In the future, this should enable BSPs to offer intelligent solutions to improve network performance, reliability, and efficiency. Equipment manufacturers will also receive guidance on how to incorporate AI into their products.
“AI is already revolutionizing how data is processed and decisions are made across various fields, from smart applications to autonomous networks. In broadband networks, AI can play a critical role in addressing challenges such as failure prediction, quality of service optimization, and dynamic network traffic management,” says Tony Zeng, Director of EU Optical Communication Standards at Huawei France. “The Broadband Forum is enabling the creation of automated, data-driven networks, and this project will help establish AI in broadband networks as the next key element, alongside the three traditional pillars of AI: algorithms, computing power, and data.”
The project has initially been supported by CAICT, China Mobile, China Unicom, Huawei and ZTE Corporation, and the first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2026.
The paper will detail how AI agents, such as metahumans for intelligent user assistance, can be deployed in broadband networks to enable natural human-computer interactions. It will advise on how the network can support the quality requirements of AI-enabled intelligent applications, such as AI training and inference. The report will also explore how to leverage AI for autonomous networks, including identifying and resolving network faults, predictive maintenance, and optimizing energy consumption.
“In the long term, by adopting AI-based approaches, broadband service providers can enjoy cost savings, see faster time to new revenue streams, and offer new applications and services to their customers,” said Hai Ding, an expert in fixed access networks and home networks at China Unicom. “The new project aims to provide strategic insight and guidance on the added value that AI for broadband networks can create for service providers.”
The work will be carried out in phases. The first phase will summarize AI development trends for service-oriented broadband networks, identify BSP service requirements, and outline a vision for future network development. A second, interim phase will include a study of AI-driven fixed and local area network architecture and relevant network functions.
