The bottom line with 5G: how automation is the key to reducing OpEx on 5G
5G and cloud networks are changing the game for service providers. New services, new architecture and new infrastructure are transforming how the industry is built. And while this transformation adds complexity to an already overburdened system it can be also offer service providers the chance to create a path on their journey to digital transformation. So what does 5G look like in an operational environment?
Network complexity increases
As mentioned, 5G adds a complexity to existing infrastructures. With network slicing in place for new industries such as IOT and enhanced Mobile Broadband(eMBB) operators are already seeing the increased need to monitor networks. As 5G grows the volume and depth of slices will only increase. This is where automation becomes key.
No automation? No control
5G without automation simply isn’t possible. 5G is already adding complexity to the network as network slices are static and managed as legacy networks which is starting to raise OpEx. Without automation the OpEx is only going to increase exponentially as the number of slices, and therefore NFs to be managed will be in the thousands. From an operational perspective managing the volume and speed of issues will not be humanly possible.
Automatic Value
Operators have already seen some of the OpEx control that can be gained from optimizing operations. 4G and PNF set the baseline for OpEx in the past when VNFs started bringing some optimization to operations and reducing OpEx. With 5G automation is going to be the key to not only controlling OpEx but can help reduce it. Reduced errors, reduced MTTR, faster fixes and greater insight in to the issues that are occurring all deliver an impact to the bottom line.
Beyond network automation
In addition to the OpEx savings on the network side operators can also look to automation to deliver sophisticated customer experiences. Customers expect more from their services now more than ever. And they want it instantly. This is true of consumers but also of B2B customers. If, for example, a B2B customer want to enable VIP customers on their network slices with dedicated monitoring, operators are looking at increased man-hours per request.
With an automated solution operators can put a workflow in place that triggers when the order is placed and have it complete the entire service lifecycle without any human interaction. This delivers a heightened customer experience but also optimises the order to cash time and reduce OpEx, all through the same mean. Fast and reliable automation.
The bottom line?
Exceptional customer experience and network reliability are the key to success as an operator. An automated operations team is critical to both. And a flexible and adaptive service assurance solution is the enabler for a smart automation setup. Without an effective service assurance solution to manage and maximise an automation strategy operators are going to be faced with rising OpEx costs and increasing risks to their subscriber experience.
