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14th October 2025

Paris, France

The deadline for awards submissions has passed.

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Broadband Excellence Awards Details

The Broadband Excellence Awards, presented by the World Broadband Association, honour outstanding achievement and innovation across the global broadband ecosystem. These prestigious awards recognize organizations, projects, and technologies that are shaping the future of connectivity, driving digital transformation, and empowering communities through broadband and emerging technologies like AI and cloud.

From cutting-edge infrastructure and smart city solutions to breakthroughs in digital inclusion and sustainable connected environments, the Broadband Excellence Awards spotlight the leaders and pioneers who are building the foundation of tomorrow’s gigabit societies.

WBBA welcomes operators, vendors, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to participate in this global recognition program—celebrating the transformative power of broadband to fuel economic development, sustainability, and digital equity worldwide.

2025 Categories

  • Network Infrastructure Innovation Excellence recognizes outstanding advancements in broadband infrastructure that demonstrate creativity, intelligence, and strategic impact.
  • AI in Network Excellence honours the integration of AI to enable cloud-scale, low-latency, and intelligent network operations.
  • Broadband Innovation Excellence for Future Applications highlights breakthroughs powering emerging use cases such as metaverse, XR, and cloud gaming.
  • Smart Gigacity Excellence celebrates broadband-powered smart city initiatives that enhance public services and urban living.
  • Broadband for Digital Inclusion Excellence recognizes impactful initiatives that have successfully closed the digital divide by extending meaningful, affordable broadband access to unserved or underserved populations.
  • Intelligent Home Innovation Excellence celebrating Breakthroughs in CPE, CPN, and connected living.

Judging Panel

The 2025 Broadband Excellence Awards feature six distinct categories, each spotlighting a critical area of broadband advancement:

  • Mark Giles, Lead Industry Analyst, Ookla
  • Michael Philpott, Research Director, Service Provider Consumer, Omdia
  • Ian Redpath, Research Director, Transport Networks and Components, Omdia
  • Stephen Wilson, Senior Principal Analyst, Omdia
  • Sameer Ashfaq Malik, Senior Principal Analyst, Omdia
  • Jaimie Lenderman, Principal Analyst, Omdia
  • Dr Marcus Brunner, Chief Experts for Enhanced Broadband, Huawei
  • Martin O’Brien, Senior Consultant, Business Innovation, Huawei
  • Li Junjie, Chief Expert, China Telecom
  • Tang Hong, Chief Expert, China Telecom
  • Xiao Qing, Deputy Chief Engineer & Senior Expert, China Telecom Shanghai Branch
  • Fu Zhiren, Vice Dean, China Telecom Research Institute
  • Sun Zhenqiang, Senior Expert, China Telecom Research Institute
  • Dr Zhong Zhigang, Network Communication Scientist, Chief Engineer of China Information Technology Designing & Consulting Institute, China Unicom
  • Dr Lian Shiguo, AI Scientist , CTO of China Unicom AI Innovation Centre, China Unicom
  • Dr Zhang Pei, Chief Expert of Network Communication, Director of Network Product R&D Department, China Unicom
  • Dr Fan Bin, Chief Expert of Network Communication, Director of Wireless Network Management Division, China Unicom
  • Dr He Gang, Chief Expert of Network Communication, Director of Cloud Network Capability Management Division, China Unicom
  • Dr Pan Guixin, Chief Expert of Network Communication, General Manager of the Guangdong Unicom Network Product Innovation Centre, China Unicom

 

Network Infrastructure Innovation Excellence

Award Brief

The Network Infrastructure Innovation Excellence Award recognizes outstanding advancements in broadband infrastructure that demonstrate creativity, intelligence, and strategic impact. This award celebrates how operators and technology providers are redefining connectivity through innovative network architectures, deployment models, and service delivery strategies that enable smarter, more inclusive, and resilient digital societies.

Nominees should showcase leadership in applying forward-thinking approaches to overcome infrastructure challenges—whether through intelligent design, operational efficiency, new service models, or inventive partnerships. The focus is on clever innovation and tangible outcomes, not necessarily the largest deployments.

