IPLOOK Networks

  A leading 3G/4G/5G core network provider for MNO, MVNO, WISP and Private networks.  

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5G SA Migration: The Core Growth Metrics for European MVNOs

As the European telecom industry completes large scale 5G coverage deployment and shifts focus toward enhancing network capabilities, mobile virtual network operators across the region are facing a pivotal development crossroads. The migration to 5G Standalone networks is no longer a simple technical iteration, but a core strategic move that determines the long term survival capability and commercial monetization potential of MVNO businesses.

Different from traditional mobile network operators that concentrate on large scale infrastructure construction and investment, European MVNOs prioritize operational agility and stable return on investment in market competition. With in depth market research and long term practical engagement in European telecom scenarios, IPLOOK has summarized three core decision metrics that dominate MVNOs’ 5G SA transformation layout.

The first metric is SLA assurance and latency stability centered on user quality of experience. In 2026, 5G SA commercial value will be fully reflected in enterprise level service scenarios. Emerging businesses including cloud gaming, industrial Internet of Things and real time artificial intelligence applications all require deterministic and low latency network support. For MVNOs, obtaining strict and verifiable service level agreements from basic MNO networks has become the primary prerequisite for expanding enterprise business and securing market competitiveness.

The second key metric is the time to market of network slicing services. Network slicing serves as the core capability of cloud native 5G core networks and the key to MVNOs’ differentiated B2B service layout. European enterprise clients put forward flexible and customized demands for dedicated network slices. The rapid deployment, personalized adjustment and flexible dismantling of slices have become the core competitiveness of MVNOs, making operational agility far more important than blind scale expansion.

The third critical metric is the total cost of ownership per subscriber. Restricted by the stable and relatively saturated ARPU level in the European market, traditional rigid and outdated core network architectures can no longer adapt to MVNOs’ lean operation needs. A high performance cloud native user plane function can realize flexible scaling, shrinking deployment scale to match niche market demands and expanding capacity to carry massive IoT connections, effectively optimizing overall operating costs.

Against the backdrop of European 5G capability upgrading, precise control of the three core metrics is the key for MVNOs to break development bottlenecks. IPLOOK provides professional and lightweight 5G core network solutions tailored for European MVNO scenarios. Our cloud native network architecture supports stable SLA guarantee, fast network slicing deployment and flexible cost scaling, helping local MVNOs complete efficient 5G SA transformation, unlock B2B commercial value and achieve sustainable profit growth. If you are building a 5G SA development roadmap for European business, contact our professional team via [email protected] to customize exclusive network optimization solutions.

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Many mobile virtual network operators choose a light entry strategy to launch services quickly. This approach enables rapid market entry without heavy upfront infrastructure investment. Yet as their business expands, operators inevitably encounter a significant barrier. They face persistent pressure from shrinking profit margins and a lack of control over their core business operations.

The Light MVNO Model: Limited Flexibility as a Data Reseller

Operating as a Light MVNO means functioning primarily as a data reseller. Service plans and pricing depend entirely on the wholesale offerings provided by the host mobile network operator. When market conditions change rapidly, competition intensifies, or price wars emerge, Light MVNO operators have almost no ability to adjust their strategies. They cannot independently modify pricing structures, develop innovative service packages, or respond promptly to evolving customer needs. This inherent dependency creates a natural ceiling for business growth and profitability.

The Full MVNO Model: Control Through Independent Core Network Deployment

Full MVNO operators achieve genuine operational independence by deploying their own core network infrastructure. Solutions such as IPLOOK flexible core network systems give operators complete control over essential network components including subscriber databases and gateway functions. This level of control empowers operators to design customized tariff structures, implement real time dynamic billing systems, and deliver specialized services such as data connectivity without additional charges for specific enterprise or Internet of Things applications.

Profitability Comparison: Clear Differences Revealed by Industry Data

Industry statistics demonstrate a remarkable gap in profitability between these two operational models. Light MVNO operators typically see gross margins ranging from 10 percent to 25 percent. This narrow margin severely restricts long term growth potential and return on investment, leaving limited resources for service enhancement or business expansion. In contrast, Full MVNO operators achieve consistently higher gross margins ranging from 35 percent to 50 percent. They accomplish this by separating from retail packages offered by mobile network operators and purchasing wholesale network capacity directly at the source level. This substantial margin advantage creates a solid financial foundation for sustainable development and continuous innovation.

The Strategic Shift: Becoming an Independent Telecom Operator

The asset light approach delivers speed during the initial startup phase, but it translates to loss of control as the business reaches maturity. The transition from Light MVNO to Full MVNO represents far more than a technical improvement. It constitutes a fundamental business transformation that elevates an operator from a simple commercial distribution channel into an independent, sovereign telecom service provider with full authority over its products, services, and customer relationships.

IPLOOK: Your Partner for Successful MVNO Transformation

Are you ready to escape margin compression and take full control of your telecom business growth? IPLOOK provides cost effective, compact Core Network solutions designed specifically for MVNO operators seeking infrastructure advancement. Our adaptable and scalable systems enable a smooth transition path from Light to Full MVNO operation, helping you unlock higher profitability, operational independence, and lasting competitive advantage. Connect with our telecom experts today to discuss your personalized migration strategy.

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Shaping the Future of Mobile Networks: Wrapping Up MVNOs World Congress 2026

The IPLOOK team is back from a busy few days at the Okura Hotel for MVNOs World Congress 2026. It was great to connect face-to-face with partners, clients, and new faces at Stand 13 to talk about where the mobile industry is heading and how our core network solutions fit into that future.

At the center of our booth this year was our latest network architecture map, showing how we build the cloud-native “Digital Heart” for next-gen networks.

A Look Inside the IPLOOK Converged Core

Many of our discussions centered around our Converged Core architecture. We showed visitors how a truly scalable cloud platform—bringing together essential network functions like HSS/HLR/UDM, OCS/CHF, GGSN/PGW/UPF, IMS, ePDG, STP/DRA/SEPP, and GTP Proxy—makes it much easier for operators to manage their ecosystems.

The feedback highlighted two main priorities for today’s market:

The Full MVNO Model: MVNOs are looking for real independence, and our core gives them the flexibility to manage subscribers and launch services on their own terms.

Multi-Tenancy & Slicing: Operators want efficient ways to slice their networks to support different enterprise needs without adding infrastructure complexity.

Solving Real-World Challenges: Roaming and VoWiFi

We also focused heavily on two practical solutions that address current pain points for international operators:

Global 4G/5G Voice Continuity

With 2G and 3G networks shutting down rapidly across the globe, voice roaming is becoming a headache for many providers. We walked visitors through our VoLTE/VoNR Roaming solutions, which keep global voice services running smoothly across 4G and 5G networks so subscribers don’t lose coverage when traveling.

