Automation and AI in Transport Networks Survey Analysis

This white paper analyzes the findings of the Omdia 2025 global transport network automation survey, which focused on the progress of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) within communications service providers (CSPs). The survey indicates that while CSPs have made progress in automating transport networks, a significant number are still in the early phases of this transition, with 70% classified as having partial automation. The paper outlines ambitious future plans for automation, with many CSPs expecting to reach higher levels of autonomy in the coming years. AI is identified as a complementary trend to automation, with 47% of respondents currently utilizing AI in production networks. Key use cases for AI include predictive analytics and network performance monitoring. The paper also discusses challenges to AI adoption, including integration issues with existing systems and concerns regarding data privacy. Furthermore, the potential of agentic AI in enhancing transport networks is highlighted, with a significant portion of CSPs recognizing its importance.