2023.01.06 – Open Broadband News

Bringing the Automated Intelligence Management framework into the CloudCO environment

Over the past decade, there has been some revenue flattening, and an increase of OPEX due to network scale growth. Suddenly, there is a need for network monitoring and maintenance to take advantage of innovative technologies and solutions.

So, there are certainly advantages for network operators. In particular to the home and access networks, where it is fundamental to minimize the customer complaints and reduce on-site maintenance, as well as anticipate faults or degradation via analysis of the status of the network and traffic conditions.

Over the past few years, Broadband Forum has continued to develop specifications related to the Automated Intelligence Management (AIM) framework. These solutions rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and automation to improve operations and maintenance efficiency, as well as reduce overall OPEX.

Broadband Forum’s specification TR-436 defines an overall framework that enhances the capabilities of the Broadband Forum’s CloudCO architecture. TR-436 brings improved data collection and processing, and delivers AI-based inference of the network conditions by providing recommendations to fix a fault or recognize a degradation trend before the user perceives any service issue. Broadband Forum’s work also continues with WT-486, which specifies the interfaces for the AIM framework in TR-436.

Read the full blog from Mauro Tilocca, TIM – Telecom Italia, and Broadband Forum Service Provider Action Council Chair here.

Playing by the rules – Fibre Systems Yearbook 2023

The demand for superfast next-generation technology experienced a sharp rise during 2022. Remote working and online leisure activities have risen exponentially in recent years largely due to the global pandemic, and required increased bandwidth inside homes.

The high demand for business, mobile and residential Passive Optical Network (PON) bandwidth ultimately requires deployments that exceed 10Gb/s. 10 Gigabit Symmetrical PON (XGS-PON) is projected to play a huge role in the coming years as network capacity requirements grow. But, speed isn’t everything. We are at a turning point as operators look to differentiate beyond speed and price, and standards are set to play an even more pivotal role in helping the industry become more service aware.

The key conclusion for many operators is that once broadband speed is no longer an inhibitor then quality of experience (QoE) becomes as important if not more important than simply bandwidth.

Read the article from Craig Thomas, Vice President Strategic Marketing and Business Development at Broadband Forum in Fibre Systems Yearbook 2023 on page 24 here

Cloud Test & Monitor: What challenges persist?

With the broadcast and communications industries slowly returning to something like normality following lockdowns and working from home during the pandemic, have viewing patterns followed suit? With Test & Monitor and network analytics essential to consumer QoE, what challenges persist?

Euromedia Magazine sought the views of a range of sector players, including Broadband Forum in its latest digital edition.

You can view the entire article, with Broadband Forum’s contribution appearing on pages 10-16 here.

Federal Communications Commission pushes broadband map forward, but time is running short

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a second broadband data collection filing window for its national broadband map.

The latest version of the map includes improvements made by the FCC and CostQuest, including corrections to addresses, unit counts, building types, land use and geographic coordinates. Now, the FCC is opening its second data collection period until March 1, 2023, which will be followed by a second version of the map.

The mapping process is following a tight timeline because the NTIA wants to announce BEAD grant allocations to eligible states and territories based on data in the National Broadband Map. But there are some potential hangups.

According to a Congressional Research Service report issued on December 27, some state broadband offices have contracts with data vendors related to state broadband maps that may restrict data sharing with other entities.

90% of US homes take Internet service

Findings from Leichtman Research Group indicate that 90% of US households get an Internet service at home, compared to 84% in 2017, and 74% in 2007.

Broadband accounts for 99% of households with an Internet service at home, and 89% of all households get a broadband Internet service. This is an increase from 82% in 2017, and 53% in 2007.

This study also found that 90% of households use a laptop or desktop computer, an increase from 85% in 2017. Of those that use a laptop or desktop computer at home, 96% have an Internet service at home. Those that do not use a laptop or desktop computer at home account for 58% of all that do not get an Internet service at home.

“The percentage of households getting an Internet service at home, including high-speed broadband, is higher than in any previous year,” said Bruce Leichtman, President and Principal Analyst for Leichtman Research Group. “Computer usage and knowledge remain the foundation for Internet services in the home. Among those that do not get an Internet service at home, 58 per cent also do not use a computer at home.”