Ericsson and Denmark’s TDC NET have achieved the world’s first TM Forum certification for Level 4 network autonomy, marking a major milestone in the telecom industry’s move toward fully autonomous networks. The certification, under TM Forum’s Autonomous Networks Level Assessment Verification (ANLAV) framework, validated Ericsson’s Predictive Cell Energy Management (PCEM) solution, which has been in live production on TDC NET’s network since May 2024.
The solution was certified for automating Radio Access Network (RAN) energy efficiency optimization—reducing the energy required to transmit 1 GB of data by roughly 5% across the targeted network segment. The project yielded an estimated 800 MWh in energy savings and cut CO2e emissions by about 135 metric tons in 2024. TM Forum defines Level 4 autonomy as AI-driven, intent-based operations with predictive analysis and closed-loop automation across domains.
The solution was evaluated across five cognitive dimensions: Intent, Awareness, Analysis, Decision, and Execution. Ericsson also reported progress toward Level 4 autonomy in other areas, such as network throughput management and RAN slicing service assurance, with multiple commercial deployments underway.
- Ericsson and TDC NET secure world’s first TM Forum Level 4 network autonomy certification
- Validated scenario: RAN energy efficiency optimization via Predictive Cell Energy Management
- Achieved 5% energy savings and ~135 metric tons CO2e reduction in 2024
- Certified through TM Forum’s ANLAV framework assessing five cognitive abilities
- Ericsson targeting broader Level 4 autonomy for managed services and slicing
“Achieving verification of Level 4 autonomy marks not only a significant achievement for Ericsson, but for the industry at large as we build the foundation of full network autonomy,” said Bradley Mead, Head of Ericsson Managed Network Services.
