Benchmarking the broadband and cloud foundations powering the AI-driven digital economy.

The WBBA Broadband Competitiveness Development Index (BCDI) 2026 assesses fixed broadband and cloud markets across 50 leading economies, covering 92% of global GDP and 74% of the world’s population. With broadband and cloud generating over $1 trillion in annual revenue, this whitepaper explores the latest rankings and shows how investment, policy, infrastructure and innovation are shaping digital competitiveness. Download now to explore the BCDI 2026 rankings and insights.

Building intelligent optical networks for the AI era.

AI is reshaping network traffic and performance demands. This whitepaper explains ITU-T’s ION-2030 framework, a roadmap spanning computing-network integration, AI data center networking, 6G transport and intelligent access. It shows how operators can move beyond selling connectivity to delivering guaranteed business outcomes. Download the whitepaper to see how the industry can build the next generation of optical networks.

Many operators are now in the process of decommissioning their copper networks, and some have already completed the process. Copper decommissioning is a multifaceted and complex endeavour that requires input from multiple stakeholders, but it also presents opportunities for operators. This report can guide WBBA members on the best practices for copper decommissioning and help them understand the strategies that their peers are adopting. Download the report to learn how to master copper decommissioning.

This whitepaper shows how organisations are rethinking network planning and operations for the digital era. It outlines a three-tier architecture spanning device, network and service layers, with cross-layer coordination that helps networks “fail small” rather than suffer catastrophic outages. Download the whitepaper to learn how to build resilient, secure IP networks.

AI’s future isn’t just about intelligence - it’s about the network that powers it.

Gigabit broadband is fundamental to enabling next-generation digital applications, yet delivering a true gigabit experience requires more than fiber alone. Operators must invest in end-to-end network evolution, spanning advanced Wi-Fi, next-generation PON, and high-capacity core transport to support AI-driven services and growing data demands. Policy frameworks must also shift beyond connectivity targets to encourage sustained infrastructure advancement. While widespread deployment is essential, major cities play a critical role as innovation hubs, accelerating national progress. This report’s expanded Gigacity Index benchmarks 50 global cities, highlighting pathways to scalable, future-ready broadband ecosystems.

This report examines the trends and advancements shaping the broadband industry over the next five years. It explores global market dynamics, regulatory best practices, and the role of standards, alongside innovations in broadband access technologies and network architecture. Key research priorities for the WBBA are outlined, including bridging the digital and AI divide; sovereignty and the role of regulators and telcos; deep-down on the impact of AI – mapping out use-case requirements and forecasts, impact of agentic AI on traffic, on-device vs. cloud AI; industrial networks and B2B connectivity; sustainability; security and resilience (quantum readiness); and new use cases for broadband.

The Whitepaper on “Net5.5G Readiness Assessment and Certification” introduces the IP Network Development Index (IP_NDI), derived from a global survey of telco operators' network preparedness for the AI era. It is a key instrument for evaluating the readiness and maturity of countries and regions’ network infrastructures to support the next generation of digital transformation and AI-driven services. More precisely, this index allows operators and industry stakeholders to evaluate how their regional networks compare with the Net5.5G Framework and to track the pace of global IP Transport Network upgrades by offering measurable benchmarks across four key areas: 1) WAN, 2) Campus DCN, and 4) Autonomous Networks. It assists stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding network investments, policy development, and technology strategies. Developing this index will provide the Net5.5G ecosystem with a barometer to support monitoring future network deployments and assessing the progress of worldwide network modernization. Moreover, it will motivate network owners to upgrade their infrastructure, as widespread adoption of the target technologies will help them maximize the benefits they provide.

Optical networks need to grow, transform, and evolve in response to the challenges arising from the emergence of Artificial Intelligence. The industry is undergoing a “Cambrian explosion” of new applications. Leading communications service providers have stepped forward to showcase compelling use cases that exemplify the transformation to a new era. This synopsis, of the optical industry, beginning with the challenges and concluding with the recommendations is intended to guide the WBBA membership and the entire optical network ecosystem on the path forward.

AI has a rapidly expanding range of application areas in telecoms, from customer support to network operations and tasks within functions such as IT, sales, marketing, and finance. AI promises increased productivity, efficiency gains, and cost savings, as well as growth prospects through connectivity, computing, and sovereign AI infrastructures. Yet, to take advantage of its revolutionary and transformative capabilities, CSPs need to overcome some new challenges and collaborate closely with each other. To help CSPs benefit most from AI, WBBA sponsored a global survey of more than 340 participants actively involved in telecom AI initiatives. This report shares the key findings from this survey and acts as a reference point for the industry by showing adoption levels and areas among operators, motivations and challenges, technological approaches, use of AI in networks, and the performance of AI initiatives relative to expectations.

