Broadband Forum offers its vision of an AI-powered future which is to be followed by an AI framework to guide service providers’ implementations
While AI has shown it can transform our online experience: the internet of the future will go much further, according to the Broadband Forum. It claims that AI agents will enable natural and comprehensive human-computer dynamic interactions (for example, AI chatbots and intelligent user support), as well as self-optimising networks that fix their own faults, predict where maintenance is needed, move capacity automatically to where it is needed and save energy.
The Broadband Forum’s AI in Broadband Networks (MR-529) document sets out how broadband networks should evolve with AI, outlining the AI development trends and network characteristics for services-led broadband networks and their service requirements. The document explains how broadband service providers can progress towards autonomous networks that deliver consistent, high-quality customer experiences by establishing a standardsed, software‑defined foundation.
Now the vision is set out, the Broadband Forum moves onto the creation of an AI Framework which will guide service providers in implementing AI in broadband networks. Phase 2 of the project will detail key use cases, requirements and technical characteristics for applying AI in broadband networks.
It will also summarise the service-oriented requirements for AI functions across network elements and will provide recommendations on the project roadmap for AI enhanced network devices and management platforms within other Broadband Forum Work Areas.
“AI is essential to our services-led broadband mission, which aims to enable broadband service providers to deliver intelligent, tailored services that enhance quality of experience and customer satisfaction,” said Craig Thomas (pictured), CEO at Broadband Forum. “Broadband Forum’s standards including those developed through the CloudCO initiative and its open source software efforts, such as OB-CAS, are already providing the standardized foundation BSPs need to adopt AI in a way that drives innovation and transforms their networks.”
Manuel Paul, President and Service Requirements Work Area Director at Broadband Forum, comments, “As the technology has the potential to make networks smarter, simplify operations, and open the door to new service and revenue opportunities, it is crucial that the industry adopts the right approaches for implementing it into broadband networks.”
