Telcos' autonomous networks: Impact on maritime?

Livewire digital managing director Tristan Wood focuses on the impact of autonomous networks on Telcos and the Maritime Sector, following the launch of Inmarsat's NexusWave Driven by Livewire's RazorLink SD-WAN Software

Telecommunications companies are deeply involved in the journey of network automation. This is driven by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the pressure to increase margins from connectivity while maintaining prices. However, another significant development is the impact of hybrid connectivity, which involves bonding multiple networks. Tristan Wood, UK MD of Livewire Digital, suggests this could be a major disruptor, especially in the maritime sector.

A PwC industry survey last year found nearly half of telecom CEOs predicted existential threats unless their companies adapted to the changing market. The entry of other B2B operators into the connectivity space is intensifying the battle for revenue.

Currently, satellite dominates maritime broadband communications, but the cost of airtime remains a key concern. True hybrid connectivity, which bonds multiple networks and routes traffic via the most effective network, is becoming crucial. Inmarsat’s newly launched NexusWave offers a unified multi-dimensional network that combines traditional GEO satellite connectivity with more cost-effective services, such as Low Earth Orbit satellite (LEO) and terrestrial LTE cellular services when near coastal cell sites.

Network autonomy is also a focal point for many telecom companies. These next-generation networks use generative AI tools to self-monitor and resolve technical issues on demand, potentially revolutionising telephony and connectivity markets. The transition from Level 3 autonomy (automating tasks within pre-defined limits) to Level 5 autonomy (adapting to unknown conditions) is inevitable, depending on how quickly established and new players implement it.

According to TM Forum,  the global industry association for service providers and their suppliers, most telcos (84%) are not yet at Level 3 autonomy, which ranges from manual maintenance to closed-loop operations with selective AI in specific environments. Capgemini Research Institute indicates most telcos aim to achieve at least Level 3 autonomy by 2028.

Why is this important?

Autonomous networks offer benefits in quality of service (QoS), experience (QoE), and cost-efficiency. Various autonomous network initiatives over the past two years have shown operational performance improvements by up to 20% and reductions in operational expenditure (OpEx) by 18%. The economics alone are compelling.

Although delving into the technical details of implementing autonomy across fixed-line, cellular, or satellite networks isn't possible here, the broad principles are similar. These include customer-facing conditions like subscriber churn and behavior predictive analysis, predictive maintenance, network slice optimisation, adaptive and dynamic network policies, and network failure prediction. Collectively, the benefits are substantial.

For telcos using satellite and cellular or other networks, the advantages of hybrid connectivity are even greater. This brings us back to the concept of true hybrid networks, which transition from vertical integration of autonomy to a three-dimensional approach.

True hybrid networks are heterogeneous, turning a single bonded connection (fixed-line, cellular, satellite, emergency services network) into one seamless connection, offering ubiquitous, always-on connectivity. Intelligent management of resources to suit various conditions is crucial in government and business-critical environments, where lives and livelihoods are at stake. Inmarsat’s NexusWave demonstrates the maritime sector’s potential to benefit from this technology.

Hybrid connectivity, enabled by SD-WAN, uses software-defined networking to distribute network traffic across a WAN, creating a virtual overlay that bonds underlying private or public WAN connections like fiber, wireless, satellite, or cellular. This seamless combination and transition between networks allow multiple technologies to work together, sharing the load and resources.

A hybrid platform adapts to various variables to optimise performance and reduce costs, using the most cost-effective option. Integrating existing and future connectivity services can enhance efficiency in systems, workflows, and people. Despite advances like 5G and LEO satellite services, no single network can address the demand for seamless connectivity on the move. Hybrid connectivity offers a comprehensive solution for coverage, bandwidth, reliability, and cost.

The market opportunities for true hybrid connectivity are vast. It addresses the challenges of dynamic connections across different network coverages, making it suitable for industries like defense, space exploration, autonomous vehicles, emergency services, telehealth, cloud-based HPC, AI, and machine learning. Hybrid connectivity enables intelligent connections, revolutionising telecommunications and other technology-driven sectors.

The maritime sector, with its need for data and speed of connection, will benefit greatly from true hybrid connectivity. Inmarsat’s NexusWave, featuring RazorLink’s SD-WAN technology, addresses challenges of network connectivity, efficiency, and cost.

Telecommunication companies face a critical pivot point. Embracing true hybrid connectivity early could yield significant market opportunities, allowing telcos to capitalise on this technology before others move into the space.