• The assessment can give communication service providers clearer insight into their current and future use of AI capabilities to drive better network performance
• Assessment introduced at the Nokia Algorithm World event in the U.S., hosted with industry leaders to discuss the latest data and software technologies

 Nokia  announced the launch of its AI Maturity Assessment to help communication service providers  better leverage autonomously driven softwaresolutions that can reduce network congestion, improve network quality, and enhance the customer experience with new products and services.

The tool assesses where an operator stands against competitors in different markets and guides the operator to their own AI strategy and adoption. An assessment is based around a framework of eight dimensions – from AI strategy and autonomous operations to customer experience – and a further 67 sub-dimensions.

It provides an operator with a view of its maturity at each dimension and compares that against peers. It also maps out a CSP’s path through five levels of automation, including the earliest, assisted, to the most advanced, zero-touch, at which stage automated, intent-driven AI capabilities can predict network faults and issues, and deliver network optimization decisions with closed-loop learning.

With Nokia partnering with CSPs in their AI transformation journey, CSPs can get a clear understanding about which AI solutions can benefit their network environment in the short, medium, and long-term. It is also intended to steer CSPs away from taking a ‘wait and watch’ approach, which carries the risk of being left behind by competitors and missing out on the benefits that AI can bring.

Adaora Okeleke, Analysis Mason, Principal Analyst, said: “Artificial Intelligence technologies are set to transform many aspects of the telco industry and our daily lives. Yet many telco organizations aren’t well positioned to take advantage of AI. Telcos need tools that can assess their AI readiness (including skillset, tools and processes), and provide recommendations on how to optimize these capabilities in making the most of the opportunities AI will bring to transforming their operations”.

Hamdy Farid, Senior Vice President, Business Applications at Nokia, said: “With the ability to provide an increasing number of critical network functions – from reducing energy usage in base stations, to faster security assurance, and detecting and resolving network issues automatically – AI adoption is critical to all operators. And the Nokia AI Maturity Assessment provides a needed framework for strengthening AI readiness and rolling out AI in any network environment.”