The Race to Autonomous Transport Networks: A New Study
Cisco Blogs, Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
CSPs are adopting agentic AI to transform transport networks from manual processes to autonomous, self-optimizing operations.
A new Omdia white paper commissioned by Cisco and Ciena reveals that global communications service providers are rapidly adopting agentic AI to enhance network performance and manage unprecedented traffic driven by AI services.
The study shows that 79% of CSPs are already experiencing higher traffic volumes from AI services, with 56% expecting autonomous or semi-autonomous network operations within three years.
Key adoption drivers include faster troubleshooting, reduced human error, and lower operational costs, with 47% of CSPs now viewing agentic AI as critical to their three-year strategy. The transition to AI-driven networks requires not only technical deployment but also significant workforce reskilling and organizational change management.