NGMN

NGMN calls for Industry alignment to unlock Agentic AI for Autonomous Mobile Networks

Juliya Naumova — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:30:07 +0000

Agentic AI will likely become a key enabler in creating a credible pathway towards trusted Level 4* autonomous mobile networks, but achieving this will require significant transformation across architecture, standards, security, operations and governance, according to a new industry publication from the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN).

‘Network Automation and Autonomy Phase III: Agentic AI for Autonomous Mobile Networks’ explores the motivation, opportunities, requirements, and ecosystem developments associated with applying Agentic AI for network automation in autonomous mobile networks.

It provides three key insights: a pragmatic reference framework identifying the core components required for Agentic AI-driven network automation; a look at ecosystem maturity and potential or perceived gaps across standards and open-source activities; and a set of considerations to accelerate safe, interoperable and scalable deployment.

The publication highlights that while Agentic AI can act as a foundational catalyst for network automation, the success of commercial-scale adoption will benefit from the readiness of comprehensive and reliable support systems, ecosystem alignment and the mitigation of fragmentation risks rather than individual AI model capabilities or technologies.

It identifies that operators will need robust mechanisms for governance, trust, policy adherence, observability, explainability, operational safety, determinism, assurance, security and cost control.

Laurent Leboucher, Chairman of the NGMN Alliance Board and Orange Group CTO and EVP Networks, commented: “Mobile network operators (MNOs) find themselves at a decisive inflection point as the telecoms industry enters a new phase of network automation. AI is no longer restricted to analytics, prediction, and closed-loop optimisation. Indeed, the rapid arrival of Agentic AI has introduced the prospect of autonomous systems able to reason, plan, collaborate and execute actions within and across multiple operational domains.

“However, the complexity of networks and high expectations surrounding customer experience means general-purpose Agentic AI technologies must be used carefully with the right harness and guardrails to bring humans in the loop when needed. This is a learning process in itself where operators will have to take controlled risks.”

Guangyi Liu, Chief Expert of China Mobile and NGMN Board Director, said: “Review of standards development organisations (SDOs), industry initiatives and open-source activities demonstrates encouraging momentum across the ecosystem in Agentic AI deployments, but despite this the landscape remains largely complex and unevenly mature.

“Increased collaboration among MNOs, SDOs, vendors, hyperscalers, and open-source communities is therefore important to achieve confidence in the opportunity of large-scale deployments and provide a more unified end-to-end perspective. That means cross-industry coordination on areas such as telecom-grade interfaces and trust mechanisms, as well as shared testing environments, and evidence-based validation of agent behaviour to ensure solutions remain interoperable, secure and fully aligned with operator requirements.”

Luke Ibbetson, Head of R&D at Vodafone and NGMN Board Director, added: “Capabilities for trustworthiness, security, explainability, observability, interoperability, governance and appropriate human oversight must be in place for Agentic AI in order to accelerate safe, interoperable, and scalable deployment across the telco ecosystem.

“If the related requirements are met, Agentic AI can help create a realistic route toward trusted Level 4 autonomy where networks are highly autonomous and enable automated decision making, self-optimisation, self-healing and self-management.”

‘Network Automation and Autonomy Phase III: Agentic AI for Autonomous Mobile Networks’ also highlights how isolated proof-of-concepts will increasingly shift towards operational deployments of Agentic AI prioritising well-controlled, high-value use cases in the coming years, with agents capable of managing complex workflows across multiple network domains.

One of the main factors determining the success of this will be increased collaboration across the entire telco ecosystem to help reduce the risk of fragmentation and align on interoperable architectures, interfaces and responsibilities.

The full publication can be downloaded from here.

Further information and all NGMN publications can be found on the website at ngmn.org.

*As defined by TM Forum’s Autonomous Networks Project

The post NGMN calls for Industry alignment to unlock Agentic AI for Autonomous Mobile Networks appeared first on NGMN.

