On April 4, 2024, Subex, a pioneer in telecom AI technologies, launched a groundbreaking Business Assurance Global Benchmarking Survey, unveiling insights that could redefine how the telecom industry views business efficiency and technology adoption. Conducted from their headquarters in Bengaluru, India, this survey is the first of its kind to measure the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) on the telecom sector’s revenue and business assurance (RA/BA) functions.
The survey’s extensive reach involved more than 200 industry professionals from 150 telecom companies globally, with a significant 82% being key decision-makers. This wide-scale participation has equipped telecom operators with crucial data on their global standing and technological readiness, offering a unique lens through which to view their operational strategies and future technological adoptions.
Introducing TRACI – A Game Changer for Telecom Readiness
At the heart of the survey’s findings is the introduction of the Technology Readiness for Assurance and Compliance Index (TRACI). This innovative index provides a comprehensive metric to evaluate how prepared telecom operators are to handle assurance and compliance challenges effectively. By assessing the use of automation and tools within telecom operations, TRACI offers a standardized approach to gauge technological readiness, helping operators align their technology strategies with broader business goals.
Key Insights from the Survey
- High ROI Satisfaction: An impressive 90% of telecom operators reported satisfaction with their ROI after transitioning to comprehensive Business Assurance strategies from traditional Revenue Assurance methods. This shift not only addresses usage anomalies but also integrates risk management to enhance financial integrity and customer experiences.
- Impact of Automation: About 75% of operators attributed improvements in ROI to the increased use of automation, including AI/ML technologies and process automation. These technologies have been crucial in enhancing leak detection and recovery, significantly reducing financial risks.
- The Role of AI/ML: Sixty percent of telecoms highlighted the importance of AI/ML in achieving a positive ROI perception among senior management. Despite its importance, the adoption of these technologies faces hurdles such as limited expertise, budget constraints, and integration complexities.
- Geographical Maturity Variance: The survey also indicated a disparity in the maturity of Business Assurance functions across different regions, with Asia-Pacific and Europe leading in effective management practices, while Africa, the Americas, and MENA showed varied levels of maturity.
- Challenges in Business Assurance: Despite many successes, 27% of telecom operators expressed dissatisfaction with their Business Assurance functions, citing operational inefficiencies and a lack of digital skills among their workforce as major impediments.
Subex’s Vision for the Future
Rohit Maheshwari, Head of Products at Subex, emphasized the transformative role of AI/ML and automation in enhancing operational efficiency and financial outcomes. “The survey not only illuminates the evolution of Revenue/Business Assurance functions but also provides a comprehensive roadmap to tackle AI/ML adoption barriers and skill gaps,” Maheshwari stated. He further highlighted that the TRACI score introduced by Subex will serve as a crucial tool for operators to assess their readiness to face upcoming technology, assurance, and compliance challenges.
This survey marks a pivotal moment for the telecom industry, underscoring the vital role of AI and ML in shaping future operational strategies and enhancing customer connectivity experiences. As telecom operators and service providers worldwide digest these insights, the industry looks poised for a smarter, more efficient future driven by advanced technologies.
For more details on the TRACI index or to view the full Business Assurance Global Benchmarking Survey, visit Subex’s website.