They must deploy agentic AI to create intelligent and autonomous network security systems, says a new study from Juniper Research, as a central plank of their growth strategy
A new study from Juniper Research found that operators will invest more than $17 billion globally over the next five years in AI-based network security. It predicts their total investment will grow from $2.5 billion in 2025 to $4.6 billion in 2029.
Juniper Research attributes this projected additional investment to operators’ greater focus on growing their B2B revenue streams for industries such as transport, healthcare and energy, where the security of networks is imperative. The report identified the use of AI to create intelligent and autonomous systems in network security as foundational to growing B2B revenue.
Autonomous network security
While AI is already being used to analyse data and automate manual security operations, the research house believes that to secure B2B services effectively, network operators’ strategies must be oriented around autonomy. This includes leveraging technologies such as agentic AI to create intelligent and autonomous network security systems.
The author of the research, Senior Research Analyst at Juniper, Alex Webb remarked, “Agentic AI will enable operators to inject autonomy into their network security operations; responding in real-time to threats to the network while retaining efficiency.
“These systems will better position operators to protect enterprise traffic; providing the foundation for strong B2B revenue growth.”
Dangers of paralysis
According to a McKinsey report published in February this year, AI infrastructure: A new growth avenue for telco operators, AI offers operators a range of options to capitalise in the market for AI services.
It stresses, “Not every path will suit every telco; some may be too risky for certain operators right now,” according to the report. “However, the most significant risk may come from inaction, as telcos face the possibility of missing out on their fair share of growth from this latest technological disruption.”
