Real-world: Autonomous network deployments — SK Telecom, China Mobile, Etisalat

SK Telecom: Pioneering L3-L4 RAN Autonomy

SK Telecom has been among the most aggressive operators in pursuing autonomous network operations, targeting Level 3-4 autonomy in its 5G RAN by 2025. The operator deployed AI-driven closed-loop optimization for antenna tilt and power management across its 5G network, with digital twin validation before live parameter changes. SK Telecom reported that AI-based RAN optimization reduced manual parameter tuning by 70% and improved average cell throughput by 10-15%. Their autonomous operations center uses intent-based interfaces where engineers define target KPIs and the AI system autonomously…