Network Automation and Autonomy Phase III: Agentic AI for Autonomous Mobile Networks

Juliya Naumova — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:30:07 +0000

Network Automation and Autonomy Phase III: Agentic AI for Autonomous Mobile Networks

11. August 2026

Download

AgenticAI, Mastering the Route to Disaggregation, networkautomation

The post Network Automation and Autonomy Phase III: Agentic AI for Autonomous Mobile Networks appeared first on NGMN.

THE GREAT TELCO DEBATE 2026

Juliya Naumova — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:23:03 +0000

NGMN Alliance is proud to be a Supporting Organisation of The Great Telco Debate 2026!

TelecomTV’s The Great Telco Debate is an interactive, insight-driven event that brings together senior telecom executives, analysts, policymakers, and industry leaders for a day of lively debate, discussion, and networking. Taking place on 3 December 2026 at One Moorgate Place, London, the event will explore the most pressing opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the telecom industry.

From AI and automation to investment strategies, network evolution, and emerging business models, The Great Telco Debate provides a platform for open, thought-provoking discussions and diverse perspectives on the issues that matter most to communications service providers and the wider telecom ecosystem.

NGMN Alliance looks forward to joining industry peers on 3 December to contribute to the conversation and engage with experts from across the global telecom community.

Register and learn more about the event here

The post THE GREAT TELCO DEBATE 2026 appeared first on NGMN.

DIGITAL SOVEREIGNTY FORUM

Juliya Naumova — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:22:45 +0000

🚀 Digital Sovereignty Forum 2026 examines the technologies, policies, and partnerships required to build secure, resilient, and sovereign digital infrastructure.

The forum brings together policymakers, telecom operators, cloud providers, and industry experts.

Key topics include:

Digital sovereignty strategies
Secure cloud infrastructure
Data governance
Cybersecurity
Regulatory developments

Designed around expert presentations and collaborative discussions, the event provides valuable insights into the future of trusted digital ecosystems.

Book your place here.

The post DIGITAL SOVEREIGNTY FORUM appeared first on NGMN.

NETWORK AUTOMATION

Juliya Naumova — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:21:54 +0000

NGMN Alliance is excited to be part of Network Automation 2026, taking place on 18 November 2026 in London, UK, as a Supporting Organisation.

Network Automation 2026 brings together communications service providers, technology vendors, and industry experts for a day of insightful discussions on the technologies, strategies, and real-world deployments driving the evolution towards autonomous networks. Through expert presentations, operator case studies, and interactive discussions, attendees will exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore how AI, automation, and orchestration are transforming network operations and shaping the future of intelligent, autonomous networks.

Join us on 18 November to explore the latest developments in autonomous networks, AI-driven operations, intent-based networking, and service orchestration alongside experts from across the global telecom ecosystem.

Register now to attend and discover the agenda, speakers, and networking opportunities at Network Automation 2026.

The post NETWORK AUTOMATION appeared first on NGMN.

FutureNet North America

Juliya Naumova — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:21:45 +0000

Shaping the Future of Connectivity with AI and Automation

We’re thrilled to share that NGMN Alliance is a proud partner of FutureNet North America, taking place on 4–5 November 2026 at Well& by Durst, Times Square, New York.

FutureNet North America brings the telecom ecosystem together to explore the next era of network automation, AI-driven operations, and autonomous networks. Taking place in the heart of New York City, this flagship event brings together communications service providers, technology vendors, and industry leaders to define how networks will operate in the age of intelligence.

As a valued member of our network, we’re delighted to invite you to this industry-leading event.

Secure Your Spot at FutureNet North America 2026!

Don’t miss your chance to connect with North America’s leading telecom operators, technology innovators, and AI experts. Discover real-world automation and AI deployments, gain practical insights into autonomous network operations, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of telecom. Register now and join us in New York this November!

The post FutureNet North America appeared first on NGMN.

CLOUD-NATIVE TELCO

Juliya Naumova — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:20:32 +0000

🚀 Cloud-Native Telco 2026 explores how cloud-native technologies are reshaping telecom networks, enabling operators to build more agile, scalable, and automated infrastructures for the future.

