NGMN sets out new framework to simplify 5G networks and cut operator costs

The NGMN Alliance has published a new guide urging mobile operators to strip complexity out of their 5G networks to keep costs under control and prepare for new services. Its report, "Framework for Network Simplification – An Operator View", targets operators at all stages of 5G rollout, from those already running cloud-native 5G cores to those still mainly on LTE and only starting with 5G non-standalone.

NGMN proposes a three-step approach. First, it points to technologies that can simplify networks, such as cloud-native design, agentic and generative AI, exposing federated network services, and newer optical fibre systems, backed by more agile ways of working. Second, it sets out the practical hurdles operators face when adopting these tools across radio, core and transport. Third, it tells operators to prioritise what to tackle based on their 5G maturity, using three common operator types as reference. The alliance says this work will feed into its cloud-native, automation and 6G projects and is meant as a practical reference to help operators match technical decisions with their business and regulatory constraints.