In a hyper-competitive environment like B2B telecommunications, the difference between success and irrelevance can come down to timing. Automation in the telecom industry is no longer a vision of the future, it has become an essential element that ensures companies’ survival, leadership and market agility.
The global digital transformation market was valued at about USD 1.9 trillion in 2024 and is expected to nearly triple to USD 4.9 trillion by 2037, growing around 7.9% per year (Research Nester). This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and automation across various industries, including telecommunications.
Automating repetitive processes, eliminating manual tasks, and reducing human error. While true, it only represents a fraction of automation’s real value. The true advantage lies in business speed and scalability. With OSS solutions that automate processes, offers can be configured, customized, and launched in days. Even in just a few hours. This allows telecom companies to quickly adapt to market changes, respond dynamically to competition, and explore new revenue opportunities with minimal risk.
Additionally, automation enables data-driven decision-making. Intelligent systems can analyze user behavior, anticipate needs, and suggest real-time improvements, transforming operations into a continuous innovation engine. Ultimately, it’s a lever to enhance other technologies (like AI), and both operational efficiency and the end-customer experience.
Despite operating in a highly technological industry, many telcos still rely on outdated architectures, fragmented systems, and information silos. This complexity slows them down. While they may be pioneers in connectivity, their internal processes often fail to keep pace with today’s fast-moving market.
Automation in the telecom industry is the answer to this paradox. But not just any automation. It must be one that understands the unique characteristics of each company. Modern OSS solutions provide a modern, flexible approach that integrates seamlessly into existing systems, breaking down barriers to agility.
Every manual approval, every legacy system that doesn’t communicate with the next, every bureaucratic process that slows down a commercial proposal... All of these are barriers to growth. In this context, BSS and OSS solutions don’t just solve a technical problem; they redefine what it means to be an agile, modern, and competitive telco.
One of the main obstacles to automation is the fear of losing flexibility or technological freedom. Many market solutions come with a high degree of vendor dependency, rigid contracts, and closed architectures.
Cloud-native OSS solutions solve this problem:
Automation becomes a strategic advantage, enabling:
In other words, automation becomes a strategic advantage.
The adoption of standards is one of the key pillars for scaling automation in any industry. In the case of telecommunications, TM Forum has established a robust framework that enables interoperability, collaboration, and innovation among diverse players across the ecosystem.
Alvatross is built on these standards to ensure:
Thanks to TM Forum, we can connect modules with solutions from other vendors, collaborate on joint developments, and offer clients the assurance that they are investing in a recognized, future-ready technology. In this sense, automation in the telecom industry is not just an internal transformation, it’s also an opportunity to build new networks of value.
Beyond tools, true transformation begins with a cultural shift. Automating means questioning traditional ways of working. It means trusting data, embracing agility, and accepting that constant change is the new normal.
Telcos that cling on to old legacy systems and old ways of operating are falling behind. Those that dare to change, to experiment, to automate, are setting the course for the industry.
So let’s promote new ways of thinking, challenging the old ways. This is an invitation to rethink processes, break down silos, and build smoother workflows to transform operations and unlock the true potential of every company.
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1. What are OSS solutions, and why are they important for telcos?
OSS (Operations Support Systems) solutions help telcos manage their network operations, services, and customer experiences efficiently. They are essential for automation, enabling faster launches, better data-driven decisions, and scalable processes.
2. How does automation improve the customer experience in telecom?
Automation accelerates offer launches, reduces errors, and allows for more personalized services. Customers benefit from faster response times, tailored solutions, and consistent service quality.
3. Can automation integrate with legacy telecom systems?
Yes. Modern OSS solutions like Alvatross are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, respecting current infrastructure while enabling agile, scalable automation.
