AI and Net5.5G Pivotal to Achieving Next-Generation Broadband Networks Says WBBA

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can improve broadband infrastructure investment and contribute to enhanced profits and time-to-market so long as it’s used correctly in the pre-deployment phases of broadband rollout, the World Broadband Association (WBBA) has announced.

In one of four whitepapers launched at the WBBA Broadband Development Congress (BDC) Barcelona, the WBBA outlined the current and potential uses of AI during the pre-deployment phases of broadband networks, and how this can assist in network planning and expansion decisions. As a result, operators can ensure infrastructure is rolled out at the right locations, using the right technologies, and within optimised return on investment (ROI) scenarios.

“The pre-deployment phases in broadband are periods of decision-making and network planning before infrastructure is rolled out or upgraded,” said director general of the WBBA, Martin Creaner. “It’s an ideal environment for AI to make an impact, and if its models are supported by the right data and algorithms, then it can be used to help operators predict the return on their investments much more accurately.”

Another key announcement from the WBBA is the ‘Gigacity Index 2025,’ which ranks cities from 30 countries across the globe in terms of their broadband sophistication. With gigabit broadband services pivotal to delivering next-generation internet services, and establishing a premium business environment, the first issue of the Index assesses cities such as Singapore, Shanghai, New York, Madrid and Zurich, ranking their broadband capabilities and highlighting and the policies, investments and advancements that had led them to become Gigacities. Metrics considered in the Gigacities Index include a city’s network infrastructure, including FTTH coverage and 10G PON availability, network connectivity and broadband experience.

Net5.5G was also a key consideration of the WBBA at BDC Barcelona. Having defined Net5.5G architecture in the ‘Network Evolution for the 5.5G and 6G Era’ whitepaper in June 2024, theWBBA has now published use cases from across five continents which demonstrate successful Net5.5G scenarios and functionalities from operators, carriers and other key industry players.

This collection of use cases demonstrates how the Net5.5G architecture is already being deployed by many operators and stakeholders all over the world, and reflects the sustainable evolution of data communication networks (DCNs) in an era when 5.5G and ubiquitous AI computing will become commonplace.

“Our Network Technology working group (WG4) continues to lead the way where Net5.5G is concerned,” continued Creaner. “Not only is this team sharing vision, roles and requirements for Net5.5G, but are also developing an end-to-end blueprint for network evolution for the 5G Advanced and 6G era. We are excited by the potential of Net5.5G to help realise the promise of digital transformation in a fully connected intelligent world.”

Attendees at BDC Barcelona also saw the GSMA 5G Voice over Wi-Fi Task Force (which includes GSMA, WBBA, Wireless Broadband Alliance and others) present a new report on VoWiFi — more commonly known as Wi-Fi Calling — which has been deployed by numerous operators worldwide in the last decade. Effectively integrating wireless and wired networks to realise seamless indoor and outdoor coverage, the concept is designed to provide users with ubiquitous, high-quality voice services.

The report considers the reasons why Wi-Fi Calling is needed for a variety of scenarios and services, providing use cases across a number of sectors and potential business models. The task force also consider the new requirements emerging for Wi-Fi Calling in the 5G era, and the gaps which need to be addressed in order to facilitate further deployment and usage of the concept.