NGMN Proposes a Three-Step Simplification of 5G Networks

Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGMN) published a document to help mobile operators simplify their 5G networks. Simplifying should reduce operational complexity, lower the total cost of ownership, and support sustainability goals.

In its latest publication, NGMN outlines a high‑level reference model for operators at different stages of 5G deployment. The intended scope ranges from advanced-stage operators that have deployed a cloud native 5G core with extensive 5G rollout in the RAN, to early-stage operators with networks that are primarily LTE-based and looking to launch 5G NSA.  

“To minimise operational costs, enhance efficiency, and unlock new services over 5G, network simplification must be a core pillar of network evolution strategies, across both architectures and operations,” said Laurent Leboucher, chair of the NGMN Alliance Board and Orange Group CTO and EVP for Networks. He explained that NGMN’s latest guidance provides operators with a clear framework to understand where and how simplification can be achieved.

NGMN proposed a three-step approach for how network simplification can be achieved. This identifies key trends in technology evolution that operators should focus on to enable simplification in their networks. These trends include cloud native, agentic AI, generative AI, federated network services, and the evolution of optical fibre.

The second step is for MNOs to seek insight into the challenges they will face in adopting identified enablers for network simplification across radio, core, and transport domains. For the third step, NGMN advises MNOs to prioritise the adoption of technology enablers and the domains where they will be applied, depending on their context and state of network evolution.