Key Points
- AI-First, Agentic Operations – Move beyond automation to intent-driven, self-optimizing networks aligned with TM Forum autonomous frameworks.
- From Network Autonomy to Business Outcomes – Reduce operational complexity, improve efficiency, and unlock new revenue with intelligent, proactive operations.
- End-to-End Telco Transformation – From private 5G and fiber engineering to digital CX and agentic software engineering—operationalized at scale.
The telecom industry stands on the edge of a new era where operators move beyond partial automation to intelligent, proactive autonomy. At MWC Barcelona 2026 (2–5 March 2026, Fira Gran Via, Barcelona), industry leaders will gather to chart this transformation, centered on the theme: Redefining the Autonomous Telco Era: AI-first networks. Agentic operations. Real business outcomes. The theme goes beyond technology trends to reflect real business priorities, as operators look to improve efficiency while delivering differentiated customer experiences in an increasingly competitive market.
Industry Challenges and the Path to Autonomy
Communications Service Providers (CSPs) are grappling with complex, multi-domain networks, legacy Operations Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) stacks that slow innovation, and mounting customer expectations shaped by digital-native experiences. Analyst firms emphasize that the next phase of transformation requires enterprise-wide intelligence and ecosystem orchestration, not isolated technology upgrades.
According to the HFS Horizons: Telecom Service Providers 2025 report, service providers must shift from reactive automation to intent-driven orchestration and ecosystem integration to unlock real value—from improved operational performance to new monetization opportunities.
In parallel, global industry alliances such as TM Forum have defined structured frameworks to help the industry transition toward true autonomy. The TM Forum Autonomous Networks Mission provides a roadmap and validation methodology for leveling up network automation maturity, from manual processes to fully autonomous, intent-driven systems.
This industry-wide focus underscores that autonomy isn’t a theoretical goal—it’s an operational imperative.
What You’ll See at MWC Barcelona 2026
At Sutherland’s Booth 5K13, Hall 5, we’ll be showcasing how operators can accelerate their journey to the autonomous telco era with practical solutions that deliver measurable outcomes across key domains.
AI-Enabled Private 5G Networks
Private 5G is a strategic growth engine for CSPs and enterprise customers. By infusing AI into service orchestration and policy automation, operators can deliver secure, reliable, and scalable private networks that unlock new vertical use cases and revenue streams.
Agentic Operations & Autonomous Networks
Moving past scripted automation, agentic operations leverage AI agents capable of sensing, deciding, and acting autonomously. This enables networks to self-optimize, self-heal, and continuously improve performance without human intervention.
TM Forum’s autonomous network frameworks echo this direction, mapping out levels of maturity that move operators from human-driven automation to highly autonomous systems that reduce costs and improve experiences.
Fiber Engineering & FTTH Managed Services
The path to autonomous connectivity extends into the access network. By applying AI and analytics to fiber planning, rollout, and operations, operators can improve deployment speed, network quality, and cost efficiency—paving the way for robust broadband experiences.
AI-Empowered Digital Customer Experience
Delivering on the promise of autonomy requires tying network performance directly to customer experience. Intelligent omnichannel support, predictive engagement, and real-time journey orchestration help CSPs deliver seamless and proactive customer experiences that drive loyalty and retention.
Telco Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA)
Transformation begins with understanding your starting point. Sutherland’s Telco Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) helps telecom operators establish a clear baseline and target state across OSS/BSS, IT, and operations.
By assessing legacy complexity, scalability, agility, and efficiency, DMA identifies key gaps and priorities. The result is an actionable roadmap that reduces technical debt and OPEX, accelerates service launches, improves reliability and customer experience, and aligns transformation with industry best practices.
Agentic Software Engineering (ASE)
Engineering excellence is central to autonomy. ASE embeds AI across the software lifecycle to accelerate delivery, improve quality, and increase predictability—enabling CSPs and partners to build, test, and deploy intelligent systems at scale.
Why MWC Barcelona 2026 Matters
For industry leaders—from CIOs and CTOs to product and operations executives—MWC 2026 offers a unique convergence of strategy, solutions, and peer insights. It’s where breakthrough technologies meet real business outcomes.
Attendees can expect:
- Discussions on how networks evolve from simple connectivity to intelligent, adaptive ecosystems.
- Sessions on the role of AI, intent-driven automation, and intent-based networking in future operations.
- Insight into how standards and industry collaboration (e.g., TM Forum’s autonomous network frameworks) are shaping practical implementation.
- Real use cases and demonstrations that tie autonomy to business impact.
Join Us at Booth 5K13, Hall 5
Sutherland invites you to explore how autonomous principles can be operationalized to deliver measurable business outcomes. Whether you’re focused on network operations, customer experience, software engineering, or digital transformation, this year’s event will provide actionable insights and powerful connections.
Meet us at: Booth 5K13 | Hall 5
When: 2–5 March 2026
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Let’s redefine the autonomous telco era—together.
