While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already demonstrated its ability to transform our ‘online’ experience, the internet of the future will go much further. AI agents will enable natural and comprehensive human-computer dynamic interactions (e.g. AI chatbots and intelligent user support), as well as supporting self-optimizing networks which fix their own faults, predict where maintenance is needed ahead of time, automatically move capacity to where it is needed, and save energy.
“Artificial Intelligence has already demonstrated transformative potential across various domains,” said Manuel Paul, President and Service Requirements Work Area Director at Broadband Forum. “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.”
The Broadband Forum’s ‘AI in Broadband Networks’ (MR-529) document sets out a vision for 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 (BSPs) can progress towards fully autonomous networks that deliver consistent, high-quality customer experiences by establishing a standardized, software‑defined foundation.
“For service providers exploring how AI can drive their services‑led broadband models, the Broadband Forum’s latest document is the place to start,” continued Paul.
With the ‘vision’ now set out, the work of the Broadband Forum moves on to the creation of an AI Framework which will eventually guide service providers in implementing AI effectively into 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 BSPs to deliver intelligent, tailored services that enhance quality of experience and customer satisfaction,” said Craig Thomas, 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.”
