Telecom Operators Bet on Agentic AI and Self-Organizing Networks for Rapid Growth
According to Techblog, telecom operators are prioritizing agentic AI and self-organizing networks (SON) as cornerstones for enhancing customer experience and network automation. A RADCOM survey reveals that 71% of network operators aim to deploy agentic AI by 2026, with the primary focus on critical areas such as security, fraud prevention (57%), and customer support (56%). This reflects a strategic industry-wide shift towards proactive issue resolution and improved user satisfaction.
What Does This Announcement Reveal?
The adoption of agentic AI by telecom operators is poised to transform customer-facing and backend network operations. The RADCOM survey highlights a clear trend: operators are going beyond merely resolving customer complaints to proactively identifying and preventing potential issues before users even notice. Key industry use cases include automated complaint resolutions and autonomous fault detection, signifying the shift from reactive to predictive network management.
Self-organizing networks, which leverage AI and machine learning, are increasingly integral to these advancements. In its latest report, ResearchAndMarkets.com projects the global SON AI market to grow from $5.19 billion in 2024 to $6.18 billion in 2025, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2%. By 2029, the market is expected to reach $12.32 billion, driven by increasing 5G rollouts, rising automation demands, and network densification trends.
Why This Matters for the Telecom Industry
Agentic AI and SON are more than just emerging technologies; they are integral to solving telecom’s toughest challenges. As global data consumption soars and 5G deployments expand, operators face heightened pressure to deliver seamless, low-latency network performance. By embedding AI into core systems, operators can optimize real-time resource management and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and improving customer trust.
Asia-Pacific’s rapid adoption of these technologies underscores its position as a hub for telecom innovation. The region is expected to lead the market in growth through 2029, fueled by increasing urbanization, rising mobile penetration, and strategic investments by governments and key players.
Meanwhile, competitors in the telecom space—such as Cisco, Huawei, and Qualcomm—are doubling down on AI-driven innovations. Notable examples include Huawei’s AI Core Network, showcased at MWC 2025, which integrates AI for seamless connectivity, and Amdocs’ strategic acquisition of TEOCO Corporation in 2023 to bolster network optimization capabilities.
What Lies Ahead: Expert Insights
Industry analysts agree that agentic AI and SON will remain central to telecom growth strategies throughout the decade. The integration of generative AI for analytics and machine learning for real-time optimization signal profound changes in network automation capabilities. Moreover, as 5G networks evolve into more complex architectures, adopting these technologies will become indispensable.
Innovators are also experimenting with hybrid AI-human collaboration models in contact centers, aiming for a balance of automation and personalized service. This trend, expected to expand in 2026 and beyond, will redefine how operators address customer needs while freeing human agents for higher-value tasks.
Increased competition and regional leadership battles, particularly between Europe and Asia-Pacific, will likely shape investment and innovation trajectories. Companies that embrace AI-driven resource management and predictive maintenance technologies will strengthen their positions in this fast-paced market.
Conclusion
The integration of agentic AI and self-organizing networks represents a pivotal shift in the telecom industry. With billions at stake, operators are doubling down on these technologies to enhance automation, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. As telecom networks become smarter, faster, and more autonomous, how do you see this transformation impacting your experience as a user?
