The telecom industry is increasingly leveraging agentic AI for enhanced network management. As highlighted by a recent Omdia report, 41% of Communication Service Providers (CSPs) have pinpointed network management as a critical area for agentic AI deployment. This shift underscores a significant transformation from using AI for customer experience, like chatbots, to integrating it into crucial operational processes.
Despite the excitement about AI’s potential, Roz Roseboro of Omdia emphasizes the transformative impact of AI in network operations. She explains, “While customer care is a visible starting point, the 41% of CSPs targeting network operations are signaling the real revolution.” This evolution moves agentic AI from being merely a support tool to becoming a fundamental component of telecom infrastructure.
An essential aspect for CSPs venturing into agentic AI is the need for caution. The report suggests focusing initially on low-risk applications. It highlights the importance of maintaining observability, explainability, and governance in these early stages. The transition involves AI taking over functions previously managed by humans, marking a significant shift in management paradigms.
Multi-agent collaboration in AI is becoming prevalent, indicating the complex interdependence of these systems. Ensuring the reliability and trustworthiness of these agents is crucial before allowing them to interact autonomously. Omdia reports that major telecom IT vendors are already incorporating these capabilities, demonstrating the industry’s readiness to embrace this technological wave.
The move towards agentic AI in telecoms presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it promises enhanced efficiencies and autonomous operations. On the other, it demands careful and strategic implementation. As the telecom landscape continues to evolve, CSPs must balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring advancements lead to sustainable and secure network management solutions.
