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Deutsche Telekom unveils AI-driven network upgrades and Open RAN expansion at Network Day

From AI-driven real-time adjustments to Open RAN supplier deals, Deutsche Telekom is rewiring its future. But will 5G-SA finally reach consumers soon?

The image shows a whiteboard with a diagram of a global network strategy written on it. The diagram...
The image shows a whiteboard with a diagram of a global network strategy written on it. The diagram is composed of several interconnected circles and arrows, each representing a different step in the global network. The text written on the whiteboard provides further details about the strategy, such as the objectives, strategies, and outcomes of each step.

Deutsche Telekom unveils AI-driven network upgrades and Open RAN expansion at Network Day

Deutsche Telekom has showcased its latest network advancements at its annual Network Day event. The focus was on improvements in both fixed-line and mobile infrastructure, with artificial intelligence playing a central role. Among the key developments, the company highlighted its push towards Open RAN technology and the expansion of 5G Standalone (5G-SA) capabilities.

The event also revealed new partnerships and AI-driven tools designed to enhance network efficiency. Meanwhile, a fresh advertising campaign, 'Better in the Best Network,' aims to reinforce the brand’s reputation for superior connectivity.

At the event, Deutsche Telekom confirmed its current Open RAN suppliers for 2026: Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, Rakuten Symphony, and Mavenir. Additional vendors, including Fujitsu, Juniper Networks, Dell Technologies, and software providers like Parallel Wireless or VVDN Technologies, remain under evaluation. Their inclusion depends on ongoing tests and certification processes.

The company’s AI system, the 'RAN Guardian Agent,' now enables real-time adjustments for individual mobile cells based on demand and traffic patterns. In 2026 alone, the AI assessed over 240,000 network events in Germany, a sharp rise in detectable and correctable issues. This push towards automation aligns with Deutsche Telekom’s goal of creating a fully autonomous network. On the consumer side, 5G-SA remains limited in scope. While the technology supports only two-carrier aggregation at present, it lags behind 5G-NSA in performance. A broad public rollout for private customers is delayed due to insufficient device compatibility. Despite initial reluctance, the company has adopted the term '5G+' in official communications to denote 5G Standalone. To reinforce its market position, Deutsche Telekom updated network displays on newer devices to show the tagline 'In the best network.' The new advertising campaign, 'Better in the Best Network,' further emphasises the added value of its infrastructure. Open RAN adoption continues to reduce reliance on single suppliers, fostering competition and flexibility in network deployment.

Deutsche Telekom’s latest updates reflect a strategic shift towards AI-driven networks and Open RAN technology. With expanded supplier partnerships and real-time AI adjustments, the company aims to improve efficiency and performance. However, 5G-SA adoption remains constrained by device limitations, delaying wider consumer access.

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