Cross-Border VoWiFi with Zero Roaming Charges

Our Cross-Border VoWiFi setup got a lot of traction from attendees looking to cut costs for their users. It’s a lightweight deployment that lets subscribers make calls over any local Wi-Fi network worldwide, completely bypassing international roaming fees.

Thank You for Dropping By

A big thank you to everyone who took the time to stop by Stand 13, check out our network map, and chat with our team. The conversations we had show that the industry is looking for flexible, cost-effective infrastructure that can scale quickly.

If you didn’t get a chance to catch us in Amsterdam or want to talk more about how these solutions can work for your specific market, feel free to reach out to our team at: [email protected]

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Why a Truly Converged Core (4G/5G/6G) is Essential for Modern Telcos？

Most telecom operators are running 4G LTE, 5G NSA and 5G SA networks simultaneously amid continuous mobile evolution. Traditionally separated core network deployment leads to fragmented network architecture. Independent hardware, isolated management platforms and incompatible signaling systems push up overall OPEX sharply, including equipment maintenance, power consumption and human resource costs. Besides extra operational expenses, separated networks also disperse subscriber data and hinder cross-network service coordination, slowing down the launch of IoT and vertical private network businesses and restricting operators’ digital transformation.

A fully converged core network has become an indispensable asset for contemporary telecom carriers to cut costs and realize sustainable development. Developed independently by IPLOOK, the Converged Core features unified signaling processing and integrated network architecture, supporting 4G EPC and full-standard 5GC on one unified platform. This design eliminates redundant hardware deployment and lowers initial capital expenditure effectively.

Equipped with a centralized O&M management system, IPLOOK Converged Core enables engineers to configure network parameters, locate faults and manage subscriber profiles on a single console instead of switching between multiple independent platforms, which greatly reduces daily maintenance workload and controls long-term OPEX. Built on cloud-native modular design, the solution supports flexible capacity expansion to meet diversified requirements of operator public networks and industrial private networks.

Looking ahead to the upcoming 6G era, IPLOOK reserves standardized expansion interfaces inside its converged core during R&D. When operators prepare for future 6G commercialization, they can upgrade networks by adding functional modules and updating software without massive hardware replacement or full-network reconstruction, avoiding huge reconstruction investment and service interruption.

As telcos shift toward digital service providers, vertical industries such as industrial IoT and V2X bring new revenue opportunities. With seamless compatibility across 4G,5G and evolvable design for 6G, IPLOOK Converged Core helps operators maximize existing network asset value, cut operating costs and seize new business growth in the long run.

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Scalability vs. Cost: Designing a Lean 5G Core Network for Emerging MVNOs

For a new mobile virtual network operator, launching a 5G core network project has become increasingly challenging. On one hand, the market demands fast rollout of differentiated services to capture subscribers and roaming revenue. On the other hand, the traditional core network design sits like a heavy burden, making it hard to breathe.

Traditional core networks are usually delivered as large, monolithic systems. A complete solution requires multiple high performance servers, dedicated hardware accelerators, and complex software licenses. For a startup MVNO with only tens of thousands or even just a few thousand subscribers, paying for a core network designed to support millions of users creates a heavy upfront capital expenditure burden. The operator ends up spending a fortune before making its first dollar.

The operational cost side is even more troublesome. Managing a traditional core network requires a dedicated team of engineers for monitoring, upgrades, and troubleshooting. For an MVNO with limited technical resources, this means either high personnel costs or long term dependency on vendor support. When the subscriber base is still small, continuous operating expenses quickly eat into profit margins.

Another Cost of Legacy Architecture: Inflexible Scaling

Even if an MVNO manages to launch, traditional core networks often struggle with traffic fluctuations. MVNO business is typically tidal. A tourist season may suddenly bring a flood of eSIM users, and a marketing campaign may cause a sharp traffic spike. Under the old architecture, scaling up means ordering new hardware, waiting for delivery, and racking and configuring it. The whole process takes weeks. By the time the equipment is ready, the peak traffic has already passed. If the network is overprovisioned to handle peaks, resources sit idle most of the time.

This is the core dilemma for emerging MVNOs. They need a core network that can scale elastically to handle uncertain growth, but they cannot afford the high cost of traditional solutions.

IPLOOK’s Approach: Cloud Native and Microservices Architecture

IPLOOK addresses this pain point with a fundamentally different design. By transforming the 5G core from heavy equipment into lightweight software, and by using cloud native and microservices architecture, IPLOOK redefines the economic model of MVNO network deployment.

On demand scaling instead of upfront investment

All IPLOOK core network functions (such as AMF, SMF, UPF, and AUSF) are delivered as containerized microservices. This means an MVNO only needs to start the necessary service instances based on its current subscriber base. When subscribers grow from 10,000 to 100,000, there is no need to buy new hardware. The operator simply increases the number of container replicas on the cloud platform. This horizontal scaling capability truly links capital expenditure with subscriber growth. You invest more only when you have more users, not before.

High performance with low resource footprint

Cloud native does not mean compromising performance. IPLOOK’s core software is deeply optimized for resource usage and achieves industry leading throughput on standard x86 servers. The memory and CPU consumption per microservice instance is kept very low, enabling MVNOs to support more user sessions with less hardware. For extremely budget sensitive projects, IPLOOK also offers an ultra lightweight core that can even run on edge appliances or virtual machine environments, further lowering the entry barrier.

Automated operations to reduce operating expenses

Thanks to its cloud native foundation, IPLOOK’s core supports declarative configuration, auto scaling, rolling upgrades, and self healing capabilities. Many routine operations can be automated, reducing the need for manual intervention. An MVNO can manage a core network spanning multiple regions with a very small technical team.

From Asset Heavy to Asset Light

What IPLOOK offers to emerging MVNOs is not just software but a new way of thinking. Treat the core network as a service that you pay for as you use, rather than a fixed asset that you purchase upfront. Whether you choose public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, you can flexibly adjust network size according to your actual business pace.

For MVNOs that have just obtained a license and are planning their first core network project, IPLOOK’s lightweight 5G core means no need for millions of dollars in starting capital, no need for a large operations team, and no need to overinvest for future uncertainty. You can start with a small, lean core and then scale smoothly to a full size 5G core as your business grows.

Conclusion

In the MVNO market, speed and cost are often the deciding factors of success. The old core network design logic no longer fits the survival rules of emerging operators. IPLOOK’s lean 5G core, built on cloud native and microservices architecture, is helping more and more MVNOs break free from the false choice between scalability and cost, enabling them to travel light and focus on business innovation and subscriber growth.

