Reinventing network operations — new performance, new possibilities

Autonomous networks are not just about reducing manual work, they fundamentally change what networks are capable of achieving. Join us as we examine how automation and AI are redefining operational performance, from faster fault resolution to adaptive optimisation and predictive operations and discover how operators are using autonomy to raise the bar on service quality, network stability, and operational excellence.

Chair: George Malim, Managing Editor, Agile Telco

14:15 - 14:30

Presentation: AI-native Autonomous Networks: Leveraging large models for telco innovation

• From AI add-on to AI-first telco: Reimagining networks and operations around embedded intelligence to unlock faster innovation, smarter automation, and next-gen service experiences
• From automation to true autonomy: Scaling to intent-driven, multi-agent networks that collaborate in real time to deliver seamless, zero-touch, always-on experiences
• From connectivity to intelligent value platforms: transforming telcos into AI-powered service providers that monetise data, compute, and network capabilities as dynamic, customer-ready solutions

Yue Wang, Chief Technologist, China Telecom

14:30 - 14:45

Fireside chat: From silos to synergy: Scaling Autonomous Networks through industry collaboration

Every telco is working to make networks autonomous, yet definitions, data silos, and proprietary AI models vary widely. The path forward lies not in isolated AI efforts, but in a shared semantic foundation and telecom-grade domain language models that operators can adapt and scale—bringing together Zero Gravity architecture, ontology, and collaborative SLMs. The session will delve into:

• AI progress over the past year—emerging innovations, AI frameworks, autonomous networks accelerating AI adoption & customer experience
• Challenges of scaling AI—fragmented data, inconsistent semantics, and gaps in interoperability, governance, & standards
• Industry collaboration with TM Forum in establishing common architectures, shared ontologies, interoperable AI frameworks, and telecom-specific domain language models
• The Zero Gravity paradigm—shifting from legacy systems to a contextual, intent-driven orchestration layer powered by ontology and composable AI
• Customer experience as the North Star—optimizing outcomes, service quality, and business impact, not just traditional network metrics

Amol Phadke, Chief Transformation Officer, Tech Mahindra

Sukhdeep Singh Gill, Chief Digital Officer, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison

14:45 - 15:00 - Fireside chat: Building Autonomous Network Operations: Turning Vision into Reality

Mark Austin, VP, Data Science, AT&T

Thomas Steagall, Industry Advisor, Media and Telecommunications, Microsoft

Jamie Gaudette, Vice President, Networking & Infrastructure, Microsoft

15:00 - 15:15 - Building Autonomous Networks for the AI Era

Vivek Jaiswal, SVP, Autonomous Networks, Nokia

Dawood Shahdad, Senior Vice President, Hybrid MNO, Boost Mobile