Density and virtualization will both pose significant challenges for managing the telco network, involving huge numbers of cells, and many virtualized components which can be scaled up and down dynamically. Automation is the key, and some progress has already been made by the SON (self-optimizing network) industry. Now a group of operators and vendors want to accelerate progress with the ‘Zero Touch NSM’ (Network and Service Management) project. The operators spearheading the effort are Deutsche Telekom, China Mobile and Telefonica, which believe automation will be critical to the success of 5G. However, some results of their three-month project, running from March to June, will be relevant to 4G network transformation too. The aim is to provide a practical blueprint for…