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Before Building Your Core Network, Is Your MVNO Actually Compliant?

Many MVNO projects start with the technical team rushing to build the core network. Selecting equipment, defining the architecture, testing performance – it all seems straightforward. But in the real business world, one rule is often overlooked: technology cannot outrun regulation. You may have a perfectly tuned 4G and 5G core in the lab, but if your license is not in place, your interconnection agreement with the host MNO is unsigned, and your compliance roadmap remains a blank sheet, then the entire project is like a building without a foundation. It looks promising, but it can be stopped at any moment.

This is not an exaggeration. Looking at MVNO practices worldwide, most project delays and failures come not from a lack of technical capability, but from compliance lagging behind. By the time the core network is fully deployed, you discover conflicts between regulatory requirements and your technical design. The cost of rework is high, and the launch window is missed. To address this challenge, IPLOOK proposes a practical approach: a dual track strategy. This means that from day one, licensing and compliance planning must run in parallel with technical design, rather than waiting for one to finish before starting the other.

The first pillar of the dual track strategy is licensing and compliance. This is not a back office task that can be fixed later. It is the strategic foundation that determines whether your MVNO business model can succeed. You need to answer several key questions upfront. Is your business goal a light MVNO or a full MVNO? The two models differ significantly in core network control, dependence on the MNO, and profit models. Choosing the wrong model may force you to scrap your technical design later. Have you secured your host MNO interconnection agreement before finalizing technical specifications? Without clear interconnection terms, any decision about signaling, routing, or billing carries high uncertainty. You also need to understand local regulatory requirements for data retention, lawful interception, and number portability. These are not details you can easily patch after the fact.

The second pillar is cloud native core deployment. While the compliance path is being clarified, the technical team does not have to wait idle. On the contrary, IPLOOK’s cloud native core solution allows you to run engineering validation in parallel within a compliance framework. A converged core design supports both 4G and 5G on a single architecture, protecting your investment while maintaining agility. Deployed on public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, the core scales elastically and iterates quickly. Whether for IoT use cases or consumer services, you can go live as soon as compliance conditions are met. With compliance guidance from the beginning, your core network topology, network function selection, and interface protocols become more targeted instead of being built blindly.

The core value of the dual track strategy is not to slow down for compliance, but to prevent compliance from becoming a bottleneck. While your technical team is still designing the core network, the compliance team is already advancing the license and agreements. Once regulatory approval is granted, the core network is already integrated, tested, and ready for commercial service. This means the time from approval to monetization can be compressed to a minimum. In an increasingly competitive MVNO market, the operator that brings services to market faster captures user mindshare and roaming revenue.

At the end of the day, compliance and technology are never opposing choices. IPLOOK’s advice is simple: do not wait for your license to start technical design, and do not build your network blind without compliance. Running both tracks in parallel ensures that your MVNO has both the safety net of compliance and the acceleration of technology. If you are planning an MVNO project, ask yourself two questions starting today: Is my compliance roadmap clear? Is my core network ready to monetize the moment regulatory approval arrives? A dual track strategy lets your MVNO win before the starting line. IPLOOK helps MVNOs advance compliance and technical innovation together.

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IPLOOK at ATxSG 2026: Scalable Mobile Core Solutions for the Next-Gen Infrastructure

From May 20 to 22, Asia Tech x SG (ATxSG) 2026 concluded at the Singapore EXPO, gathering global operators, technology innovators, and industry leaders to shape the future of digital ecosystems. At Booth 3G2-7, IPLOOK presented its latest technical developments, focusing on reliable, high-capacity backbone infrastructures engineered for next-generation mobile networks.

The centerpiece of the exhibit was IPLOOK’s 4G/5G Converged Core network. Built to meet the growing need for network modernization in the Asia-Pacific region, the platform offers a practical approach for operators looking to upgrade their infrastructure. The architecture is engineered to support millions of concurrent subscribers, ensuring stable traffic management under heavy loads while maintaining carrier-grade reliability.

A key technical feature highlighted at the event was the solution’s multi-cloud adaptability. The core network can be deployed across major public and private cloud infrastructures, including AWS, Azure, Alibaba Cloud, and Tencent Cloud. This gives operators the flexibility to scale their network capacity horizontally without being locked into specific hardware or cloud providers.

IPLOOK also emphasized its full-stack voice capabilities driven by its IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS). The portfolio covers essential 3GPP-compliant network functions, including Compact EPC, 5G Core (5GC), and User Plane Function (UPF). Together with the IMS, these components enable operators to deploy integrated, high-definition voice and data services such as VoWiFi, VoLTE, and VoNR, ensuring a smooth transition from legacy systems.

Throughout the three-day event, IPLOOK’s technical team met with regional Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) and enterprise partners to discuss cost-effective migration strategies. Because the platform is software-upgradable, it allows providers to modernize their networks and introduce advanced voice features with minimal disruption to existing operations.

Moving forward, IPLOOK aims to deepen its technical and commercial partnerships all over the world, focusing on the deployment of customized converged core solutions. The company plans to continuously optimize its 3GPP-compliant software architecture to help operators and enterprises lower operational complexities and adapt to evolving telecom infrastructures.

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How Light MVNOs Evolve into Full MVNOs with Minimum Financial Risk in 2026

The MVNO market is at an inflection point. The Full MVNO segment alone holds 57.83% of the market, yet many Light MVNOs remain hesitant to take the next step. The question is no longer whether to evolve, but how to do it without exposing the business to excessive financial risk.

From Light MVNO to Full MVNO: What It Really Means

A Light MVNO controls its own billing, CRM, and product logic, but relies entirely on the host MNO for the core network. A Full MVNO, by contrast, operates its own core network and service architecture while still leveraging the MNO’s radio access network. This transition unlocks higher margins, service differentiation, and direct subscriber ownership. Yet the perceived barrier has always been cost. Traditional core network deployments demand heavy upfront capital expenditure, long integration cycles, and specialized engineering teams.

2026 Changes the Calculus

Several converging trends are making the Light-to-Full transition more urgent than ever. Global MVNO subscribers are expected to grow from 333 million in 2026 to 438 million by 2030, driven by MVNO-in-a-box platforms enabling enterprises to launch mobile services. The 5G MVNO market alone is projected to reach $14.24 billion by 2032. Meanwhile, e-SIM smartphone penetration will double from 5% at the end of 2025 to 10% by the end of 2026, reaching 55% of all smartphone connections by 2030. Travelers now expect seamless, one-click connectivity, and Light MVNOs without their own core networks cannot deliver this experience without ceding control to third-party aggregators.