Taking place on 14 October in London, the forum will bring together telecom operators, cloud providers, technology vendors, and industry leaders to discuss the practical adoption of cloud-native architectures across modern telecom environments.

Key topics include:
🔹 Cloud-native network transformation
🔹 Kubernetes, containers, and CNFs
🔹 Automation and orchestration at scale
🔹 Multi-cloud and hybrid cloud deployment strategies
🔹 Building resilient, scalable, and sustainable telecom infrastructure

Designed around practical case studies, operator experiences, and collaborative discussions, the event provides valuable insights for telecom professionals accelerating cloud-native adoption and modernizing network operations.

📅 Agenda

📝 Register here

The post CLOUD-NATIVE TELCO appeared first on NGMN.

6G architecture and migration options an operator view

datenfluss — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:44:19 +0000

The post 6G architecture and migration options an operator view appeared first on NGMN.

NGMN FORUM Vienna

Juliya Naumova — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:43:05 +0000

0Weeks0Days0Hours0Minutes

NGMN Forum – driving the future of connectivity

📍 Vienna, Austria
📅 16 October
🕘 09:00–17:00

The NGMN Forum will take place in Vienna, Austria, on 16 October, bringing together NGMN members from across our global community to discuss key industry priorities and advance collaboration on the future of mobile networks.

The Forum will run from 09:00 to 17:00 and will feature presentations, interactive discussions and collaborative working sessions. The detailed agenda and venue information will be announced closer to the event.

Ahead of the Forum, attendees are invited to a Joint Dinner for the NGMN Board and Forum participants on 15 October at 19:00, providing an opportunity to network and connect before the main event.

Preliminary Agenda Overview


08:30	Welcome & Registration
09:00	Forum Sessions including NGMN Chairman’s Address and NGMN Work Programme updates on 6G, Network Automation, Green Future Networks, BASTA, etc.
13:00	Networking Lunch
14:00	Individual Presentations from the NGMN membership addressing NGMN’s core topics, Strategic Discussions and NGMN Awards Ceremony
17:00	Closing

We look forward to welcoming operators, vendors, academia and industry partners for a productive day of collaboration and knowledge exchange in Vienna.

What is the NGMN Forum?

The NGMN Forum is a collaborative platform that brings together NGMN’s global membership — including operators, vendors, and academia — to share insights, align on key initiatives and drive innovation. Through discussions, presentations and group sessions, participants engage on topics such as network disaggregation, sustainability, and the evolution toward 6G. The Forum supports the NGMN Board and CEO by coordinating input across the membership and advancing the industry’s strategic agenda.

Not an NGMN member yet? Discover how you can shape the future of our industry at this engaging and dynamic event.

Contact office@ngmn.org for more information or learn more here.

The post NGMN FORUM Vienna appeared first on NGMN.

Network X 2026

Juliya Naumova — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:20:59 +0000

TRANSFORM YOUR NETWORK. SHAPE THE FUTURE.

Network X 2026 brings together the global fixed-line and mobile communities to explore the technologies, partnerships and strategies shaping the future of connectivity.

On Day 2 of the NetworkX, our CEO Anita Döhler will lead the keynote panel discussion “Shaping the 6G Era – From Vision to Sustainable Network Evolution” at the Headliners Stage I 14 October I 10:45 am – 11:15 am featuring:

NGMN’s Chairman of the Board:
Laurent Leboucher (Orange)
and NGMN Board Members:
Arash Ashouriha (Deutsche Telekom)
Bernard Bureau (Telus) and
Luke Ibbetson (Vodafone)

The session will look into how the mobile ecosystem can accelerate the transition towards 6G by:

defining an operator-driven roadmap for 6G
building flexible and AI-ready network architectures
simplifying the migration from 5G to 6G
delivering sustainable and economically viable network evolution
creating a resilient and open ecosystem for the 6G era

Join this at Network X 2026 to explore how collaboration across the ecosystem will turn the vision of 6G into a sustainable and practical reality.

Register here: Network X 2026 Registration
Explore the agenda: Network X 2026 Agenda

The post Network X 2026 appeared first on NGMN.