Target Applicants:
  • Operators
  • Vendors
Submission Proof Points
Applicants should provide evidence covering the following areas:
  • Innovative Design or Strategy: A unique network architecture, deployment model, or operational approach that departs from conventional practices.
  • Tangible Performance Outcomes: Clear improvements in network reliability, responsiveness, user experience, or service consistency.
  • Operational Ingenuity: Smart approaches to managing resources, streamlining rollout, or overcoming technical and logistical constraints.
  • Business & Societal Impact: How the infrastructure has enabled new services, improved digital access, or supported economic or community development.
  • Validation & Endorsement: Feedback from users, partners, or industry peers that highlights the success or uniqueness of the initiative.
  • Sustainability & Efficiency: Demonstrated alignment with green network principles, resource optimization, or environmental targets.
Submission Format:
  • Entries will only be accepted when submitted in the English language only.
  • Entries exceeding the 500-word limit will not be considered for review by the judges.
  • Supporting documents may be included with entry. If applicable, please submit supporting documents (up to 5 pages) in .doc, .ppt, or .pdf format. Please name the file using the format:
  • Company Name/Individual Name - Category Name
Criteria included will consider assessment of:
  • Innovation and Creativity
  • Impact on Service and Society
  • Operational Excellence
  • Sustainability and Resource Efficiency
  • Validation and Recognition
Judges
  • Ramona Zhao, Research Manager, Omdia
  • Katherine Macdonald, Senior Director, Ookla
  • Ambika Khurana, Chief Regulatory & Corporate Affairs, Vodafone Idea Limited
  • Sameer Malik, Senior Principal Analyst, Omdia

AI in Network Excellence

Award Brief

The AI in Network Excellence Award recognizes exceptional initiatives that leverage Artificial Intelligence Applications to transform network capabilities, improve performance, and support next-generation applications. This award celebrates projects by operators or vendor-operator collaborations that use AI to enable advanced use cases such as Zero-Touch Automation (ZR), Cloud-AI infrastructure integration, and low-latency applications like AR/VR, industrial IoT, and autonomous systems.

This award highlights leaders who are pushing the boundaries of broadband networking through intelligent automation, predictive insights, and AI-driven optimization—laying the foundation for more efficient, responsive, and scalable digital ecosystems.

Target Applicants:
  • Operators
  • Operators and vendors collaboration
Submission Proof Points

Applicants should provide evidence covering the following areas:

  • Project Overview: Description of the AI-enabled network initiative, including objectives, scope, timeline, and stakeholders.
  • AI Technology Used: Explanation of the AI models, platforms, or techniques employed (e.g., machine learning for traffic management, anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, etc.).
  • Use Case Focus: Relevance to ZR (Zero-touch automation), Cloud-AI convergence, or support for low-latency applications (AR/VR, industrial IoT, etc.).
  • Performance Impact: Quantitative results such as improved throughput, reduced latency, fault prediction accuracy, or automation rates.
  • Business or Customer Impact: Demonstrable improvements in user experience, operational efficiency, service uptime, or cost reduction.
  • Scalability: Ability to replicate or scale the solution across multiple geographies or service domains.
  • Innovation & Differentiation: Unique aspects of the project that distinguish it from standard practices.
  • Endorsements or Case Studies: Testimonials from partners, users, or third-party assessments validating the project impact.
Submission Format:
  • Entries will only be accepted when submitted in the English language only.
  • Entries exceeding the 500-word limit will not be considered for review by the judges.
  • Supporting documents may be included with entry. If applicable, please submit supporting documents (up to 5 pages) in .doc, .ppt, or .pdf format. Please name the file using the format:
  • Company Name/Individual Name - Category Name
Criteria included will consider assessment of:
  • AI Innovation and Technical Excellence
  • Use Case Relevance
  • Network and Business Impact
  • Scalability and Replicability
  • Validation & Evidence
Judges
  • Kerem Arsal, Senior Principal Analyst, Omdia
  • James Crawshaw, Practice Leader, Omdia
  • Sue Rudd, Managing Director, BB and Comms
  • Prashant Gondaliya, Associate Director – Presales, VerSe Technology

Broadband Innovation Excellence for Future Applications

Award Brief

The Broadband Innovation Excellence for Future Applications Award honours groundbreaking innovations that push the boundaries of broadband capability to enable emerging, high-demand digital experiences. Open to operators and vendors, this award focuses on transformative broadband solutions that support AI-driven services, Metaverse platforms, cloud gaming, and 3D/XR immersive applications.


