Level 4 Autonomous Networks (AN L4) will enable operators to predict and resolve network faults before customers are affected. In this way, they have the potential to improve customer satisfaction and reduce churn. It’s no wonder they’re a hot topic.

But how soon will we see real-world implementations? “2025 will be the beginning of AN Level 4 commercial deployment,” said River Huang, CTO of Huawei General Development Department. “It will be a long-term process, including two phases: single domain autonomy in high-value scenarios, and multi-domain, multi-agent collaboration in complex environments.”

He was speaking at WinWin Live 2025, together with Aaron Boasman-Patel, VP of Innovation at TM Forum.

Mr Huang said breakthroughs are needed in three key technologies to achieve Level 4.

The first is in large models. Huawei provides a Telecom Foundation Model for its Autonomous Driving Network (ADN) solution. “We are developing copilots for different roles, which can help to check network status, answer questions and fix network faults,” Mr Huang said. “This improves efficiency and reduces the need for specialised skills.” By using a single model for multiple scenarios, Huawei avoids the problem of having fragmented AI capabilities.

On the topic of AI, Mr Boasman-Patel said: “Last year, [TM Forum] released the AN L4 industry blueprint, where we introduced GenAI into the AN target framework for the first time. We’ve also established a GenAI working group, leveraging the collective power of industry partners to continuously improve related technologies and standards.”

The second area where a breakthrough is needed is in intelligent agents, Mr Huang added. “We are developing agents for high-value scenarios. These agents can realise network awareness, reasoning, decision-making and self-learning to achieve automation, and create a new Level 4 operation mode.” Creating these technologies will require improvements across a number of technologies, including automatic planning and dynamic chain-of-think capabilities for unknown and complex scenarios.

The final technology Mr Huang identified as needing innovation is the digital twin. Huawei is building a digital twin that will provide accurate real-time network simulation, fault prediction and prevention capabilities.

TM Forum has already proven to be an important platform for the development of Autonomous Networks. Mr Boasman-Patel said that its plans to further advance the industry include focusing on high-value scenarios to drive the commercial use of L4, and collaborating with industry partners to refine the L4 standards. An Autonomous Networks Mission Board has been established to accelerate industry-wide achievement of Level 4+ automation of network operations.

As those first commercial deployments get ever nearer, Mr Huang shared some of the work Huawei is doing with operators around the world. These include China Mobile, where copilots and agents have been deployed for automation. And proof-of-concept tests are in progress with Vodafone, Singtel and MTN.