Madrid-based telecommunications giant Telefónica is accelerating its transition to autonomous networks, reporting significant progress in automating network processes through artificial intelligence (AI). The company’s Autonomous Network Journey (ANJ) program, launched in 2021, is built upon the framework established by the TM Forum, aiming to streamline network operations and unlock new efficiencies. This shift towards greater automation isn’t simply about cost savings; it’s about building networks capable of self-learning, adapting to changing demands, and delivering a more reliable experience for customers.
Telefónica envisions network autonomy as a progression from fully manual control to fully autonomous systems, categorized across six levels – from 0 to 5. Higher levels signify networks capable of self-configuration, self-optimization, and self-healing, ultimately maximizing efficiency and reliability. The company’s commitment to this evolution is underscored by a roadmap revealed in November 2025, targeting an average autonomy level of 3.75 by 2028 and reaching Level 4 autonomy by 2030. This ambitious plan reflects a growing industry trend towards intelligent networks that can proactively address issues and optimize performance without constant human intervention.
The core of Telefónica’s strategy involves meticulously measuring autonomy across key network domains – including fixed access, mobile access, transport, IP, core, and telco cloud – as well as critical processes like planning, testing, deployment, and operations. This granular approach allows the company to track progress in each area and identify opportunities for further automation. The resulting data is consolidated into a weighted indicator, providing a unified view of Telefónica’s overall progress towards autonomous maturity across its global operations.
Level 4 Autonomy: A Significant Milestone
A key indicator of Telefónica’s success is the achievement of 12 Level 4 use cases by the end of 2025. Level 4 autonomy signifies a significant leap forward, representing systems capable of acting independently based on high-level human intent. These use cases, already fully operational, are accelerating the company’s transformation and demonstrating the tangible benefits of autonomous network technology. This achievement positions Telefónica as a leader in European network automation, showcasing the power of combining advanced technology with skilled personnel and a focused strategy.
The rapid progress in achieving these Level 4 use cases has exceeded initial expectations, driven by the dedication of teams in Telefónica Spain, O2 Germany, and Vivo (Brazil). Collaboration between these operators has been instrumental in deploying and refining these autonomous systems, demonstrating the value of shared expertise and coordinated effort. The success in these regions is serving as a blueprint for wider implementation across Telefónica’s global network.
Specific Use Cases Driving Automation
Several specific examples highlight the practical application of Level 4 autonomy within Telefónica’s network. In Brazil, Vivo is leveraging AI – specifically its “Fractal” project – for the autonomous creation of network capacity. Fractal is also being used for autonomous detection and resolution of issues within Vivo’s virtualized 5G Core, and for the automated creation of client fiber capacity (Fractal II). These applications demonstrate the ability of AI to proactively manage network resources and address potential problems before they impact customers.
O2 Germany is also at the forefront of this transformation, creating a digital twin for its transport network, dubbed “NetOptimizer.” NetOptimizer allows for real-time monitoring and optimization of network performance, enabling proactive adjustments to maintain optimal service levels. O2 Germany is implementing intelligent planning for its transmission network, automating operations analytics, ticketing, and diagnostics through a virtual assistant, and automating in-service software changes for its Core 5G infrastructure. An intelligent multi-domain correlation system is also proactively detecting and resolving issues in 4G/5G networks at the customer level.
Telefónica España is contributing to this effort with autonomous detection and resolution of weaknesses in its IP network, as well as intelligent planning for the deployment of customer fiber (Smart Capex). Additional projects include “NetCheck,” designed for error-free software changes, and intelligent configuration of Telefónica España’s IP network. These initiatives demonstrate a comprehensive approach to automation, spanning multiple network layers and operational processes.
Addressing the Skills Gap in Autonomous Networks
While the technological advancements are significant, the transition to autonomous networks isn’t without its challenges. A recent TM Forum autonomous network workshop, hosted by Telefónica, highlighted a critical hurdle: the gap between IT and network skills. Nilmar Seccomandi, Director of Autonomous Network and Infrastructure at Telefónica, emphasized the need for continuous process adaptation and a transformation that touches all areas of the network, including technology, data, processes, and people. The TM Forum report details how aligning IT, data engineering, data science, and network teams is crucial for success.
The challenge lies in bridging the knowledge gap between traditional network engineers and the data scientists and software developers needed to build and maintain these intelligent systems. For example, software developers may lack a deep understanding of network-specific concepts like handover, while network engineers may need to enhance their skills in data analytics and AI. Closing this gap requires investment in training and development, as well as fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The TM Forum and the Autonomous Networks Framework
Telefónica’s ANJ program is firmly rooted in the Autonomous Networks framework defined by the TM Forum. This framework provides a systematic methodology for operators, guiding them from strategy planning to implementation and promoting efficient AN perform. The 6th TM Forum Autonomous Networks Workshop, co-hosted by Telefónica in Madrid in October 2025, brought together over 70 experts from 27 companies to collaborate on advancing this framework. The workshop focused on defining business motivations, advancing the AN Levels Evaluation Tool (ANLET), and aligning cross-domain orchestration and agentic architectures.
The workshop underscored the importance of connecting Key Enabler Indicators (KEIs) and Key Business Indicators (KBIs) to the Autonomous Network Level (ANL) framework. This unified model allows operators to track both progress towards autonomy and the resulting business impact, demonstrating the value of investment in autonomous network technologies. The discussions also centered on agentic architectures, exploring how AI-powered multi-agent systems can coordinate tasks across different network domains.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Autonomous Networks at Telefónica
Telefónica’s commitment to autonomous networks extends beyond simply automating existing processes. The company is actively exploring new applications of AI and machine learning to optimize network performance, enhance customer experience, and drive innovation. The successful deployment of 12 Level 4 use cases represents a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning of a long-term journey towards fully autonomous networks.
As Telefónica continues to refine its ANJ program and expand its use of autonomous technologies, it will be crucial to address the skills gap, foster collaboration between IT and network teams, and leverage the expertise of the broader industry through organizations like the TM Forum. The future of telecommunications networks is undoubtedly autonomous, and Telefónica is positioning itself as a leader in this transformative shift.
The next key checkpoint for Telefónica is the continued rollout of Level 4 use cases and progress towards achieving an average autonomy level of 3.75 by 2028. Readers interested in learning more about Telefónica’s autonomous network initiatives can visit the company’s official website for updates and further information. Share your thoughts on the future of autonomous networks in the comments below.
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