Nokia positioned the forthcoming addition of an agentic AI framework into its network services platform (NSP) as giving operators the ability to adopt agents using trusted data within secure boundaries.

The vendor stated the move would provide the means for customers to introduce AI operations for IP networks, with agents able to take guided, explainable actions based on real network data.

Commercial availability of the functionality is expected by the end of the year.

Nokia’s NSP is its management and automation platform for multi-vendor IP networks. It asserted the addition of the AI framework supports communication with external agents and would aid operators on their routes towards employing fully automated networks.

The company explained “while AI has the potential to transform network operations, many operators have remained cautious due to concerns around explainability, trust and risk in production environments”.

Its approach to ease these concerns is by “embedding agentic AI capabilities directly into the platform that already serves as the authoritative controller for IP networks”.

The vendor announced the first agent able to use the framework is a troubleshooting bot designed to help operators identify the root causes of problems faster and resolve complex issues.

Nokia VP and general manager for IP network automation software Sasa Nijemcevic said the move would “have a major impact on the way operators manage their networks, and will enable them to enhance their operations significantly and accelerate their journey toward autonomous networks with focus on solving real operational problems”.

“This is an incremental, pragmatic step toward AI‑native networks,” he added.

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UK operator Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) and Mavenir completed a proof-of-concept trial of technology designed to improve call clarity for customers suffering hearing issues without having to make changes on their phone.

Unlike device-based accessibility features or third-party apps, the service works entirely within the operator’s network. This allows participants to make and receive calls without needing to change their device or how they use it.

In the test participants completed a short, automated hearing test to identify how they perceive different sound frequencies. Personalised hearing profiles were then generated and securely linked to their mobile numbers, enabling the network to adapt how speech is delivered to them during calls in real time.

Following the trial, nearly 90% of participants reported improvements in call clarity, with many noting reduced listening effort, fewer misunderstandings and a more natural calling experience.

Jorge Ribeiro, director of core networks at Virgin Media O2, stated the trial was about using intelligence within the network to improve the experience without asking customers to do anything differently.

“We are encouraged by the early results from this proof-of-concept and are excited to explore how this type of technology could support more accessible services for our customers in future,” he said.

While still at an early stage, O2 said it is encouraged by the results and is exploring how the technology could be developed further to support accessible services at scale.

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Managed services provider MetTel completed a rapid network capacity upgrade for the US General Services Administration (GSA), equipping 11 federal offices across the country with connectivity infrastructure to support the Trump administration’s return-to-office mandate.

The project, delivered under the GSA’s Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract, involved the installation of 22 high-capacity network circuits alongside SD-WAN technology and VoIP services, enabling hundreds of federal employees to return to fully connected work locations.

Among the most demanding elements was a 10-gigabit circuit requiring entirely new carrier infrastructure, which was completed in under 60 days to meet the expedited timeline of a Telecommunications Service Priority order.

Don Parente, vice president of public sector at MetTel, said the mandate created an urgent, real-world test of the company’s capabilities.

“Our operations team delivered fast, reliable network modernisation, meeting the Administration’s Executive Order to return to work,” he said.

The SD-WAN architecture, which MetTel had previously deployed for the GSA, was a key enabler of the fast turnaround. The technology provides intelligent traffic management, enhanced resiliency and centralised network visibility, while high-capacity circuits were tailored to the specific needs of each site.

Bandwidth was sized for future growth, building in capacity to support evolving workforce and digital requirements without requiring additional infrastructure overhauls.

The Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) programme under which the work was delivered, is a 15-year, $50 billion government-wide vehicle designed to help federal agencies modernise their telecommunications and network infrastructure.

US-based MetTel has held EIS contract authority since January 2020, delivering network modernisation, managed services and communications transformation projects throughout that period.

The upgrade underscores the broader infrastructure pressures facing federal agencies as the return-to-office push accelerates demand for reliable, high-capacity government networks.

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