This category recognizes organizations that are future-proofing broadband networks to meet the technical demands of next-generation content and user interaction — delivering ultra-low latency, massive bandwidth, and intelligent optimization to unlock new digital possibilities.

Target Applicants:
  • Operators and vendors collaboration
Submission Proof Points

Applicants should provide evidence covering the following areas:

  • Project Overview: Description of the innovation, including scope, technology used, and objectives.
  • Application Enablement: Explanation of how the solution enables AI, Metaverse, cloud gaming, XR, or other immersive future applications.
  • Technical Innovation: Description of breakthrough technologies or novel architectural approaches (e.g., edge computing, ultra-low latency optimization, traffic shaping, content delivery acceleration).
  • Performance Results: Measurable improvements in latency, throughput, jitter, reliability, or end-user quality of experience (QoE).
  • User or Business Impact: Tangible outcomes for customers or content providers—such as expanded service offerings, monetization, or customer experience enhancement.
  • Scalability & Future-readiness: How the solution is designed for mass adoption and evolving content demands.
  • Partnerships & Collaboration: Joint efforts with platform providers, developers, or cloud ecosystems, if applicable.
  • Testimonials & Validation: Case studies, client endorsements, or third-party recognition.
Submission Format:
  • Entries will only be accepted when submitted in the English language only.
  • Entries exceeding the 500-word limit will not be considered for review by the judges.
  • Supporting documents may be included with entry. If applicable, please submit supporting documents (up to 5 pages) in .doc, .ppt, or .pdf format. Please name the file using the format:
  • Company Name/Individual Name - Category Name
Criteria included will consider assessment of:
  • Innovation and Future Orientation
  • Technical Performance Impact
  • User or Market Impact
  • Scalability and Replicability
  • Validation & Supporting Evidence
Judges
  • Yang Guang, Senior Principal Analyst, Omdia
  • Alan Breznick, Principal Analyst, Light Reading

Smart Gigacity Excellence

Award Brief
The Smart Gigacity Excellence Award celebrates visionary partnerships between operators and city governments that demonstrate how broadband, and AI can transform urban living through smart public services as well as excellence and innovation in progression towards being a gigacity. This award recognizes projects that have successfully deployed high-speed broadband and intelligent technologies to build more connected, sustainable, and inclusive cities. Whether through smart mobility, digital healthcare, e-governance, energy management, or real-time city services, this award honours the integration of broadband infrastructure and AI innovation to improve quality of life, urban resilience, and operational efficiency at scale.
Target Applicants:
  • Operators, vendors and cities collaboration
Submission Proof Points

Applicants should provide evidence covering the following areas:

  • Project Overview: Description of the smart city initiative, including objectives, stakeholders, and timeline.
  • Role of Broadband: Explanation of how fibre or high-speed broadband forms the digital foundation for city services.
  • Use of AI/Automation: How AI and data analytics have been used to enhance service delivery, responsiveness, or city operations.
  • Public Service Impact: Real-world benefits across areas such as traffic management, environmental monitoring, public safety, healthcare, or education.
  • Community Engagement: How the initiative has improved digital inclusion or access to services for underserved communities.
  • Partnership Model: Structure of collaboration between the operator and city authorities, including public-private partnerships or ecosystem contributions.
  • Sustainability Impact: How the solution contributes to energy efficiency, emissions reduction, or long-term urban sustainability.
  • KPIs & Validation: Metrics demonstrating impact, such as reduced commute times, increased service reach, improved citizen satisfaction, or cost savings.
Submission Format:
  • Entries will only be accepted when submitted in the English language only.
  • Entries exceeding the 500-word limit will not be considered for review by the judges.
  • Supporting documents may be included with entry. If applicable, please submit supporting documents (up to 5 pages) in .doc, .ppt, or .pdf format. Please name the file using the format:
  • Company Name/Individual Name - Category Name
Criteria included will consider assessment of:
  • Innovation and Integration
  • Public Service Impact
  • Partnership Effectiveness
  • Scalability and Replicability
  • Sustainability and Inclusion
Judges
  • Dr Marcus Brunner, Chief Experts for Enhanced Broadband , Huawei

