Juniper Research projects that telecommunications operators will invest over $17 billion globally in AI-based network security over the next five years. The investment is expected to grow from $2.5 billion in 2025 to $4.6 billion in 2029.
The research attributes this increased spending to operators' growing focus on B2B revenue streams, particularly in sectors such as transportation, healthcare, and energy, where network security is paramount. The report, "AI in Cellular Networks Market 2025-2029," identifies the use of AI to create intelligent and autonomous systems as foundational to growing B2B revenue.
As traditional revenue sources slow down, Juniper Research believes that greater investment in enterprise-focused solutions is a key strategy for operators. However, successful B2B strategies will require operators to enhance their network security to assure enterprises that their data will be secure. Without the necessary investments, operators risk failing to capture the potential for B2B revenue growth.
While AI is already used to analyse data and automate manual security operations, Juniper Research believes that operators must orient their strategies on autonomy to effectively secure B2B traffic. Technologies such as agentic AI are seen as crucial for creating intelligent and autonomous network security systems.
Alex Webb, the report's author, commented: “Agentic AI will enable operators to inject autonomy into their network security operations; responding in real-time to threats to the network while retaining efficiency. These systems will better position operators to protect enterprise traffic; providing the foundation for strong B2B revenue growth.”