IPLOOK: A Low-Risk Path to Full MVNO

IPLOOK enables Light MVNOs to become Full MVNOs and even MOCN operators with a cloud-native, virtualized core network. The approach is specifically designed to minimize financial exposure while maximizing control.

First, IPLOOK’s solution runs on standard COTS servers across public cloud, private cloud, or on-premises environments, completely decoupling hardware from software. This eliminates the traditional CAPEX burden and allows MVNOs to pay for capacity as they grow, aligning network investment with actual subscriber traffic.

Second, time-to-market is dramatically compressed. Traditional roaming and core network deployments often take months of hardware procurement and integration. IPLOOK’s virtualized core reduces this timeline significantly. MVNOs can onboard new roaming partners and launch services across multiple regions in a fraction of the conventional timeframe.

Third, IPLOOK’s converged core architecture supports 3G, 4G, and 5G through a single unified platform. This protects existing investments while providing a clear migration path to 5G and future technologies. Real-world deployments validate this approach. In Latin America, an MVNO deployed IPLOOK’s converged core and went live in less than two months. In Africa, an operator successfully launched voice and data services for millions of users under infrastructure-constrained conditions using IPLOOK’s lightweight core.

The Strategic Imperative

Staying a Light MVNO in 2026 carries its own risks. Third-party eSIM aggregators are capturing roaming revenue by acting as intermediaries. Without a core network, differentiation remains limited to branding and pricing, a commodity race. The cloud-native core has lowered the barrier to entry. The risk of evolution is now lower than the risk of standing still.

Move Forward with Confidence

IPLOOK provides a flexible, scalable, and economically viable path for Light MVNOs to become Full MVNOs. The infrastructure is ready. The deployment model is proven. The window of opportunity is open. Let’s explore the solution at IPLOOK‘s MVNO page.

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The Clock is Ticking: How Global 2G/3G Sunset Drives the Urgent Demand for Scalable IMS Solutions

The global shutdown of 2G and 3G networks is no longer a future plan. It is happening now. Major markets including France, the UK, and Japan have set clear sunset timelines. Operators are moving quickly to free up spectrum and reduce operational costs. But beneath this transition lies a critical problem that many overlook: a pure data network cannot carry traditional voice calls.

The Voice Vacuum of Data-Only Networks

LTE and 5G cores are built on packet-switched architectures. They inherently lack circuit-switched voice capabilities. In the past, operators relied on CSFB (circuit-switched fallback) to hand voice calls down to 2G/3G networks. As 2G/3G disappear, that voice path will be permanently cut. The result is simple: users in perfect 4G or 5G coverage will be unable to make a regular phone call. VoLTE and VoNR are the only solutions, and both require an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) core.

IMS: From Nice-to-Have to Mission-Critical

IMS is a 3GPP-defined control platform for voice and multimedia services. Without IMS, a 4G/5G core is just a high-speed data pipe. It cannot perform call control, signalling interworking, or HD voice. As 2G/3G networks shut down, IMS has shifted from an upgrade option for large carriers to a non-negotiable infrastructure requirement for all operators, especially small and medium operators and MVNOs.

IPLOOK IMS: Legacy Device Support and Smooth Migration to VoLTE/VoNR

IPLOOK offers a full IMS core including P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF, application servers, media gateways, and HSS/HLR. During the transition, it interworks with existing 2G/3G networks via media gateways, ensuring that legacy terminals can still make calls and send SMS. At the same time, it natively supports VoLTE and VoNR, enabling a smooth migration of voice services to 4G/5G. This dual-track strategy preserves the existing subscriber base while building a future-ready network.

Tailored for Small and Medium Operators: Lightweight, Cloud-Native, Low-Cost

Traditional IMS solutions can cost millions of dollars with complex hardware and long deployment cycles. IPLOOK targets small and medium operators as well as MVNOs with a lightweight, cloud-native IMS. Based on virtualization and container technology, it runs on public cloud, private cloud, or standard COTS servers with fully decoupled hardware and software, and elastic scaling on demand. Upfront investment is dramatically lower, and time-to-market can be reduced to months or even weeks. For regions with unstable power or limited technical staff, IPLOOK provides core-in-a-box appliances, offline deployment packages, and remote commissioning. A Latin American MVNO went live in just two months; an African national operator successfully deployed stable voice services for millions of users under harsh conditions. IMS also protects post-sunset VoLTE roaming revenue, preventing operators from losing international roaming income.

Looking Ahead: From VoLTE to VoNR

The 2G/3G sunset is an inflection point for full IP transformation. VoNR will gradually enter commercial use, requiring IMS to support higher-quality audio and video as well as integration with AI-driven scheduling, network slicing, and other emerging capabilities. IPLOOK continues to strengthen its IMS portfolio alongside its 5GC, MEC, and NTN solutions, helping operators worldwide build future-proof voice services.

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Elevate Your Connectivity: Join IPLOOK at MVNOs World Congress 2026!

The MVNO community is heading to Amsterdam this June, and IPLOOK is excited to be part of the conversation. We’ll be setting up at the Okura Hotel from June 1st to 3rd, and we’d love to see you there. The industry is moving fast, and we’ve been hard at work building what we call the “Digital Heart” of next-gen networks. Whether you’re looking to scale your existing services or explore entirely new territories, we’re coming to the Congress with solutions designed to Elevate Your Connectivity.

Why Visit IPLOOK at Stand 13?

We invite you to stop by Stand 13 to explore how we can help you Elevate Your Connectivity through four strategic pillars:

5G + LEO Satellite Integration:Experience our Native NTN-Ready Core, offering unified management of terrestrial and LEO satellite networks for truly global reach.

Seamless Global Roaming:Solve 2G/3G sunset challenges with our VoLTE/VoNR Roaming solutions, ensuring voice continuity from London to Tokyo.

Cost-Efficient Cloud Excellence:Discover how our lightweight, cloud-native deployments can significantly optimize your operations—our partners have already seen OpEx reductions of up to 40%.

Boundary-Free VoWiFi:Empower your subscribers with Cross-border VoWiFi, allowing them to stay connected via any Wi-Fi network worldwide without the burden of roaming charges.

Don’t just hear about it—see it. Visit our booth to interact with our Interactive Network Map and consult with our experts on how to customize these solutions for your specific market needs.

Event at a Glance:

Date: 1 – 3 June, 2026

Venue: Okura Hotel, Amsterdam

Location: Stand 13

Let’s shape the future of mobile networking together. We look forward to welcoming you to Amsterdam and helping you take your connectivity to new heights!

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The Travel eSIM Era Demands a New Core Network Strategy for MVNOs

The physical SIM swap for international travel is no longer a standard practice. As of 2026, the travel eSIM market has matured from a convenience feature into a mandatory digital asset for global travelers. With over 1.5 billion eSIM connections worldwide, mobile virtual network operators face a clear imperative. The question is not whether to support eSIM roaming but how quickly they can deploy the necessary infrastructure.

