Nokia Unveils AI Fabric and Network-as-Code APIs with Telstra

Nokia unveiled a major step toward autonomous telecom networks at MWC Shanghai 2025, rolling out two significant initiatives: an AI-empowered “Autonomous Networks Fabric” in partnership with Google Cloud, and a Network-as-Code developer API platform launched with Telstra. These innovations mark a shift toward operator platforms built around agentic AI, cloud-native orchestration, and programmable connectivity.

Autonomous Networks Powered by Agentic AI

Dubbed the industry’s first domain-integrated AI suite, the Autonomous Networks Fabric bundles:

• Telco-trained large-language and action models (LLMs/LAMs) for proactive network management.

• Observability, explainability, and analytics tools to optimize performance.

• Hybrid deployment options via Google Cloud, from edge to core.

This stack represents a leap toward agentic automation—networks that don’t just respond, they act and adapt autonomously. Nokia aims to accelerate revenue with smarter, self-managing core systems and reduced manual interventions. 

Network-as-Code Platform with Telstra

In tandem, Nokia and Telstra are opening live API access via Telstra’s innovation labs using Nokia’s Network-as-Code platform. Developers can access programmable network features—like slicing, QoS, observability services—to build applications in smart venues, logistics, and more. A public developer hackathon will follow to engage broader ecosystem involvement.

How this Ups the Game

1. AI-driven networks: Nokia’s solution embeds intelligence at the core, not as an addon— moving telcos closer to zero-touch operations.

2. Programmable connectivity: Telstra’s partnership signals that network services (e.g. QoS, network automation) can now be built and consumed like cloud microservices.

3. Opening ecosystem innovation: The move democratizes telco infrastructure, empowering developers alongside operators and hyperscalers.

4. Agentic AI in action: By linking LLMs with action-oriented network models, Nokia is setting the stage for truly autonomous enterprise-grade connectivity.

Nokia’s announcements signal a bold future: telecom infrastructure morphing into autonomous, API-accessible platforms. By fusing AI-native orchestration with programmable environments, operators can turn networks into intelligence hubs—driving innovation in logistics, events, and enterprise at large. If realized, this marks a key moment in the industry’s journey from hardware stacks to network-as-code ecosystems.