The paper’s purpose is to share the operator’s architecture, roadmap, implementation approach and lessons learned with the wider industry
e& UAE and TM Forum announced a white paper, The Path to Full Autonomy: e& UAE’s Strategic Blueprint for Network Transformation in the AI Era at DTW Ignite 2026 in Copenhagen. The implementation roadmap aligns with TM Forum’s Autonomous Networks architecture, high-value scenarios and effectiveness measurement framework.
It outlines the operator’s roadmap networks for high-level autonomous networks, moving from traditional automation towards AI-native, intent-driven and closed-loop operations.
It paper provides a structured blueprint for telecom operators to evolve network operations: at its heart is e& UAE’s Autonomous Network ‘DNA’. This is built around five core pillars, designed to deliver four business outcomes – see graphic below.
Source: The Path to Full Autonomy: e& UAE’s Strategic Blueprint for Network Transformation in the AI Era, published June 2026
The strategy targets progressive evolution towards Level 4 Autonomous Networks by 2030, while preparing the foundation for Level 5 self-evolving networks beyond 2030.
The white paper details the role of AI agents, digital twins, data platforms, intent-driven orchestration and open APIs in enabling scalable autonomy across RAN, core, transport, IP and fixed domains.
e& UAE’s intention is to share its architecture, roadmap, implementation approach and lessons learned with the wider industry. It also supports the Forum’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of autonomous operations across the global connectivity ecosystem. The white paper includes some insights from TM Forum.
Think, learn and act autonomously
Marwan Bin Shakar, Chief Technology Officer, e& UAE, said, “The future of telecoms will be defined by networks that can think, learn, and act autonomously…Our roadmap combines AI-native operations, agentic intelligence, and closed-loop automation to create networks that are more resilient, efficient, and customer-centric.
“By working closely with TM Forum, we are helping bridge industry vision and real-world implementation, accelerating the path toward Level 4 and Level 5 autonomy while supporting broader ambitions around sovereign AI, digital transformation, and next-generation connectivity.”
George Glass, Chief Technology Officer, TM Forum, added, “e& UAE’s blueprint is a strong example of how an operator can connect business outcomes with technical capability, governance and real operational implementation. This type of contribution is important for accelerating the industry’s collective journey towards Level 4 and beyond [see table below].”
The white paper is available here.
Source: The Path to Full Autonomy: e& UAE’s Strategic Blueprint for Network Transformation in the AI Era, published June 2026
