NBN Co & Ericsson Hit Level 4 AI Autonomy in Australia

nbn, the operator of Australia’s wholesale fixed broadband network –  the National Broadband Network (NBN) – has reached a significant network automation milestone, earning Australia’s first TM Forum Level 4 Autonomy validation for Service Assurance with support from Ericsson. 

This recognition confirms that nbn’s AI-driven system is capable of managing its fixed wireless network, particularly in mitigating tough environmental conditions.

The validated solution is designed to improve the broadband experience for approximately 800,000 homes and businesses in regional Australia. 

It addresses performance impacts caused by atmospheric ducting, a weather-related condition that can affect fixed wireless networks’ throughput. The phenomenon traps electromagnetic waves in the lower atmosphere, allowing signals to travel far beyond their normal range.

By using an AI agent to autonomously manage these events, the system provides a more resilient service for customers across the country's vast regional footprint.

A proactive approach to network resilience

The agentic solution, which is part of nbn’s throughput performance management system, operates as a closed-loop assurance process. 

It translates high-level service goals into executable tasks, monitors the network and uses AI for degradation prediction and root-cause analysis without requiring human intervention in its standard operational flow.

“This solution moves nbn’s fixed wireless network to a future where autonomous, intelligent network capability can detect, decide and act in real time,” says Guy Scott, Chief Technology Officer at nbn. 

“For regional Australia, where our infrastructure can be more exposed to unique and challenging environmental conditions, this helps us better maintain performance, support faster recovery and help deliver a more reliable experience for customers.

“We’re proud and excited to be the first in Australia to achieve TM Forum Level 4 certification for this capability and to show how AI, data and automation can be applied in a practical way to improve real network outcomes for communities across the country.”

From concept to real-world value

The achievement highlights a practical application of autonomous networking technology to solve a tangible operational challenge. 

"Achieving Level 4 autonomy in Service Assurance for managing a real-world environmental challenge like atmospheric ducting shows that autonomous networks are not a future concept – they are delivering tangible value for customers today,” says Ludvig Landgren, Head of Ericsson Australia and New Zealand.

“Ericsson is proud of the role we play in supporting NBN Co in its mission to connect Australia and bridge the digital divide. 

“This achievement reflects the depth of our partnership and our shared commitment to ensuring all Australians, regardless of where they live, have access to reliable, high-performing connectivity."

The mechanics of Level 4 autonomy

The capability leverages Ericsson's AI Intent-based Operations (IBO) solution, which uses its Autonomous Network Operations (ANO) and is part of the Ericsson Operations Engine. 

The system autonomously detects atmospheric ducting conditions, models their potential impact on fixed wireless performance and executes optimisation actions. 

This includes automated fallback and rollback procedures to maintain service quality for end customers.

The validation from TM Forum confirms that the system can operate independently to resolve issues and optimise performance across defined scenarios, reducing the frequency and duration of weather-related impacts on the NBN network.