Huawei, TM Forum, and 12 global operators have released a new operations white paper. The launch took place at DTW Ignite 2026 in Copenhagen.
The paper, titled New-Generation Intelligent Operations White Paper 4.0, focuses on Agentic Operations. It outlines how operators can use AI agents to improve network operations.
The main message is clear. Telecom operations are moving from manual control toward supervised automation. Engineers will still guide decisions. However, AI agents will handle more routine tasks.
This shift could help operators manage growing network complexity. Modern networks support cloud services, enterprise apps, IoT, and mobile traffic. They also face constant pressure to reduce downtime.
The white paper builds on earlier releases from 2023 onward. Huawei says the series has followed three transformation stages. These are network-centric, service-centric, and value-centric operations.
In this latest version, the focus moves to AI-native operations. That means AI becomes part of the operating model itself. It does not simply sit beside existing tools.
The framework uses Digital Twin Network technology and EDNS 2.0. A digital twin creates a virtual model of the live network. This helps teams test, predict, and respond faster.
The paper also introduces a “Three-Stage, Six-Step” methodology. It covers data governance, process redesign, and organizational change. These areas often decide whether automation succeeds or stalls.
In addition, the report presents a four-stage data governance model. It follows the sequence “Identify-Analyze-Optimize-Retain.” This approach aims to improve data quality before AI acts on it.
Reliable data remains a major challenge for operators. AI agents need accurate network information. Poor data can create wrong recommendations or missed alarms.
Even so, Huawei highlights strong early results from operator deployments. Some practices achieved an agent one-hop closure rate above 80%. That means AI agents resolved many tasks without repeated escalation.
This could ease pressure on operations teams. Automated inspections and fault handling can reduce repetitive work. Engineers can then focus on deeper analysis and service improvement.
However, the model also changes workforce expectations. Staff may need new skills in AI supervision and agent optimization. Operators must also define clear rules for accountability.
Danwill Duan, President of Huawei ICT Assurance and Operation Services Domain, stated: “Agentic Operations is an inevitable trend in the evolution of network operations. White Paper 4.0 consolidates the exploration achievements of the entire industry. We hope to take this as an opportunity to collaborate with more partners to effectively address challenges, create greater value, and accelerate the journey towards AN L4.”
Looking ahead, Huawei plans further collaboration with operators and standards groups. The company will focus on domain-specific models, network digital twins, and AI agents.
For telecom engineers, the direction is significant. Intelligent operations could become central to network resilience and service quality. Yet success will depend on trust, governance, and careful execution.
