Legacy Systems Were Not Built for Today’s Telecom Demands
Telecom operators face increasing pressure to scale 5G networks efficiently. However, many still rely on legacy architectures built for voice and early broadband services. These systems are rigid, expensive to maintain, and slow to evolve.
As a result, operators find it difficult to introduce new services, meet changing customer expectations, or support next-generation use cases. This leads to higher operational costs, delayed time-to-market, and missed revenue opportunities.
5G Requires Modular and Flexible Infrastructure
5G brings capabilities such as ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and network slicing. These features power use cases across manufacturing, logistics, entertainment, and healthcare.
Supporting such diverse requirements demands more than hardware upgrades. Operators need modular, software-driven architectures that separate network functions into independent components. This approach enables them to:
- Launch services without overhauling entire systems
- Prioritize traffic types based on business goals
- Allocate resources in real time based on demand
According to GSMA Intelligence, modularity and network slicing are essential to capturing the $300 billion revenue potential tied to 5G services by 2025 [1].
Composable Telecom: Enabling Agile Service Delivery
Composable telecom extends modular thinking across the full telecom stack. Functions like billing, security, signaling, and policy control operate independently and integrate via open APIs.
This enables operators to:
- Upgrade individual components without system-wide changes
- Combine solutions from multiple vendors
- Support both on-premises and cloud-native environments
In TM Forum’s 2023 survey, 70% of telecom leaders identified modular architecture as a key enabler of 5G monetization and service agility [2].
Moving Beyond Vendor-Controlled Roadmaps
Traditional architectures depend on vendor-driven upgrade cycles and bundled roadmaps. This model limits flexibility and delays innovation. A composable architecture shifts control back to operators, empowering them to evolve networks on their terms.
Benefits include:
- Faster time-to-market for new services
- Extended system lifespan through targeted upgrades
- Lower integration complexity
According to Analysys Mason, 63% of telecom operators view architecture simplification as a strategic priority for 5G rollout [3].
Learn More
Download the Composable Telecom Playbook
Operators do not need to replace everything at once. A composable approach allows for gradual, low-risk modernization. The Composable Telecom Playbook offers practical guidance for implementing modular architecture at scale.
[1] GSMA Intelligence. (2022) – 5G and Network Slicing: Revenue Opportunities and Challenges: https://www.gsma.com
[2] TM Forum. (2023) – Future Networks and IT Survey Report.: https://www.tmforum.org
[3] Analysys Mason. (2023) – Operators’ Strategic Priorities for 5G Success: https://www.analysysmason.com
