Faster digital network access, multi-user broadband infrastructure, the Internet of Things (IoT), NFV (network functions virtualization) and SDN (software-defined networking) for homes, businesses, government and public sector organizations are keystones of a new strategic plan announced by the Broadband Forum in Munich, Germany September 30.
Dubbed Broadband 20/20, the global broadband industry association’s new strategic vision looks to emerging 5G wireless broadband as a key enabler in realizing its goal of delivering ultra-fast broadband services and distributed computing and storage everywhere and on any device used in homes and businesses, Broadband Forum stated in a September 30 news release.
Broadband 20/20
Elaborating further, Broadband Forum CEO Robin Mersh identified the five focal points of innovation for Broadband 20/20 as: ultra-fast infrastructure; intelligent home/small business; seamless converged wireline and wireless networks; performance-assured on-demand IP broadband services; and a personalized network experience.
“Of course, all service providers are very focused on profitable revenue-generating services but this is the first time this or any forum has come together as a community to take a holistic approach to new technologies and have them deliver real value,” Mersh was quoted as saying.
“We are very proud of what the Forum has already achieved in its 24-year history in making broadband what it is today, but now we have embarked on a new challenge, a new opportunity and in fact the chance to create a whole new world of communications.”
An estimated 700 million people and counting currently have broadband network access. That has prompted Broadband Forum’s executives to restructure the industry association so that it is geared for rapid development and deployment of technological innovations.
“NFV and SDN has made the industry think about how fast we need to develop our networks in this era of enormous bandwidth demand and it has made it look across the entire eco-system to converge and develop technologies that will create revenue and services quickly and efficiently. The Forum has a key and unique role to play in making it happen,” Mersh explained.
