Evolution of Network Automation

Why It Matters

Operators’ inability to progress beyond early automation stages threatens the business case for autonomous networks; prioritizing data maturity, governance and organizational change is essential to unlock operational efficiency and the commercial benefits of true autonomy.

Summary

Industry leaders at a panel on the evolution of network automation said operators remain far short of the autonomous-network vision, typically scoring around 1.5–1.8 on TM Forum’s 0–5 automation scale while aspiring to level 4 autonomy. Panelists argued that the gap stems less from technology than from treating autonomy as a point solution instead of a multi-year, business-led transformation across process, people and platforms. Key prerequisites identified include high-quality, accessible data, a prioritized use-case roadmap using a value–risk framework, and strong change-management to drive adoption. The conversation also stressed that machine learning alone isn’t equivalent to AI-driven closed-loop autonomy and that realistic pilot-to-production scaling is a major hurdle.

Original Description

‘Zero-touch operations’ has become a rallying cry, but the reality falls short of the vision. Telcos aspire to autonomous networks that self-optimise and self-heal, yet most remain stuck at Level 2 automation. The gap between autonomous network ambitions and operational reality threatens transformation business cases. How do operators bridge this divide practically?

Featuring:

Co-hosted by Francesca Serravalle, Head of Monetisation, VodafoneThree

Anita Döhler, Chief Executive Officer, NGMN Alliance

Beth Cohen, Telco Industry Analyst, Luth Computer

Colin Evans, Snr. Director Business Development, HPE Networking

George Glass, Chief Technology Officer, TM Forum

Broadcast live: 19 May 2026

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