Telecom operators face bandwidth bottleneck: The need for disaggregation

The relentless demand for better and more affordable broadband is threatening to overwhelm telecom operators' networks, as highlighted by industry leaders. The solution lies in adopting next-generation disaggregated networks, but implementation remains a challenge.

Findings from RtBrick’s ‘State of Disaggregation’ Report based on a survey of 200 senior telecom decision-makers across the US, UK and Australia reveal that, despite recognising the need for change, operators grapple with lack of leadership support (93%), operational complexities (42%), and a lack of skilled personnel (38%). The result is an industry that knows what to do and has the budget to do so but struggles to execute.

Increased bandwidth demand is a pressing issue, with a staggering 87% of operators anticipating a rise in the speed of broadbrand customers demand by 2030. Likewise, 79% say customers expect their costs will rise, showing willingness to pay. However, nearly half lack confidence in meeting these demands affordably, while 84% affirm that current architectures do not match consumers' expectations for faster, cheaper broadband.

Pravin S Bhandarkar, CEO of RtBrick, emphasises that "decision-making" is the bottleneck, not capacity. Disaggregated networks are crucial for agility and scalability, meeting modern consumer needs.

Operators are eager to invest in disaggregation, with 94% having intentions to act within five years. However, despite overwhelming ambition, execution lags. Only 1 in 20 are actively deploying, while others remain in "exploration" or "planning" stages. Front-runners like AT&T and Deutsche Telekom are already deploying at scale demonstating faster rollouts and increased operational control.

Leaders also claim to use AI in network operations despite 93% of leaders admitting that rich, real-time data is necessary to harness AI's potential. This necessitates more open, modular architecture.

According to Zara Squarey, without modern architectures enabling real-time data, disaggregation risks delays.

Operators express high expectations from disaggregation. Predicted benefits include:

• Increased operational automation (54%)
• Enhanced supply chain resilience (54%)
• Improved energy efficiency (51%)
• Lower purchase and operational costs (48%)
• Reduced vendor lock-in (33%)

Operators demand traditional vendors provide disaggregated options within three years, while industry leaders are already capitalising on the opportunity, urging others to follow suit.