Operators to invest over USD $17 billion in AI security by 2029

Operators worldwide are set to invest over USD $17 billion in artificial intelligence-based network security between 2025 and 2029 as they seek to capture new B2B revenue opportunities, according to a new study by Juniper Research.

The research projects total investment will rise from USD $2.5 billion in 2025 to USD $4.6 billion by 2029, reflecting growing concerns over network security among enterprises in sectors such as transportation, healthcare and energy. The report points to the increasing role of AI-driven autonomous security systems as a primary factor in operators' pursuit of new enterprise revenues.

B2B opportunities

Juniper Research's analysis highlights that the slowed growth from traditional operator revenue streams is prompting telecom providers to focus on business customers to sustain growth. Enterprises operating in critical sectors require robust network security, and their willingness to spend is linked directly to assurances over data protection and threat mitigation.

The research states: "Juniper Research has attributed this expected additional spend to operators' greater focus on growing their B2B revenue streams for industries such as transportation, healthcare and energy, where the security of networks is imperative. The report identified the use of AI to create intelligent and autonomous systems in network security as foundational to growing B2B revenue."

The market research suite, which includes analysis and forecasts across 61 countries, highlights more than 7,900 data points covering the next five years. This analysis provides operators with targeted insights on where investment in autonomous security technologies can yield competitive advantages in the B2B segment.

AI and autonomy

According to Juniper Research, while AI is already being deployed to automate network security functions and analyse large volumes of data, the next phase will see operators prioritising autonomy through technologies such as agentic AI. These systems aim to detect, respond to, and neutralise threats with minimal human intervention.

The report observes: "While AI is already being used to analyse data and automate manual security operations, Juniper Research believes to effectively secure B2B, traffic operators must orient their strategies on autonomy, with technologies such as agentic AI being key to creating intelligent and autonomous network security systems."

Research author Alex Webb remarked: "Agentic AI will enable operators to inject autonomy into their network security operations; responding in real-time to threats to the network while retaining efficiency. These systems will better position operators to protect enterprise traffic; providing the foundation for strong B2B revenue growth."

Operators are being advised by the research that without these investments, they are unlikely to persuade enterprises that their data is secure, thereby missing out on significant B2B opportunities.

Investment outlook

The growth in AI-based security investment represents a shift in the telecom sector's approach to risk and service differentiation, as operators brace for evolving cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and sensitive business data.

Juniper Research notes that many of the world's largest network operators and communications platforms utilise its research to inform investment and strategy, underlining the significance of autonomous AI in determining future B2B success for the sector.