NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE & MODERNISATION

with their customer demand from AI and cloud.”

This growth shows no signs of abating, with AI adoption driving a continual acceleration in network demand.

Operational challenges and tool rationalisation Introducing AI and automation into network operations raises concerns about tool sprawl and the increase in complexity. As AI technologies evolve, a growing number of vendors offer specialised tools for network monitoring, predictive maintenance, security analysis and performance optimisation. While these tools promise benefits, adopting too many point solutions can lead to fragmented systems and add to operational overheads.

Telstra’ s strategy focuses on simplifying and integrating its toolset rather than

Relying on multiple disconnected tools often requires further integration layers, which can undermine the efficiencies automation delivers. Instead, Telstra prioritises identifying a core set of tools that address essential network management needs, supported by a unified orchestration layer that ensures they operate cohesively.

“ Rather than piecing together several tools that barely work together, we focus on using a few well-integrated tools with a shared orchestration approach,” Wayne explains.

The orchestration layer is key to enabling AI-driven network management. Rather than needing AI systems to interact with many different tools, they connect to a single orchestration platform that manages tool interactions behind the scenes.“ The AI does not need to understand every tool; it just sends instructions to the orchestration layer, which handles the execution,” Mark adds.

Importantly, Telstra’ s tool rationalisation strategy does not exclude the adoption of productivity-enhancing AI solutions. Wayne states:“ We use tools like Microsoft Copilot to improve operational workflows and customer service.”

Such solutions provide immediate, practical benefits while aligning with Telstra’ s broader goal of streamlined, AI-enabled network automation.