Market growth shows no signs of slowing. Travelers expect seamless, one-click connectivity upon arrival in any country. They reject the friction of purchasing local physical SIM cards or relying on unpredictable third-party roaming apps. For MVNOs, this shift represents both a revenue opportunity and a risk. Failure to offer competitive eSIM roaming services will drive subscribers toward alternative providers or direct-to-consumer eSIM applications, eroding the direct carrier-subscriber relationship.

IPLOOK addresses this challenge with flexible, cloud-native core network solutions purpose-built for MVNOs. Our architecture enables operators to capture the roaming market without the burden of legacy hardware constraints.

Rapid Integration and Time–to–Market

Traditional roaming deployment often requires months of negotiation, hardware procurement, and integration work. IPLOOK’s virtualized core reduces time-to-market significantly. MVNOs can onboard new roaming partners and launch eSIM profiles across multiple regions in a fraction of the conventional timeline. This speed allows operators to respond quickly to seasonal travel patterns and emerging route demands.

Seamless Subscriber Onboarding

User experience determines retention in the travel eSIM market. IPLOOK’s core network supports automated profile download, real time activation, and over-the-air updates. Subscribers can purchase and activate a travel data plan before departure and connect immediately upon landing. This one-click connectivity reduces churn and builds loyalty. When travelers associate reliable international roaming with the MVNO’s brand, the operator retains ownership of the customer relationship rather than ceding it to third-party eSIM aggregators.

Cost Optimization Through Virtualization

The capital expenditure model of physical roaming infrastructure is increasingly obsolete. IPLOOK enables a shift from high cost, proprietary hardware to scalable, virtualized infrastructure running on standard servers. MVNOs pay for capacity as they grow, aligning network investment with actual roaming traffic. This approach lowers the barrier to entry for smaller operators and improves margin for established players. Operational expenditure also benefits from simplified management, automated updates, and reduced physical footprint.

Reclaiming the Roaming Revenue

Third-party eSIM applications have captured significant roaming revenue by acting as intermediaries between travelers and network operators. MVNOs that deploy their own eSIM-ready core network can reclaim that revenue stream. Direct service delivery also provides richer subscriber data, enabling personalized offers, loyalty programs, and usage-based optimizations. The carrier-subscriber relationship becomes a strategic asset rather than a transaction.

Conclusion

The travel eSIM market is no longer emerging. It is the new baseline for international mobility services. MVNOs that deploy agile, cloud-native core networks will capture roaming growth while those relying on legacy models will lose share. IPLOOK’s core network solutions provide the technical foundation for rapid integration, seamless onboarding, and cost-efficient scaling.

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IPLOOK’s NTN-Converged Core: Solving the Island Connectivity Challenge with Satellite 5G

Southeast Asia’s geography presents a fundamental obstacle to terrestrial network expansion. With over 25,000 islands across Indonesia and more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, fiber deployment is not merely expensive. In many locations it is physically impossible. Remote mining operations in Indonesia and isolated island communities in the Philippines continue to lack reliable broadband infrastructure. At the same time, the regional push for digital inclusion and industrial digitalization requires high-performance connectivity. This tension has driven an urgent shift toward satellite-to-ground 5G private networks.

A satellite link alone, however, is only as reliable as the core network that manages it. Traditional 5G cores were designed for terrestrial fiber environments with low latency and stable round-trip times. Satellite backhaul, particularly using geostationary orbits, introduces high latency, variable packet loss, and signaling complexity. Without a core engineered for these conditions, satellite-backhauled 5G networks cannot deliver the performance required for industrial private network use cases.

IPLOOK’s NTN–Converged Core

IPLOOK has developed an NTN-converged core specifically designed to bridge this gap. The solution addresses the technical challenges of non-terrestrial networks through two primary mechanisms.

First, the core optimizes GTP signaling for high latency orbits. It maintains session stability and efficient signaling exchange even when round-trip times exceed terrestrial norms by a significant margin. This ensures that the 5G network remains functional and responsive over satellite links, without the timeouts or degraded throughput that plague conventional cores.

Second, the core employs Local Breakout (LBO). Critical data traffic is processed at the edge rather than being sent over the satellite backhaul to a centralized cloud. For industrial use cases such as factory automation, surveillance analytics, or medical data processing, LBO reduces latency and conserves satellite bandwidth. Only essential signaling or non-local traffic traverses the satellite link. The result is higher performance for local applications and a substantial reduction in backhaul operating costs.

By combining these features, IPLOOK delivers a unified, satellite-optimized architecture. Regional operators can manage both fiber connected and satellite-backhauled sites from a single core platform. This unified approach lowers total cost of ownership (TCO) and simplifies network operations relative to disjointed terrestrial and satellite systems.

Market Impact in Southeast Asia

The implications for Southeast Asia are material. Remote mining sites in Indonesia can deploy private 5G networks to support autonomous haulage, real time environmental monitoring, and personnel safety systems. No fiber trenching is required. The satellite backhaul carries only necessary data while local breakout keeps control traffic on site.

In the Philippines, island hospitals can adopt telemedicine and AI-enabled diagnostic tools without waiting for multi-year fiber projects. A satellite-to-ground private 5G network provides secure, low-latency connectivity for critical healthcare applications. Similarly, small-port logistics hubs across the archipelago can implement container tracking, automated crane control, and real time inventory management using a private 5G network backhauled by satellite.

Government digital inclusion programs also stand to benefit. Millions of citizens in remote and island areas remain unconnected. Satellite-to-ground 5G private networks, deployed at community or enterprise level, can close the last mile gap more rapidly and cost effectively than terrestrial expansion.

Beyond Connectivity: Total Cost of Ownership

The business case for satellite-to-ground 5G rests not only on reach but on economics. Fiber deployment across thousands of islands requires undersea cables, landing stations, and ongoing maintenance that is often logistically prohibitive. For many applications, the TCO of a satellite-backhauled private 5G network is significantly lower. IPLOOK’s NTN-converged core further reduces TCO by eliminating the need for separate core systems for satellite and terrestrial sites. Operators can reuse the same core infrastructure, management interfaces, and operational processes across their entire footprint.

Event Presence at ATxSG 2026

IPLOOK will present this solution at ATxSG 2026 in Singapore. Attendees can visit Booth 3G2-7 from May 20 to May 22 to discuss satellite-to-ground 5G private network deployments. The booth will feature technical briefings on GTP optimization for high-latency orbits and local breakout architectures. Regional operators, enterprise customers, and government agencies are invited to explore how IPLOOK’s NTN-converged core can turn the archipelago challenge into a practical connectivity reality.

