AN Leadership Forum: Unlocking the next phase of intelligent network operations

Sessions in rooms

15:45 Case Study: Transforming operations through autonomous network capabilities 

• Embedding automation and intelligence across the network lifecycle 
• Reducing operational complexity while improving service reliability and customer outcomes 
• Aligning autonomous network initiatives with broader strategic priorities including efficiency, sustainability and innovation 
• Insights from deploying AN capabilities across multiple domains 

Nilmar Seccomandi David, Director of Autonomous Network & Infrastructure, Telefonica 

16:00  Fireside Chat: Intelligent networks in action – AI-native operations for the next telecom era 

• Integrating advanced AI capabilities into network management and service assurance 
• The emergence of AI-native architectures enabling continuous optimization and real-time orchestration 
• How ecosystem partnerships are helping accelerate the transition to autonomous operations 
• Lessons from real-world deployments and early results 

16:15 How to move from NaaS to autonomous networks

• Why the building blocks of AN are NaaS (ODA)
• Building a solid knowledge base for effective implementation
• Moving from predictive automation to reasoned automation with Agentic AI
• Case study of service closed loop for operations

Shirish Basant Rai, Senior Specialist Network Architect, Colt

16:30  Panel: Designing the autonomous operations center of the future 

• Exploring the concept of the “Dark NOC”: network operations environments where AI and automation handle the majority of operational tasks with minimal human intervention 
• How Level 4 autonomy is transforming traditional network operations centers into intelligent, self-managing environments 
• The technologies enabling this shift, from AI-driven assurance and closed-loop automation to digital twins and intent-based operations 
• What organizational changes are required as operator teams transition from manual monitoring to AI supervision and strategic control 
• How the “Dark NOC” vision underpins the transition to 6G, where AI-native, fully autonomous operations are expected to be foundational rather than optional

Panelists include:  
Keisuke Suzuki, Director of OSS, NTT 
Shirish Basant Rai, Senior Specialist Network Architect, Colt
Shahryar Khan, Senior Director & Head of Mobile Packet Core, Telia Group