A new industry-led initiative is set to equip Broadband Service Providers (BSPs) with high-level guidance and a holistic vision for implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in broadband networks.
The ‘AI in Broadband Networks’ project from Broadband Forum will outline a framework for BSPs to develop their services-led broadband networks better to align with AI trends, as well as identify real use cases and gaps. In the future, this should enable BSPs to offer intelligent solutions that improve network performance, reliability, and efficiency. Equipment manufacturers will also receive guidance on incorporating AI into their products.
“AI is already revolutionising how data is processed and how decisions are made across various domains, from smart applications to autonomous networks. In broadband networks, AI can play a critical role in addressing challenges such as fault prediction, Quality of Service optimisation, and dynamically managing network traffic,” said Tony Zeng, Standard Director of EU Optical Communication at Huawei France. “The Broadband Forum is enabling automated and data-driven networking, and this 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 has been initially supported by CAICT, China Mobile, China Unicom, Huawei, and ZTE Corporation, and the first phase of the project is set to be finalised by Spring 2026.
The work will detail how AI agents, such as metahumans for intelligent user support, can be deployed in broadband networks to enable natural human-computer interactions. It will advise how the network can support the quality requirements of AI-enabled intelligent applications, such as AI training/inferencing. The report will also discuss how to leverage AI for autonomous networks, including identifying and addressing network faults, enabling predictive maintenance, and tuning energy consumption.
“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,” said Hai Ding, Fixed Access Network and Home Networking Expert at China Unicom. “The new project aims to offer a strategic insight and provide guidance on the additional value that AI for broadband networks can create for the service provider.”
The work will be carried out in a phased approach. The first phase will summarise AI development trends for services-led broadband networks, identify the service requirements from BSPs, and outline the vision for future network development. A tentative second phase will include the study of AI-driven fixed access and in-premises network architecture and relevant network functions.
