The Evolution of 5G: How NTT DOCOMO and Nokia are Pioneering Autonomous Networks

The telecommunications landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift. As 5G networks grow in complexity, the traditional reliance on manual, KPI-driven management is becoming unsustainable. Industry leaders are now pivoting toward intent-based autonomous networks, a transition exemplified by the strategic collaboration between NTT DOCOMO and Nokia.

The Shift Toward Intent-Based Automation

For years, mobile operators have managed network performance by monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). While effective for basic troubleshooting, this reactive approach struggles to keep pace with the dynamic demands of modern, multi-vendor 5G environments. Intent-based networking changes the paradigm: instead of manually adjusting parameters to hit specific metrics, operators define the “intent”—the desired outcome—and the network autonomously configures itself to achieve that goal.

This evolution is central to the deployment of Open RAN (O-RAN) architectures. By decoupling hardware and software, O-RAN allows operators to integrate best-of-breed components from various vendors. However, this flexibility introduces management challenges that require a more sophisticated, intelligent approach to Service Management and Orchestration (SMO).

Strengthening the 5G Ecosystem

NTT DOCOMO has been at the forefront of this transformation through its 5G Open RAN Ecosystem Experience (OREX). The initiative focuses on simplifying the design, integration and operation of multi-vendor O-RAN systems. By collaborating with partners to validate these complex architectures, DOCOMO is proving that open, multi-vendor networks can meet the rigorous performance standards required by the world’s most demanding mobile environments.

A significant milestone in this journey is the integration of autonomous solutions into the network fabric. For instance, the introduction of MantaRay SON—a Self-Organizing Network solution—into NTT DOCOMO’s multi-vendor 5G network marks a transition toward greater operational efficiency. Such autonomous tools are designed to optimize network performance in real-time, reducing the burden on human operators and ensuring consistent service quality.

Why Autonomous Networks Matter

The move toward autonomous networks is not merely an operational upgrade. it is a strategic necessity for several reasons:

• Scalability: As the density of 5G small cells and IoT devices increases, human-led management cannot scale. Automation ensures the network remains performant without exponential increases in headcount.
• Efficiency: By automating routine tasks and complex optimizations, operators can significantly lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) for their infrastructure.
• Agility: Intent-based systems allow for the rapid deployment of new services, enabling operators to respond to market demands with unprecedented speed.

Key Takeaways

• From Reactive to Proactive: The industry is moving away from KPI-driven monitoring toward autonomous, intent-based management.
• The Role of O-RAN: Open RAN is the foundation for this flexibility, provided that operators employ robust SMO frameworks to manage multi-vendor complexity.
• Strategic Collaboration: Partnerships between major carriers and infrastructure providers are essential to validate and scale autonomous technologies in live, high-traffic networks.

Looking Ahead

As we head into the second half of 2026, the integration of AI-driven orchestration and autonomous network management will likely become the standard for global telecommunications. The work being done by NTT DOCOMO and its ecosystem partners provides a blueprint for how operators can navigate the complexities of 5G and beyond. By prioritizing intelligence and openness, the industry is not just building faster networks; it is creating a more resilient, efficient, and adaptable digital infrastructure for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an intent-based network?
An intent-based network is one where the operator specifies the desired business or technical outcome, and the system uses AI and automation to configure, monitor, and maintain the network to meet that intent automatically.

Why is Open RAN important for 5G?
Open RAN allows mobile operators to use software and hardware from different vendors, breaking the “vendor lock-in” associated with traditional, proprietary radio access networks. This encourages innovation and cost-efficiency.

What is the role of an SMO in an O-RAN network?
The Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework acts as the “brain” of the O-RAN architecture, providing the necessary tools to manage and optimize the performance of the various components across the network.