NaaS a strategic play for global telcos

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, Niladri Dutta, Global TMT Consulting leader at Virtusa, presented insights into the evolution of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) from a technological framework into a fundamental business strategy for telecommunications companies. This transformation facilitates the monetization of 5G, the transformation of platforms, and operations driven by artificial intelligence. Key highlights from the interview include:

1. NaaS as a Strategic Imperative: NaaS is increasingly central to the strategies of telecommunications operators as traditional revenue from connectivity diminishes. It facilitates a transition from mere connectivity to an integrated model of "connectivity + services," thereby unlocking new value streams and expanding into digital ecosystems. It is essential to recognize that NaaS represents a transformation of business models rather than solely a technological advancement.
2. Accelerating 5G Monetization: By evolving from standalone connectivity to bundled, use case-oriented offerings—such as Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), Ethernet, and industry-specific solutions—NaaS enhances network utilization, transitions financial models from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operational expenditure (OpEx), and accelerates return on investment (ROI) from 5G deployments. NaaS not only opens new revenue avenues but also maximizes asset utilization.
3. Facilitating the TechCo Evolution: NaaS lays the groundwork for "Connectivity Plus" platform models that integrate various layers, including infrastructure, software, applications, and services (Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Communication as a Service). This integration empowers telecommunications companies to provide comprehensive digital services and transition from traditional service providers to platform-oriented entities. NaaS is a catalyst for this shift toward platform-driven technology companies.
4. Artificial Intelligence as the Assurance Engine: Artificial intelligence serves as a foundational element for NaaS by enabling the transition from reactive to proactive and predictive operational capabilities. It enhances network performance and availability while facilitating effective service level agreement (SLA) management at scale. AI is crucial for ensuring service quality, optimization, and scalability within NaaS environments.
5. Autonomous Networks as the Execution Layer: Autonomous networks enable zero-touch operations, closed-loop automation, and low-latency experiences, serving as the operational backbone of NaaS at the resource level. They are essential for the consistent delivery of NaaS services at scale.
6. Implementation Approach: The successful adoption of NaaS necessitates a strategy that includes API-led network exposure (e.g., through CAMARA and TM Forum), collaborative ecosystem development (including co-creation and aggregation), and the establishment of a unified, enterprise-ready service platform. Key success factors include platform-oriented thinking, API integration, and ecosystem orchestration.
7. Future Outlook : 6G and Industry 5.0: The emergence of 6G technology will introduce networks that are native to artificial intelligence and capable of self-optimization, powered by cognitive intelligence. This advancement will facilitate the realization of sophisticated Industry 5.0 use cases and predictive operational capabilities. The future landscape will be defined by intelligent, AI-driven networks that empower next-generation ecosystems.