As 5G and NTN converge, the industry needs a hybrid network management solution it can bank on

The commercial imperative for advanced hybrid network management

As industries of all kinds demand increasingly sophisticated connectivity solutions, the infrastructure needed to support them has become staggeringly complex. The convergence of 5G and satellite networks, combined with rising customer expectations, has created yet more complexity. In this environment of sprawling, multi-layered network systems, there is an urgent need to ensure reliable service and rapid fault resolution—even minor disruptions can erode both margins and trust.

This need has led to the ReNOVATE AI - Phase II: Innovating Connectivity Assurance Catalyst, spearheaded by several industry leaders such as Spark NZ, Deutsche Telekom, and Airbus, in collaboration with Infosys, AIRA and ServiceNow as technology partners Now in its second phase, the initiative seeks to redefine how network and service assurance is managed across hybrid systems for a sustainable connected future. Its goal is to cut operational inefficiencies, enhance fault resolution, improve service quality, and ultimately provide a compelling proposition for an industry under pressure to deliver seamless connectivity in an increasingly competitive landscape.

A new era in managing hybrid networks

The project combines advanced artificial intelligence, policy-driven automation, and TM Forum standards to transform how network operators manage and assure connectivity. The solution the team has been working on uses a closed-loop methodology, enabling it to identify, analyze, and resolve network faults autonomously. This approach has been designed to minimize manual intervention, ensure faster response times, and deliver greater reliability across both individual domains and broader network ecosystems.

The system’s capabilities are best demonstrated through two distinct but interconnected use cases. The first focuses on closed-loop assurance within the radio access network (RAN). Alarms generated in the radio access layer are collected and processed through ServiceNow’s IT service management platform. A rule-based algorithm performs root cause analysis (RCA), correlating and de-duplicating alarm data to identify the fault. From there, the system triggers remediation steps via orchestration platforms. For instance, when a configuration error causes a link-down fault in the RAN, the system can automatically resolve the issue within minutes, dramatically reducing downtime and operational burden.

Building on this single-domain assurance, the second use case highlights cross-domain functionality, targeting degraded voice quality in VoLTE calls. This process begins with the collection of network performance metrics across the RAN, transport, and core IMS layers. Using a bespoke AIOps platform built on Hyperscalar service blocks, ReNOVATE AI analyzes these metrics to detect anomalies and identify the root causes of voice media issues. By examining indicators like voice stream KPIs and broader performance metrics, the system isolates contributing factors—such as packet loss or signal degradation—and logs actionable insights. These enriched incidents enable network operations teams to address problems quickly, safeguarding voice quality and enhancing the overall customer experience.

The ReNOVATE solution integrates these domain-specific and cross-domain solutions into a single framework. TM Forum’s Open APIs, such as TMF638/639 for inventory lookup, TMF641 for service order automation and TMF642 for alarm management, provide the architectural foundation for seamless data flow between network elements, IT systems, and orchestration platforms. By adhering to these standards, the solution reduces the complexity and cost of integration while ensuring scalability and interoperability in diverse network environments.

Moreover, ReNOVATE AI’s alignment with TM Forum’s Autonomous Networks framework enables it to go beyond fault detection and resolution. It aims to actively optimize network performance in real time, as it envisions rerouting traffic between terrestrial and satellite networks during service disruptions in the next phase of the Catalyst. This adaptability ensures uninterrupted connectivity, even under challenging conditions, and underscores the solution’s relevance for industries with mission-critical communication needs.

Hybrid networks: a foundation for the future

ReNOVATE AI lays the groundwork for a future defined by automation, resilience, and adaptability. The financial and operational implications are clear. By reducing the time required to identify and fix network faults, the solution can save costs and protect CSPs’ most valuable asset: customer loyalty. With regulatory bodies mandating minimum service standards and customers demanding uninterrupted access, the solution provides CSPs with a route to greater commercial security.

The broader implications of ReNOVATE AI are not difficult to imagine. As the telecommunications industry moves toward a model defined by automation and adaptive networks, the project provides a blueprint for how operators can balance innovation with operational efficiency. Its emphasis on integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is particularly timely, given the growing demand for ubiquitous, high-quality connectivity across industries as diverse as aviation and healthcare.

The solution demonstrates how AI can shift network management from a reactive to a proactive model. As Nilay Rathod at Spark NZ explains, “by pre-empting faults and optimizing performance in real time, this solution reduces costs and enhances service reliability, positioning it as a transformative force in the drive toward ‘zero-trouble’ networks.”

As digital infrastructure becomes the backbone of global economies, ReNOVATE can assist the industry in creating next-generation connectivity. By addressing the twin imperatives of resilience and scalability, the project meets the immediate demands of the telecommunications industry and lays the groundwork for a more interconnected, adaptive world—one where all geographies have reliable access to the digital services they need.