Industry Pressed over Level 4 Progress

Why It Matters

Level 4 automation promises significant OPEX reductions and higher service quality, yet delays could erode competitive advantage as operators scramble to meet rising demand for resilient, AI‑driven connectivity.

Key Takeaways

• Operators cite silos as biggest barrier to Level 4 network automation
• TM Forum’s Level 4 target likely won’t be reached before 2028
• Incremental single‑domain automation seen as pragmatic path forward
• Industry consensus on need for faster multi‑domain orchestration
• Level 4 promises OPEX cuts and improved service quality

Pulse Analysis

The telecom industry’s push toward Level 4 automation reflects a broader shift from manual network management to AI‑driven, intent‑based orchestration. TM Forum’s six‑tier framework positions Level 4 as the point where multiple network domains operate seamlessly under a unified policy engine. Achieving this requires not only advanced software but also a cultural overhaul that dismantles legacy data silos, a theme echoed by Infovista’s CEO. Companies that master this transition can unlock real‑time service assurance, faster rollout of new services, and a more agile response to traffic spikes.

Yet the path is fraught with technical and organisational hurdles. Operators continue to wrestle with fragmented inventory systems, disparate OSS/BSS platforms, and a lack of consensus on automation roadmaps. The industry’s reluctance to fully commit stems from uncertainty over ROI and the perceived complexity of integrating open APIs across heterogeneous equipment. While some executives claim the skills and technology exist, the prevailing sentiment is that a focused, incremental strategy—starting with single‑domain use cases—offers the most viable route to broader multi‑domain orchestration.

Looking ahead, the consensus among senior technologists suggests Level 4 may not be widely deployed until the late 2020s. In the interim, incremental automation can deliver measurable benefits such as reduced operational expenditures, improved quality of service, and enhanced network resilience. Operators that prioritize breaking down silos, standardising open interfaces, and aligning business objectives with technical execution will be better positioned to capture these gains and stay ahead of emerging competitors in a rapidly digitising market.