Broadband Service Providers (BSP) may soon be able to accelerate their offerings with AI, thanks to a new initiative ‘AI in Broadband Networks.’ Led by the Broadband Forum, the project will outline guidance for BSPs to improve the development of their services-led broadband networks, ultimately aligning them with advancing AI trends and technology.
The end goal is to enable BSPs to implement AI in their networks so they can become faster and more reliable. At the same time, equipment manufacturers will receive guidelines on how to develop AI capabilities and incorporate the technology into their hardware.
Tony Zeng, Standard Director of EU Optical Communication at Huawei France, highlighted how AI is transforming data processing. “AI is already revolutionising how data is processed and how decisions are made in various domains, from smart applications to autonomous networks. In broadband networks, AI can play a important role in addressing challenges like fault prediction, quality of service optimisation, and dynamically managing network traffic.”
According to Zeng, the ‘AI in Broadband Networks’ project will “help establish AI in the broadband network as the next key consideration, alongside the three traditional building blocks of AI: algorithms, computing power, and data.”
The project will explain how AI can help detect and repair network problems autonomously, predict when equipment may fail, ensuring it is fixed before issues occur, and ways to optimise energy use for more efficient operation.
It will also discuss how AI agents can be deployed in broadband networks for intelligent user support. It will provide support and advice on how telecom networks should be designed or upgraded to accommodate the demanding performance needed by AI-powered applications.
The benefits of integrating AI into broadband networks are far-reaching, according to Hai Ding, Fixed Access Network and Home Networking Expert at China Unicom. “In the long-term, by embracing AI-driven approaches, BSPs can enjoy savings, see a faster time to new revenue, and deliver new applications and services to their customers.”
The first phase of the ‘AI in Broadband Networks’ project will summarise AI development trends for broadband networks, present a roadmap for network development, and pinpoint key service requirements for BSPs. The second phase will feature a comprehensive study of “AI-driven fixed access and in-premises network architecture, and relevant network functions.”
The project has had initial backing from prominent organisations from the global telecom ecosystem, including Huawei, China Mobile, China Unicom, CAICT, and ZTE Corporation. It is reported that the first stage of the project will be completed by Spring 2026.
The implementation of learning technologies at the network layers will allow BSPs to offer a more reliable service to end users, at a lower cost. By preempting network-related faults using anomaly detection, and putting chatbots between the customer and the BSP, companies will be able to operate at lower cost.
(Image source: “Inside a broadband router (detail)” by jepoirrier is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)
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