The publication “ Cloud Native Next Chapter – Agentic AI-based Operating Models ” provides a framework for operators to adopt agentic AI in their operating models, helping them manage the transformation across technology, processes, skills, and organizational culture.
Building on the NGMN cloud-native manifesto and established frameworks such as the Cloud Native Computing Foundation’s (CNCF) cloud-native maturity model, the document introduces a structured approach to integrating agentic AI capabilities into telecom operations. It defines five progressive levels of AI adoption and links them to the stages of the CNMM model, enabling operators to assess their readiness and the steps needed to evolve toward smarter, more autonomous operations. Furthermore, it offers guidance on the requirements in technology, people, skills, and organizational culture, emphasizing the importance of setting clear transformation goals and measuring business outcomes.
Through this publication, NGMN shares guiding principles, architectural guidelines, and strategic insights to help operators in their transformation and in managing different levels of autonomy and AI adoption in cloud-native environments.

According to Laurent Leboucher, Chairman of the Board of NGMN and CTO of Orange Group, agentive AI has the potential to radically transform network operations, provided it is built on a solid cloud-native foundation.
The document highlights that cloud-native maturity is the basis for AI-driven operations. While the initial stages focus on controlled experimentation, advanced phases enable autonomous automation through closed loops and intelligent orchestration.
Bernard Bureau notes that cloud-native adoption is key to integrating advanced AI, offering a practical framework for introducing progressive automation into networks.
Anita Döhler, CEO of NGMN, emphasizes that this guide provides a clear five-stage roadmap for evolving towards agentive AI-based operating models in a responsible and scalable manner.
The publication also stresses that this transition is not only technological but also organizational, requiring new skills, AI governance, and process redesign. AI-based tools can optimize tasks such as incident resolution, capacity planning, and predictive operations.
Finally, NGMN underlines the importance of collaboration on strategic issues such as unbundling, sustainable networks and 6G, inviting the entire value chain to participate in this initiative.