"This white paper explores how AI integrates with Net5.5G, using its architecture as a foundation. It details embedding AI models into all Net5.5G components to enhance interactions and explains how AI makes the IP network more intelligent, resilient, secure, and optimized for an AI-driven future."

The WBBA's Europe: Broadband Investment Guidebook helps stakeholders examine the broadband landscape in Europe. It provides analysis on the key challenges facing the broadband sector in the region and offers potential solutions. The guidebook also examines public funding for broadband in Europe including with case studies. It assesses the wholesale broadband access market and how it is likely to evolve. Finally it provides commentary on future opportunities for broadband operators in Europe.

The WBBA’s new Broadband and Cloud Development Index (BCDI) 2025 Report benchmarks the performance of these two key foundations of the digital economy in 73 countries, representing over 95% of global GDP and 80% of the world’s population. The report includes detailed new research on the impact of AI globally and market developments in Latin America, where the BCDI significantly increased country coverage. The report, which compares the BCDI results of countries in 2025 versus 2024, finds that smart government policies can incentivize companies to invest and accelerate broadband and cloud markets, leading some countries to outperform in 2025.

"This white paper explores how AI integrates with Net5.5G, using its architecture as a foundation. It details embedding AI models into all Net5.5G components to enhance interactions and explains how AI makes the IP network more intelligent, resilient, secure, and optimized for an AI-driven future."

"This report focuses on the quality-of-service optimization and assurance for the VoWiFi proof of concept (POC) within the WBBA POC framework, hosted by China Telecom in its laboratories and led by GSMA’s 5G VoWiFi task force. The POC demonstrated that network metrics, such as bandwidth, delay, and reliability, can be effectively managed. It confirmed that end-to-end optimization allows VoWiFi to supplement cellular coverage and meet user communication needs with guaranteed QoS, even in areas with weak or no cellular coverage."

In an era of rapid digital transformation, the broadband industry stands at the forefront of shaping inclusive, sustainable, and resilient societies. The World Broadband Association (WBBA) is proud to present Best Practices Case Studies – Achieving Broadband Excellence, a testament to the ingenuity, collaboration, and commitment of our global members.

This report provides an analysis of Omdia’s Fiber Development Index (FDI). The FDI quantifies and ranks the level of investment in fiber optical networks across thirteen metrics on a country-level basis. This analysis helps industry stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, service providers, and suppliers, support the development and growth of the fiber industries in their respective countries.

As broadband networks evolve toward multi-gigabit speeds and ultra-low latency, the WBBA’s Working Group 6 highlights a critical shift: the customer premises network (CPN) is now the key to delivering true quality of experience. This white paper explores how next-generation applications - from cloud gaming and 8K streaming to XR and AI-powered smart homes - are redefining performance expectations beyond bandwidth alone.

Global broadband infrastructure is transitioning from copper cables to fiber, while many telecom operators have developed circular economy policies. The report examines the progress, benefits, and regulations associated with the transition from copper to fiber broadband networks, as well as operators' practices of recycling and reusing retired copper infrastructure as part of their broader circular economy strategies.

The World Broadband Association’s latest white paper outlines a clear roadmap for building advanced fixed broadband networks that fuel sustainable socioeconomic growth. As future applications demand ultra-reliable, low-latency, and secure connectivity, “being connected” is no longer enough. This paper explores optimal technology strategies—from fibre and 5G FWA to LEO satellites—to bridge digital divides in both developed and emerging markets.

This guidebook helps stakeholders examine investment in broadband infrastructure, focusing on Africa. It provides insight into why investment in broadband in Africa is important, current trends in broadband investment in the region, the key metrics stakeholders must consider, the ways they can make broadband infrastructure investment more viable as well as potential financing and business models for broadband infrastructure deployment.

Gigabit broadband is crucial for next-gen internet and AI applications. To deliver a true gigabit experience, operators must invest in advanced end-to-end networks, including Wi-Fi 6/7, next-gen PON, and 400/800G WDM. Regulations must go beyond fiber deployment to encourage ongoing investment.

