AI-RAN Automation Market Has Reached Growth Projection
Annual global spending on AI-powered network automation is expected to hit $1.1 billion by 2030.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Robotics
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A new research report from SNS Telecom & IT highlights that the AI-RAN automation market is set to grow significantly, reaching $1.1 billion in annual spending by 2030. This shift is driven by operators transitioning from traditional technology to open, application-based network architectures.
Why it matters
Network operators are adopting these automation tools to lower energy consumption, decrease CO2 emissions, and improve their operational expenditure-to-revenue ratios. These technologies also aim to minimize cell outages and delay capital expenditures.
The AI-RAN automation market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2030, significantly outpacing the 4% CAGR forecast for the broader RAN automation sector. Operators are currently leveraging intent-driven automation to achieve 20% energy savings and a 60% reduction in cell outages during major events.
The players
SNS Telecom & IT
This organization specializes in market intelligence and research regarding the wireless telecommunications industry.
Rakuten Mobile
This company is a mobile network operator that has implemented L4 autonomy for specific use cases in its live RAN operations.
China Mobile
This is a major telecommunications provider currently utilizing L4 autonomy within its live radio access network infrastructure.
STC
This company is a regional telecommunications group that uses L4 autonomy for operational network use cases.
TDC NET
This firm is a connectivity infrastructure provider that has integrated L4 autonomy into its live RAN operations.
The details
Operators are currently scaling Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) and Non-Real-Time RAN Intelligent Controller (Non-RT RIC) deployments to enable network-level automation. The use of E3 interfaces allows application-based rApps to interface directly with Open RAN baseband nodes.
Timeline
2026-2040 is the market forecast period covered in the report.
2030 marks the target year for the $1.1 billion spending milestone and the expected launch of 6G networks.
The Tech Race
This market shift reflects the broader industry transition from legacy Self-Organizing Network (SON) systems to open, application-based frameworks that support future 6G development. By prioritizing digital twins and standardized interfaces, companies are positioning themselves to manage the increasing complexity of next-generation global networks.
As operators successfully deploy these AI tools, mobile users may experience more stable connectivity and fewer network outages during high-traffic events. In the long term, the energy-saving capabilities of these systems support the transition to more sustainable and cost-efficient network infrastructure.
The takeaway
The move toward intent-driven network automation marks a shift toward more resilient and efficient global telecommunications. Readers can look for improved service reliability as these software-driven architectures become the industry standard over the next decade.
Further reading
For more information on the evolution of automated systems, visit Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Thefastmode.
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