• Malaysia’s DNB 5G network earned Level 4 Autonomy from TM Forum.
• DNB’s 5G network gained Level 4 Autonomy for AI automation.

Malaysia’s 5G network, run by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), has earned international recognition for its use of automation. The network received a Level 4 Autonomy validation in Service Assurance from TM Forum, an industry group that evaluates how advanced telecom systems are in managing themselves.

The validation was based on Ericsson’s AI-powered Intent-Based Operations (IBO) platform, which helps the network monitor itself and make real-time adjustments. At Level 4 autonomy, the network can detect and fix problems automatically to maintain stable performance. It analyses data to keep connections reliable and secure, reducing the need for manual intervention.

TM Forum awarded the validation through its Autonomous Network Level Assessment Validation (ANLAV) program, which measures how much automation a network uses in specific operations. DNB and Ericsson scored the highest level – Level 4 – for Service Assurance, marking the first time any network worldwide has reached this stage.

The validation shows that the DNB-Ericsson system can run many operations on its own, with minimal human input. It also positions Malaysia’s 5G network to support industries that depend on consistent, high-speed connectivity – from healthcare and public safety to manufacturing and smart transportation.

DNB says this level of automation helps deliver advanced connectivity at lower costs while improving efficiency and reliability.

“Autonomous Network has been one of the core design principles of DNB’s 5G rollout from the very beginning,” said Ken Tan, DNB’s Chief Technology Officer. “By integrating automation and AI capabilities as the technology matured, we’ve built a highly efficient network that delivers world-class 5G connectivity at one of the lowest costs globally. The Level 4 validation from TM Forum affirms that we are on the right path and validates our blueprint for driving innovation and digital transformation at scale.”

Bradley Mead, Head of Ericsson Managed Network Services, said the validation highlights how Ericsson and DNB are setting new benchmarks in 5G automation. “Achieving Level 4 autonomy boosts the ability of Malaysia’s network operators to offer customers new, differentiated services built on the latest advances in autonomous networks,” he said.

George Glass, CTO of TM Forum, added that DNB and Ericsson’s achievement reflects the telecom industry’s shift toward automation. “Their work shows how collaboration and innovation can unlock new levels of intelligence and efficiency in network operations,” he said.

Ericsson and DNB have worked together for years to build a 5G network in Malaysia. Their use of Intent-Based Operations, part of the Ericsson Operations Engine, helps the network to guarantee service quality for consumers and enterprises.

The system validated under TM Forum’s programme has been active for two years. It uses generative AI and digital twins to test possible actions before applying them in the real network. This helps DNB keep its 5G network fast, stable, and consistent in Malaysia.

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