Conclusion

Southeast Asia’s geography does not have to be a barrier to digital inclusion or industrial modernization. Satellite-to-ground 5G private networks, powered by a purpose-built core, offer a viable alternative to terrestrial fiber in island environments. IPLOOK’s NTN-converged core provides the essential optimizations for signaling and edge traffic breakout that make these networks performant and economical. As the region continues to push for digital transformation, satellite-backhauled 5G will play an increasing role, and IPLOOK is ready to support that transition with proven core infrastructure. We cordially invite you to meet us at ATxSG 2026, Booth 3G2-7 in Singapore from May 20 to 22.

[iplook-networks]

IPLOOK’s NTN-Converged Core: Solving the Island Connectivity Challenge with Satellite 5G

Southeast Asia’s geography presents a fundamental obstacle to terrestrial network expansion. With over 25,000 islands across Indonesia and more than 7,000 islands in the Philippines, fiber deployment is not merely expensive. In many locations it is physically impossible. Remote mining operations in Indonesia and isolated island communities in the Philippines continue to lack reliable broadband infrastructure. At the same time, the regional push for digital inclusion and industrial digitalization requires high-performance connectivity. This tension has driven an urgent shift toward satellite-to-ground 5G private networks.

A satellite link alone, however, is only as reliable as the core network that manages it. Traditional 5G cores were designed for terrestrial fiber environments with low latency and stable round-trip times. Satellite backhaul, particularly using geostationary orbits, introduces high latency, variable packet loss, and signaling complexity. Without a core engineered for these conditions, satellite-backhauled 5G networks cannot deliver the performance required for industrial private network use cases.

IPLOOK’s NTN–Converged Core

IPLOOK has developed an NTN-converged core specifically designed to bridge this gap. The solution addresses the technical challenges of non-terrestrial networks through two primary mechanisms.

First, the core optimizes GTP signaling for high latency orbits. It maintains session stability and efficient signaling exchange even when round-trip times exceed terrestrial norms by a significant margin. This ensures that the 5G network remains functional and responsive over satellite links, without the timeouts or degraded throughput that plague conventional cores.

Second, the core employs Local Breakout (LBO). Critical data traffic is processed at the edge rather than being sent over the satellite backhaul to a centralized cloud. For industrial use cases such as factory automation, surveillance analytics, or medical data processing, LBO reduces latency and conserves satellite bandwidth. Only essential signaling or non-local traffic traverses the satellite link. The result is higher performance for local applications and a substantial reduction in backhaul operating costs.

By combining these features, IPLOOK delivers a unified, satellite-optimized architecture. Regional operators can manage both fiber connected and satellite-backhauled sites from a single core platform. This unified approach lowers total cost of ownership (TCO) and simplifies network operations relative to disjointed terrestrial and satellite systems.

Market Impact in Southeast Asia

The implications for Southeast Asia are material. Remote mining sites in Indonesia can deploy private 5G networks to support autonomous haulage, real time environmental monitoring, and personnel safety systems. No fiber trenching is required. The satellite backhaul carries only necessary data while local breakout keeps control traffic on site.

In the Philippines, island hospitals can adopt telemedicine and AI-enabled diagnostic tools without waiting for multi-year fiber projects. A satellite-to-ground private 5G network provides secure, low-latency connectivity for critical healthcare applications. Similarly, small-port logistics hubs across the archipelago can implement container tracking, automated crane control, and real time inventory management using a private 5G network backhauled by satellite.

Government digital inclusion programs also stand to benefit. Millions of citizens in remote and island areas remain unconnected. Satellite-to-ground 5G private networks, deployed at community or enterprise level, can close the last mile gap more rapidly and cost effectively than terrestrial expansion.

Beyond Connectivity: Total Cost of Ownership

The business case for satellite-to-ground 5G rests not only on reach but on economics. Fiber deployment across thousands of islands requires undersea cables, landing stations, and ongoing maintenance that is often logistically prohibitive. For many applications, the TCO of a satellite-backhauled private 5G network is significantly lower. IPLOOK’s NTN-converged core further reduces TCO by eliminating the need for separate core systems for satellite and terrestrial sites. Operators can reuse the same core infrastructure, management interfaces, and operational processes across their entire footprint.

Event Presence at ATxSG 2026

IPLOOK will present this solution at ATxSG 2026 in Singapore. Attendees can visit Booth 3G2-7 from May 20 to May 22 to discuss satellite-to-ground 5G private network deployments. The booth will feature technical briefings on GTP optimization for high-latency orbits and local breakout architectures. Regional operators, enterprise customers, and government agencies are invited to explore how IPLOOK’s NTN-converged core can turn the archipelago challenge into a practical connectivity reality.

Conclusion

Southeast Asia’s geography does not have to be a barrier to digital inclusion or industrial modernization. Satellite-to-ground 5G private networks, powered by a purpose-built core, offer a viable alternative to terrestrial fiber in island environments. IPLOOK’s NTN-converged core provides the essential optimizations for signaling and edge traffic breakout that make these networks performant and economical. As the region continues to push for digital transformation, satellite-backhauled 5G will play an increasing role, and IPLOOK is ready to support that transition with proven core infrastructure. We cordially invite you to meet us at ATxSG 2026, Booth 3G2-7 in Singapore from May 20 to 22.

[iplook-networks]

Non-Terrestrial Network Core Network: Technical Challenges and Countermeasures

The integration of space, aerial, and terrestrial communications has become a major trend in the development of 5G-Advanced and 6G. As a key technology for seamless global coverage, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) provide wide-range communication services through LEO satellites. However, the high-speed movement of satellites, long-distance transmission, and incompatibility with traditional core network architecture have brought serious technical challenges.

Firstly，NTN has obvious physical differences from traditional terrestrial networks. LEO satellites move at high speed, and the transmission delay between satellites and ground stations is much longer than that of terrestrial networks. Traditional core networks designed for fixed base stations and low-delay scenarios cannot meet NTN communication requirements, resulting in three major problems: Doppler shift, high transmission delay, and traffic tromboning effect. These problems seriously affect synchronization stability, transmission efficiency, and routing performance. Therefore, the core network must be optimized in terms of signaling, protocol stack, and deployment architecture.

Among them,doppler shift caused by high-speed satellite movement is the primary challenge. It leads to physical layer synchronization errors, access failures, and even service interruptions during inter-satellite handover. To solve this problem, the core network should enhance the robustness of signaling processes and reduce the impact of transient synchronization fluctuations. Meanwhile, optimizing mobility management timers can expand the tolerance range of synchronization exceptions and avoid unnecessary terminal de-registration. Simplifying handover signaling also helps maintain stable connections under high-mobility conditions.