The Net 5.5G Best Practices and Development Guide discusses the adoption and maturity of Net5.5G, as well as case studies and success stories from key industry players—operators, carriers, cloud providers, enterprises, cities, and campuses—who have contributed to the Net5.5G value chain across five continents by successfully implementing Net5.5G scenarios and functionalities.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming pervasive among broadband service providers. This white paper from the World Broadband Association (WBBA) outlines the current and potential application areas of artificial intelligence (AI) specifically within the context of broadband predeployment phases (i.e., before rollouts).

The Enriched Service Over Converged Wi-Fi and Cellular Paper has been written by the GSMA 5G Voice over Wi-Fi Task Force (5GVoWiFi TF) and is the result of collaboration amongst a number of TF member companies as well as input from the Wireless Broadband Alliance and World Broadband Association.

This white paper examines the various AI-enabled use cases that drive operational efficiencies and lead to reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions while supporting greener and more resilient fixed broadband infrastructure

This report provides an analysis of Omdia’s Fiber Development Index (FDI). The FDI quantifies and ranks the level of investment in fiber optical networks across nine metrics on a country-level basis. This analysis helps industry stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, service providers, and suppliers, support the development and growth of the fiber industries in their respective countries.

This guidebook helps stakeholders examine investment in broadband infrastructure, focusing on North America. It provides insight into the key metrics stakeholders must consider, the ways they can make broadband infrastructure investment more viable, as well as potential financing and business models for broadband infrastructure deployment.

The World Broadband Association (WBBA) has expanded its Broadband and Cloud Development Index (BCDI) for 2024, now covering 62 countries representing over 90% of global GDP and 75% of the world's population. The report includes new metrics on AI adoption, data centre investment, and sustainable energy. As a crucial resource for industry stakeholders, the BCDI 2024 Report aids in identifying best practices and growth opportunities in the broadband and cloud markets, which are projected to generate over $1 trillion worldwide by 2025.

The metaverse and extended reality (XR) are set to transform the internet, with applications potentially matching today's mobile ecosystem. As XR devices evolve, increased cloud processing will require robust networks. To ensure global access and reap socioeconomic benefits, countries must plan for advanced all-fiber broadband infrastructure aligned with WBBA guidelines.

Net5.5G framework presents the key features including 400/800GE IP converged transport network with SRv6-based slicing, high-quality 10Gbps campus network with Wi-Fi 7, and 400/800GE hyper-converged DCN with Network Scale Load Balancing. Net5.5G ensures experiences of AR/VR, supports AI training and inference, and delivering AI-related services to the end user.

Dive into the future of digital transformation with our captivating white paper, "Driving the Future: Understanding the Landscape of Cloud-Network Convergence." As demand skyrockets for 5G, gigabit fiber, and IoT applications, the synergy between cloud and network infrastructures is revolutionizing both enterprise IT and at-home consumer needs.

This guidebook provides guidance and advice to all stakeholders considering investment in broadband infrastructure.

China Telecom Whole-home WiFi Case Study: New In-Home Networking Technology Boosts User Satisfaction

This report analyses how broadband is considered one of the key drivers fuelling the global economy and is critical for inclusive and sustainable growth.

The creation of gigacities is essential to maximize a country’s socioeconomic development. With increasing levels of urbanization around the world, gigacity investment is an efficient way of getting gigabit broadband technology to large portions of the population and industry zones.

Energy efficiency, crucial for net-zero goals, is now central to EU, US, and China policies. In telecom, it is a major contributor to carbon footprints reduction and a key element of telco sustainability strategies. This research highlights insights from the WBBA’s report on improving fixed broadband networks' energy efficiency.

The global broadband and cloud computing markets combined are worth more than $656bn, but their indirect impacts may be even greater because they are two of the key foundations of the digital economy.

This report analyzes the need for greater broadband investment to support continued socioeconomic growth.

The WBBA Working Group 4 Whitepaper is here!

Broadband networks have experienced significant growth since their initial deployments in the early 2000s. These networks have advanced from offering speeds of a few hundred kilobits per second to modern fiber-based networks that provide a global average speed of 200 Mbps.

This report analyzes the demand for broadband investment as well as current investment trends.

Recent survey of leading telecom service provider and vendors to evaluate telecom operators’ level of commitment to sustainability.

This report analyzes the benefits of sustainability management and sets forth best practices.

This report analyzes the power of high-speed broadband to benefit consumers and improve society.

This report sets out the WBBA’s roadmap for the future broadband network of 2030 and beyond.