A transformative shift is underway in the telecommunications sector, as a new study from Juniper Research reveals that operators will ramp up their annual investment in artificial intelligence (AI) to $22 billion by 2029, up from $13 billion this year. This significant increase of 62% is primarily driven by operators’ ambitions to achieve zero-touch operations within their cellular networks.
Zero-touch operations aim to minimise or entirely eliminate human intervention in network management, paving the way for enhanced efficiency and reduced operational costs. The report, titled Global AI in Cellular Networks Market 2025-2029, highlights the potential for AI to revolutionise operational frameworks across the industry.
A key focus of this investment is the deployment of agentic AI in radio access networks (RAN). Juniper Research identifies agentic AI as a critical technology that enables operators to autonomously manage network functions, utilising sophisticated problem-solving capabilities. According to the research, implementing agentic AI in RAN will yield the most immediate return on investment (ROI) for operators. By optimising RAN through AI, latency in network decision-making can be significantly reduced, facilitating real-time optimisation and improving overall user experience.
Phil Sealy, Research Director at ABI Research, commented on the industry’s trajectory: “The high cost, combined with manufacturing and enrollment hurdles, means adoption will remain largely restricted to premium banking customers and niche applications.” However, the focus on AI in network operations promises a shift towards greater efficiency and sustainability.
Operators are encouraged to adopt lightweight AI models with fewer parameters to ensure rapid decision-making capabilities. This approach will enable faster autonomous operations, crucial for achieving zero-touch goals. As Sealy noted, “It is up to generator and PMIC suppliers to demonstrate the total costs of ownership savings that can be achieved through investment in harvesting equipment.”
The implications of these advancements are profound. By 2029, Juniper Research forecasts that operators will achieve energy savings of up to 6,100 TWh, translating to substantial financial benefits—estimated at $224 billion in savings. These figures underscore the importance of AI not just in operational efficiency but also in contributing to sustainability goals.
As the telecommunications landscape evolves, the integration of AI technologies will be pivotal in redefining how operators manage their networks, ultimately leading to enhanced service delivery and customer satisfaction. The future of telecom is poised to be driven by innovation, with zero-touch operations at the forefront, ensuring operators remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.
