AI-RAN Automation Spending Projected to Reach $1.1 Billion
Telecom operators have adopted intent-driven architectures to cut energy use and outages ahead of 6G standards.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Robotics
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SNS Telecom & IT published a research report forecasting annual spending on AI-RAN automation to reach $1.1 billion by 2030. Operators currently deploy level 4 autonomy within live radio access networks to manage capacity and performance.
Why it matters
Network providers are integrating AI-driven automation to reduce operating expenses, lower CO2 emissions, and defer capital expenditure. These systems are foundational for the next generation of mobile connectivity.
Intent-driven RAN automation delivers 20% energy savings and a 60% reduction in cell outages during high-load events. The market for AI-RAN software and services is expected to grow at a 9% compound annual growth rate through 2030.
The players
Rakuten Mobile
A cloud-native mobile operator utilizing open radio access network architectures for automated network operations.
SNS Telecom & IT
A market research firm specializing in global telecommunications infrastructure and software trends.
The details
Operators are shifting from legacy Self-Organizing Networks (SON) to open, application-based architectures that utilize SMO (Service Management and Orchestration) and Non-RT RIC (Non-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller) platforms. These systems enable the deployment of rApps—specialized AI/ML software applications—to manage network functions. Standardized E3 interfaces allow these applications to communicate directly with Open RAN baseband nodes to optimize traffic in real time.
Timeline
2026-2040: Forecast period for the market research report.
2030: Projected target year for $1.1 billion in annual spending and initial 6G network launches.
The Tech Race
This transition to open, AI-driven automation marks a departure from traditional vendor-locked SON technology. The current shift aims to align network capabilities with the requirements of 6G standards expected around 2030.
Network users can expect more stable connectivity during high-demand events as carriers implement AI-based outage reduction. Over the next decade, these infrastructure efficiencies will gradually support the rollout of 6G-enabled services and hardware.
The takeaway
Operators are aggressively deploying AI to stabilize network performance and lower emissions ahead of the next generation of mobile standards. Watch for the maturation of RAN digital twins, which will become a critical tool for network planning and 6G development over the next four years.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of autonomous systems and infrastructure, explore the latest trends in Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Thefastmode.
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