In addition,high transmission delay is another typical problem in NTN. Long round-trip time reduces the efficiency of standard TCP and GTP protocols, causing low throughput and service lag. The core network needs to adopt delay-aware protocol stack optimization. The application of Selective Acknowledgment (SACK) can avoid full-window retransmission and improve transmission efficiency. TCP window scaling optimization can dynamically adjust the data transmission volume to ensure stable transmission under long-delay conditions. Adaptive protocol parameter configuration further enhances reliability in high-delay scenarios.

The traffic tromboning effect caused by centralized User Plane Function (UPF) deployment wastes transmission resources and increases end-to-end delay. The effective solution is to use decentralized UPF deployment. By deploying distributed UPF near satellite ground gateways, local services can be routed and offloaded locally without detouring to the central core network. This method reduces transmission hops, saves satellite bandwidth, and improves overall network performance. Multi-node cooperation ensures uninterrupted user-plane transmission during cross-satellite movement.

In conclusion, Doppler shift, high transmission delay, and traffic tromboning effect are the three core challenges restricting the development of NTN core networks. Through signaling robustness enhancement, timer optimization, delay-aware protocol stack improvement, and distributed UPF deployment, the core network can better adapt to NTN scenarios. These optimization measures lay a solid foundation for 5G-Advanced and 6G space-terrestrial integrated networks, and support the wide application of NTN in global coverage, aviation, maritime, emergency communications, and remote broadband services.

[iplook-networks]

IPLOOK to Showcase Carrier-Grade Core Network and Satellite-Terrestrial Integration at ATxSG 2026

IPLOOK officially announces its participation in Asia Tech x SG (ATxSG) 2026. From May 20 to 22, our technical team will be stationed at the Singapore EXPO, Booth 3G2-7, to present our latest progress in core network architecture and the practical integration of satellite and terrestrial 5G technologies.

As a provider of mobile core network software, our focus remains on building the stable, high-capacity backbone required for the next generation of connectivity.

Converged Core: Stability at Scale

The reliability of a network is defined by its core. At the IPLOOK booth, we will demonstrate our Carrier-Grade Converged Core Network Solution. This architecture is built to manage massive scale—supporting millions of users and high concurrency—making it a viable choice for MNOs looking to upgrade 4G/5G infrastructure or deploy specialized services like VoWiFi, VoLTE, and VoNR.

A key advantage of this solution is its high adaptability across diverse cloud environments. By supporting deployments on AWS, Azure, Alibaba Cloud, and Tencent Cloud, we provide operators with the flexibility to scale their infrastructure without being locked into a single provider

Satellite-Terrestrial Integration for Global Coverage

Beyond traditional terrestrial networks, IPLOOK is addressing the challenge of universal coverage through our LEO Satellite + 5G Private Network Solution.

This integration allows unmodified mobile terminals to maintain connectivity via LEO satellites, bridging the gap for maritime, airborne, and remote industrial operations. Our solution utilizes an NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) gateway and 5G MEC Edge platforms to ensure that even the most isolated terminals—from shipborne systems to vehicle-mounted units—benefit from the low latency and high bandwidth of 5G architecture.

Join Us in Singapore

We invite industry professionals, partners, and operators to visit Booth 3G2-7 to explore these architectures in detail. Our experts will be available to discuss how these solutions can be customized to meet specific regional or industrial requirements. We look forward to discussing the future of network architecture with you in Singapore.

[iplook-networks]

2026 Global 5G Private Network Research Report

In 2026, the global 5G private network is fully moving from pilot projects to the core infrastructure of the industrial economy. Enterprises will no longer be satisfied with the limitations of traditional wireless systems, but instead adopt 5G Standalone (SA) as an uncompromising technical standard to achieve “digital sovereignty”.

1.Market Growth and Macro Trends

As of early 2026, the global private 5G network market size has reached approximately 7.57 billion US dollars, a significant increase from 5.08 billion US dollars in 2025. Driven by a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 49%, the market is projected to reach 29.61 billion US dollars by 2030 and is expected to exceed 155.89 billion US dollars by 2036. Valuation differences among institutions mainly stem from varying definitions of “private 5G infrastructure”: some statistics only include core network and radio access network equipment, while broader models incorporate edge servers, managed services, and integration fees, which often double the total contract value.

At the macro level, industrial automation demand is the primary driver, but the market is also affected by inflation, interest rate fluctuations, and geopolitics. For instance, the memory shortage starting in late 2025 drove up average prices of industrial modules and base stations, despite efforts to reduce costs through large-scale production.

2.5G Standalone and Network Slicing

2026 marks the official end of the Non-Standalone (NSA) era. Early hybrid solutions anchored by 4G core networks can no longer meet requirements in terms of latency and device density. 5G Standalone (SA) provides a fully independent architecture from the radio access network to the cloud-native core network, eliminating bottlenecks of the 4G era, and supports Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), network slicing, and enhanced reliability.

Network slicing is one of the most transformative capabilities of 5G SA. It allows a physical network to be divided into multiple logical networks, each with independent performance, security, and management policies. For example, within the same industrial plant, one slice can be dedicated to high-bandwidth surveillance cameras, another to ultra-low latency autonomous robots, and a third to connect massive IoT sensors. According to Capgemini’s 2026 B2B Report, 69% of enterprises believe network slicing will significantly improve operational efficiency and security—this proportion reaches 83% in the high-tech sector and 77% in aerospace and defense.

In terms of latency indicators, the median latency of 5G SA globally is approximately 27 milliseconds, an improvement of about 23% compared to 35 milliseconds for NSA. The improvement reaches 43% in Hong Kong and 31% in France. More importantly, 5G SA can achieve the deterministic performance required by industrial Ethernet protocols (such as PROFINET and OPC UA over TSN), laying the foundation for the deep integration of IT and OT.

Meanwhile, 2026 is also the commercial launch year of 5G Advanced (3GPP Release 18), an intermediate upgrade often referred to as 5.5G in the market, designed to bridge the gap between 5G and 6G in the late 2020s. 5.5G brings significant enhancements in radio access network intelligence, antenna evolution, and uplink performance. Leading equipment vendors represented by Huawei have demonstrated a practical downlink rate of 10 Gbps. In addition, 5.5G emphasizes “integrated sensing and communication (ISAC)”, enabling the network itself to sense asset locations or environmental changes like radar without additional dedicated sensors.

