is more measured, China Mobile is actively integrating AI and machine learning into network operations to enhance self-healing and self-optimizing capabilities, particularly in the context of 5G and edge computing.