State of Disaggregation Report 2025
Operators believe in the promise of a disaggregated future, yet most are unprepared for it. Skills gaps and old-school leadership are keeping networks stuck in the past.
Last year, we challenged the industry's reluctance to embrace change in our ‘Manifesto’. This year, we took it a step further, backing our observations with tangible data.
We surveyed 200 senior telecom decision makers across the US, UK, and Australia to find out what’s pushing disaggregation forward and what’s holding it back.
The result?
An industry that’s ready for a fairer and open future, but somehow still chained to the past.
1. The disaggregation paradox
“Operators want to deploy disaggregation. Most are unable to adapt.”
The intention is here
0%
plan to deploy within the next five years
0%
are willing to invest in deployment
0%
say it needs to happen faster than planned
Yet, the gap between ambition and action is wide
Only 0 in 20
operators are currently in deployment
0%
are still stuck in early-stage exploration
The case is clear. The ambition is real. However, progress is held hostage to legacy systems, rigid processes, and leadership that’s too comfortable with the status quo.
2. The unseen blockers
“Deployment is urgent. Core capabilities are missing.”
The biggest barriers to disaggregation aren't technical - they're human.
0%
say they lack the leadership support needed to move forward
0%
cite operational transformation complexity as a challenge
0%
point to a lack of internal skills or expertise
0%
think vendor ecosystems think aren't mature enough
0%
say they need more support and training
The technology is available. But lack of leadership support and skills gaps are killing progress. Disaggregation needs leaders willing to challenge comfort and drive change from the inside out.
3. The bandwith timebomb
“Consumer demand is rising. Operator confidence isn’t.”
Customer expectations are skyrocketing, and networks are cracking under the pressure.
0%
say customers will demand higher broadband speeds in the next five years
0%
expect rising pressure on price too
0%
admit expectations are outpacing what they can deliver
But while demand surges… confidence falters
0%
say their current network architecture isn't built for future bandwidth growth
0%
aren't fully confident their network is future-ready to meet customer demands at the right cost-points
Users want faster broadband, yet nearly half of operators are unsure their networks can deliver. And with AI workloads and streaming demand exploding, that’s a problem.
4. The test of AI
“AI without the right network is a waste of investment.”
The Al hype is real, but so is the infrastructure gap.
0%
say real-time network data is essential to unlock Al's value
0%
are either using or planning to use AI for network operations
Everyone’s talking about AI. But here’s the truth: without disaggregation, your network can’t support the real-time operations AI needs. Disaggregation is the prerequisite for intelligent networking.
5. The real winners
The real movers aren't just experimenting. They've already proven disaggregation at scale, reaping the benefits of faster rollouts, greater network control, and real vendor independence.
AT&T, DeutscheTelekom, and Comcast are racing ahead
Regional challengers, like WOBCOB in Germany, are also reaping the benefits
On the flip side, 49% of operators are still stuck in 'exploration mode
The benefits are no longer theoretical. They’re measurable, and they’re already delivering. The gap is growing. Don’t risk being left stuck in the past while others charge forward.
6. What’s in it for you?
“You won’t survive the next decade on legacy architecture.”
Disaggregation isn't just a technical shift. It's a strategic one, and operators know exactly what they want out of it.
0%
want more automation
0%
want better energy efficiency
0%
want stronger supply chain resilience
0%
want lower CapEx and OpEx
0%
want to break vendor lock-in
And when asked about top transformation priorities, the pattern was clear:
0%
ranked automation and agility #1
0%
want greater vendor flexibility
0%
are focused on cost efficiency and sustainability
Legacy stacks won’t deliver the speed, choice, or sustainability the next decade demands. Disaggregation does. It’s cheaper, greener, more agile, and it’s built for the networks of tomorrow.
The window’s closing. Whats your move?
We’ve said it before: hesitation will be the industry’s downfall.
This report lays bare the real blockers to progress and the path forward. If telcos want out of vendor lock-in and into a future of open, flexible, and high-performance networks, the time to act is now!
No more excuses.
No more waiting.
The networks of tomorrow need decisions today.
Your move.
About the data: The ‘State of Disaggregation’ research was independently conducted by Vanson Bourne between January 31 and February 24, 2025, and commissioned by RtBrick to identify the primary drivers and barriers to disaggregated network rollouts. The findings are based on responses from 200 senior telecom decision makers across the US, UK, and Australia, representing operations, engineering, and strategy at organizations with 100 to 5,000 employees.