China leads the world in 5.5G adoption, with 50 million users reported by the end of 2025. Many Gulf countries have also launched commercial services or trials. By the end of 2026, the number of 5G base stations supporting 5.5G capabilities worldwide is expected to exceed 6.5 million. The seven key features of 6G—including sustainability, trustworthiness, AI-native design, ISAC, extreme performance, global coverage, and multi-dimensional services—have begun to influence enterprise investment decisions in 2026, as enterprises evaluate the “forward compatibility” of current 5G equipment.

3. In-depth Analysis of Industry Vertical Applications

Manufacturing remains the largest demand driver for private 5G, accounting for 32% to 37% of total revenue. The industry is moving from “interconnection” to “autonomy”. Companies such as BMW and Tesla use private 5G to replace factory cables, reducing costs by up to 40% and enabling real-time vision systems for autonomous robots. Tier 1 automotive suppliers report an average increase of 18% to 22% in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) after deployment. The integration of private 5G and industrial Ethernet has made seamless IT-OT convergence a reality.

Among vertical sectors, healthcare is the fastest-growing, with a projected CAGR of 42.8% by 2031. Private 5G provides the secure, high-speed connectivity required for remote patient monitoring, AI diagnosis, and real-time video analysis. Hospitals in Germany, the UK, and the US are leading adoption, using private networks to protect patient data privacy while supporting surgical robots and connected clinical workflows.

Logistics and smart ports have also seen significant growth, driven by the need to track asset location and status in vast environments. Smart ports in China, the US, and Gulf countries have transitioned from pilots to commercial-scale operations. These networks support automated cranes, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and real-time container tracking, greatly shortening vessel turnaround time.

4.Conclusion

The vendor landscape in 2026 is undergoing a major transformation, with traditional hardware vendors facing competition from cloud hyperscalers and professional system integrators. The global 5G private network is no longer an optional item for enterprise IT, but the core of modern industrial digital infrastructure. From manufacturing to healthcare, ports to mines, the combination of 5G SA and AI is reshaping the global industrial landscape. By 2030, 5G is expected to account for 38% of the private cellular market, and 5G SA will serve as the cornerstone for the eventual transition to 6G. For global enterprises, private 5G networks are no longer a luxury—they are indispensable infrastructure for modern digital nations.

Amid this transformation wave, IPLOOK, a global leading provider of mobile core network solutions, is becoming a key force driving the implementation of 5G private networks with its independently developed end-to-end 5G core network products.

Looking ahead, IPLOOK will continue to focus on 5G core networks and industry applications, promote the implementation of cutting-edge technologies such as 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) and AI intelligent scheduling, and assist the manufacturing industry and broader sectors to move toward full intelligence.

[iplook-networks]

When Networks Learn to Heal Themselves: How AI Builds Self-Healing Networks

Late at night, a core device in a data center suddenly malfunctions. There is no need to urgently call engineers or carry out rushed troubleshooting. Within seconds, the system automatically detects the fault, pinpoints the cause, and seamlessly switches traffic to a backup link. Users can continue watching videos, attending meetings, and playing games without any awareness of the incident. This is not science fiction, but a reality taking shape as AI is deeply integrated into communication networks: networks are evolving from passive, failure-prone equipment into intelligent living organisms that can independently sense, diagnose, repair, and even self-evolve.

Traditional Network Operations: A Never-Ending Game of “Whack-a-Mole”

For decades, network operations have relied heavily on manual work. Engineers have to monitor screens closely, wait for alarms, then manually locate faults, adjust parameters, and coordinate repairs. Resolving a single fault often takes hours and involves more than a dozen steps. In the 5G era, base station density has increased sharply, and the number of core network elements has surged. As frontline engineers put it: “It is like looking for a needle in an ocean, and new problems keep popping up endlessly.”

AI Integration into RAN and Core Networks: Equipping Networks with an “Immune System”

The core of a self-healing network is an AI-driven autonomous closed loop, which consists of five key steps: continuous sensing, AI prediction, intelligent decision-making, automatic execution, and verification & learning.

At the Radio Access Network (RAN) level, AI agents perform 7×24 “health checks” on base stations. Huawei’s wireless intelligent solution has been deployed at over 500,000 sites worldwide, reducing fault recovery time from 90 minutes to just 15 minutes. What is more advanced is multi-agent collaboration: at a 5G-Advanced demonstration site in Hangzhou, when a robotic dog performs a coffee delivery task, three types of agents—experience assurance, fault management, and network optimization—cooperate automatically to prioritize critical services, with no user intervention required throughout the process.

At the core network level, AI undertakes “brain-like” functions such as user authentication, session management, and routing scheduling. A joint demonstration by NEC and AWS proves that agentic AI can autonomously manage the full lifecycle of a 5G core UPF, cutting configuration time from weeks to hours. State-of-the-art intelligent core network solutions go further: when a fault occurs, traffic is automatically switched to restore services first; root causes are then analyzed, configurations generated, verified in a digital twin environment, and finally repaired. Service deployment is compressed from hours to minutes.

Real-World Applications of Self-Healing Networks

Commercial deployments by operators have validated the value of self-healing technology. During the Hajj in Mecca, Saudi operator stc deployed Nokia’s AI system, which performed over 15,000 autonomous adjustments per hour at peak times. This resulted in a 60% reduction in cell outages and a 10% increase in peak throughput. Deutsche Telekom’s RAN Guardian Agent takes a step further: it proactively scans social media to predict large-scale events and pre-allocates resources in advance, shifting operations from “post-incident firefighting” to “pre-emptive provisioning”.

Challenges and the Future

Self-healing networks cannot be built overnight. Data silos, multi-vendor interoperability, and the explainability of AI decisions remain practical challenges. If AI makes an incorrect decision, how should liability be defined? Nevertheless, the industry is accelerating toward Level 4 high autonomy as defined by TM Forum (nearly zero human intervention). 2026 is a critical year for large-scale commercial deployment, with the A2A-T multi-agent collaboration protocol regarded as a key enabling technology.

Looking ahead to the 6G era, AI will be natively integrated with networks. 3GPP has included the definition of “AI Agent” in its standards. The 6G autonomous RAN proposed by China Mobile Research Institute is expected to complete optimization of both base station coverage and power configuration in under 20 seconds.

Conclusion

Building truly self-healing networks requires collaboration across all segments of the telecommunications industry chain.

As a global leader in 4G/5G/6G core network solutions, IPLOOK has deep roots in the core network sector for more than a decade. We are committed to providing end-to-end mobile communication solutions to customers worldwide, with products and services covering critical industries such as satellite communications, energy communications, and power grid communications, and large-scale commercial deployment in more than 50 countries and regions.

Looking forward, with the continuous evolution of 5G-Advanced and 6G technologies, IPLOOK will keep partnering with global allies to build secure, intelligent, and sustainable communication networks.