World Broadband Association highlights AI and broadband convergence to future-proof digital infrastructure
The World Broadband Association (WBBA) convened its 2025 Broadband Development Congress in Shanghai under the theme "Smarter Infrastructure: Converging AI and Broadband," showcasing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence integrated with broadband innovation to power the evolving digital economy. The congress gathered an impressive roster of global industry leaders, scholars, and experts who engaged in discussions about how AI can enhance broadband development, investment optimisation, and operational efficiency while fostering worldwide collaboration on smart digital infrastructure.
Keynote addresses were delivered by notable figures including Dr Zhengmao Li, Chairman of WBBA's Board; Vivek Badrinath, Director General of GSMA; Dr Houlin Zhao, Chairman of WBBA’s Advisory Committee and former ITU Secretary-General; and Ruiwen Ke, CEO of China Telecom. Their talks stressed the vital importance of openness, inclusivity, and strategic investment, along with regulatory support, to realise the full benefits of AI-broadband convergence. Dr Zhengmao Li outlined WBBA's recent milestones, such as board expansion and the creation of an Advisory Committee, aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation. Vivek Badrinath underscored the imperative for coordinated efforts across the industry to ensure that advances in AI deliver widespread value.
The congress featured presentations from senior executives and researchers representing leading telecom operators and technology firms. David Wang of Huawei elaborated on the company's "All Intelligence" strategy, emphasising cutting-edge Ultra-Broadband solutions tailored for the AI era. Ronan de Renesse from Omdia provided frameworks and case studies on leveraging AI-powered networks to optimise operator revenues. Speakers from China Unicom, Dataa Robotics, and China Telecom’s AI Research Institute highlighted developments ranging from network-AI dual innovation approaches and intelligent robotics platforms to collaborative edge-cloud intelligence technology designed to overcome device and latency constraints.
A high-profile panel session drew insights from telecom and finance leaders across Asia and Europe, discussing AI's capacity to unlock new value, drive cross-sector partnerships, and reshape telecom and enterprise operations. The event also marked the release of three whitepapers exploring emerging broadband technologies—such as Wi-Fi 7, FTTR, and deterministic networking—and their roles in reshaping fixed broadband infrastructures with AI enhancement.
This global congress underlined WBBA’s growing role as a pivotal platform where operators, vendors, regulators, and investors converge to shape broadband’s future. In particular, WBBA advocates for AI’s strategic deployment not only in network operations but critically during the pre-deployment planning phases, to guide investment decisions ensuring infrastructure is optimally sited and technologically future-proofed, resulting in maximised returns and reduced rollout timelines.
WBBA's commitment to innovation and collaboration extends beyond the congress, with its annual Cloud-Network Broadband Excellence Awards recognising pioneers who advance the convergence of AI and broadband infrastructure. The 2025 awards event, slated for October in Paris, epitomises the association’s dedication to celebrating breakthroughs that propel the broadband ecosystem forward.
The convergence of AI and broadband represents a defining shift for the telecom sector, promising smarter, more adaptive networks that are foundational to digital societies worldwide. By fostering international cooperation and sharing best practices, WBBA’s initiatives help ensure that the benefits of this revolution are realised globally, inclusively, and sustainably.