Network intelligence offers real-time insights into network performance and customer usage patterns

With homes and enterprise users becoming increasingly dependent on the internet, customer experience has taken a centre stage. Network intelligence has been on top of all the technological integrations telcos are investing on.

Pramod Gummaraj, Founder – Aprecomm explains what this means for telecom providers and how it can help in delivering seamless services to customers -

What is Network Intelligence? What are the factors involved in it?

Network intelligence (NI) is a relatively new field of study that focuses on understanding and improving the way networks function. Simply put, NI is the collection and analysis of big data that is derived from multiple data points, gathered over different periods of time, from several different sources to form a cohesive picture of the network.The ultimate goal of NI is to create more efficient, effective and resilient networks. To do this, NI researchers and practitioners use a variety of tools and methods to collect and analyse data on how networks are used and how they function. It involves the application of data mining, machine learning, and other analytical techniques to uncover patterns and trends that can be used to improve decision making.

There are several factors involved in network intelligence. Firstly, it requires the ability to collect and store large amounts of data generated by networked systems. Second, it requires the development of algorithms and models that can be used to extract valuable insights from this data. Finally, it requires the ability to effectively communicate these insights to decision-makers. Network intelligence can be used to improve a wide range of decisions, from the design of networked systems to network traffic management.

How does it help telecom operators in delivering seamless services to customers?

Broadband penetration has grown tremendously in recent years, and continues to grow on a daily basis. This growth has changed the way service providers offer services, as well as how consumers consume them. Therefore, it is important for service providers to develop a deep understanding of their customers and the networks they are using, so they can deliver seamless, contextual experiences.

NI provides real-time insights into network performance and customer usage patterns. This allows operators to proactively identify and resolve potential issues before they impact customer experience. In addition, NI can also be used to improve customer engagement by providing personalized recommendations and offers based on customer usage data.

How is the fierce competition in the telecom space necessitating service providers to gain access to actionable insights?

Telcos are at a constant price and connectivity competition with each other. Every year the competition grows with new entrants disrupting telcos monopolies. Late entrants are competing with large telcos to offer competitive service plans to add-ons that overlap with other sectors. With the 5G rollout, telcos are improving their market share with the promise of better network quality, lower latency, and defined quality of service (QoS).

Not everyone has access to better network intelligence, but for the consumer, it has become easier to access networks and their innumerable services they offer.Broadband and Mobile penetration has grown tremendously in recent years, and continues to grow on a daily basis.10 years ago would you have associated Airtel or Jio as a Telco-OTT? This growth has changed the way service providers offer services, as well as how consumers consume them. Therefore, it is important for service providers to develop a deep understanding of their customers and the networks they are using, so they can deliver seamless contextual experiences.

Now delivering on this promise requires a data-driven design that leverages AI and advanced algorithms to convert raw data into actionable insights. With millions of devices and even more connected devices, telcos would be falling behind if they don’t have the right data insight. Ultimately, by using network intelligence, telecom operators can improve the quality and reliability of their services, providing a better experience for their customers.

How as a startup are you looking at this space and what kind of innovations are you looking at?

Aprecomm uses cutting-edge technology to help you automatically optimize your network for speed and reliability. Our AI-based platform analyzes your network Quality of Experience and provides Service Providers with real-time insights so that you can quickly fix any issues that arise.

Since the conception of Aprecomm we’ve strived to improve network intelligence. Our current goal is to democratize network intelligence and allow customers to handle minor network problems themselves. Consumers seek convenience and speed to resolve issues with limited human interaction.

With that in mind, Aprecomm’s proprietary network intelligence platform enables various stakeholders, such as marketing, operations, and customer service, to understand the network from different angles to improve decision making. This gives our clients the actionable intelligence they need to deliver seamless, data-driven experiences, no matter what their customers need, exactly the time they need it.By leveraging our platform, telecom providers can gain actionable insights into customer behaviour to provide experiences that will help them compete and win.

In the past year we’ve grown in the Indian market with our Virtual Wireless Expert – An AIOPs solution to provide Wi-Fi intelligence to ISPs. To this effect, we’ve partnered with several companies like Beetel, Edgecore, and Technology Distribution Specialists (TDS) as distribution partners across APAC.

How will innovations in AI and ML lead to further innovations in this field?

In the next few years, AI and ML will become even more crucial when it comes to leveraging data to deliver superior customer experiences.Real-time applications of AI and ML in complex networks would reduce IT burden. AI would be the core of self-driving networks that can self-heal, be alert to threats, and limit human intervention. Network automation would be our ultimate goal.