As enterprises increasingly look for ways to improve efficiency and innovation, network modernization has become a key driver of transformation. Modernizing networks is not just about upgrading to the next generation of technology but about unlocking new opportunities through automation, microservices-based architectures and AI-driven decision-making.
Industry leaders recently came together to discuss the role of network modernization in private enterprises, exploring how it enables greater operational efficiency and supports advanced use cases. The panel, moderated by Abe Nejad, Publisher of Network Media Group (NMG), featured experts from Druid, The Futurum Group and Rakuten Symphony.
Speakers:
Watch the full interview here.
The discussion focused on how enterprises and telecom operators must move away from traditional, siloed network architectures to embrace open, cloud-native models. The shift toward microservices-based deployments allows for greater flexibility, making it easier to integrate new applications, automate processes and scale operations efficiently.
One key takeaway was that automation is no longer optional. For telecom operators, network automation is helping reduce operational complexity and costs, while for enterprises it is enabling smarter resource management and faster decision-making. By consolidating data across different network components and applying AI-powered insights, businesses can optimize performance and drive predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.
Another important topic was the impact of AI on network optimization. AI is no longer just an assistive tool – it is now capable of automating decision-making processes that were previously manual. With AI-powered applications, networks can dynamically adjust traffic, optimize resource allocation, and even automate corrective actions to maintain performance levels. This is particularly critical for enterprises operating private 5G networks, where the ability to customize network behavior in real-time can provide a competitive advantage.
The conversation also highlighted how enterprises are increasingly moving toward dedicated private 5G networks. Instead of relying solely on traditional mobile network operators, businesses are exploring hybrid models, where private network deployments integrate with public networks through roaming agreements. This shift is particularly evident in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and critical infrastructure, where reliable, low-latency connectivity is essential.
AI and orchestration tools are playing a critical role in managing these private 5G networks. By introducing distributed network managers, enterprises can handle multiple network cores from a single orchestrator, making it easier to deploy and manage large-scale network infrastructures. These advancements are paving the way for faster, more efficient network expansion, particularly in sectors where high-performance connectivity is a necessity.
The panelists agreed that while discussions often focus on the transition to 6G, the real priority should be fully realizing the potential of 5G. Many of the advanced capabilities promised by 5G – such as network slicing, real-time AI integration, and enhanced security – are still being developed and adopted. The industry needs to focus on maximizing these features before chasing the next generation of technology.
"AI is moving from being just an assistant where a human is part of the process to become a completely automated decision-making AI."
Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders on the future of telecom and technology. Follow us for updates on upcoming discussions.