Broadband for Digital Inclusion Excellence

Award Brief

The Broadband for Digital Inclusion Excellence Award recognizes impactful initiatives that have successfully closed the digital divide by extending meaningful, affordable broadband access to unserved or underserved populations. This award celebrates efforts that use broadband connectivity as a foundation to enable greater digital participation, economic inclusion, education, healthcare access, and community development.

It honours operators, vendors, public agencies, and cross-sector partnerships that have overcome barriers—such as infrastructure limitations, affordability, and digital literacy—by deploying creative, scalable broadband-driven solutions. Whether through local access rollouts, inclusive service models, or digital empowerment programs, this award highlights projects that drive sustainable social and economic impact through connectivity.

Target Applicants:
  • Operators
  • Vendors
  • Public sector entities
  • Cross-sector partnerships
Submission Proof Points

Applicants should provide evidence covering the following areas:

  • Applicants are encouraged to submit supporting materials that include:
  • Project Overview: Summary including objectives, geography, and target populations.
  • Challenge Addressed: Description of specific digital inclusion barriers the initiative aimed to overcome.
  • Broadband Deployment Strategy: How broadband was extended, upgraded, or adapted to reach marginalized communities.
  • Affordability & Accessibility: Models, partnerships, or design features ensuring sustainable and equitable access.
  • Impact & Outcomes: Tangible benefits such as internet adoption rates, employment or educational opportunities enabled, and demographic reach.
  • Community Empowerment: Evidence of increased participation, engagement, or benefit to local communities.
  • Scalability & Sustainability: Potential for replication and long-term impact.
  • Validation: Testimonials, media coverage, third-party assessments, or KPIs.
Submission Format:
  • Entries will only be accepted when submitted in the English language only.
  • Entries exceeding the 500-word limit will not be considered for review by the judges.
  • Supporting documents may be included with entry. If applicable, please submit supporting documents (up to 5 pages) in .doc, .ppt, or .pdf format. Please name the file using the format:
  • Company Name/Individual Name - Category Name
Criteria included will consider assessment of:
  • Closing the Digital Divide
  • Innovation in Broadband Use
  • Community Engagement and Empowerment
  • Affordability and Accessibility
  • Proven Results
Judges
  • Ian Redpath, Research Director, Omdia
  • Kevin Hasley, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Ookla
  • Mechthild Eickhoff, CEO, Fonds Soziokultur e. V.

Intelligent Home Innovation Excellence

Award Brief

The Intelligent Home Innovation Excellence Award honours outstanding advancements in technologies, services, and business models that are redefining the connected home. This award recognizes how operators, technology providers, and ecosystem partners are leveraging Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) and Customer Premises Networks (CPN) to deliver intelligent, seamless, and value-added digital experiences within the home.

Eligible entries may include innovations in technology, deployment models or business models in the area of smart gateways, Wi-Fi solutions, in-home AI, service orchestration platforms, energy-saving CPE, remote diagnostics, security enhancements, edge computing, and bundled services for entertainment, health, or work-from-home needs.

Target Applicants:
  • Operators
  • CEP and CPN Vendors
  • Vendors
  • System Integrators / Solution Providers
  • Startups / Innovators
Submission Proof Points

Applicants should provide evidence covering the following areas:

  • Project Overview: Scope, target users, and stakeholders involved.
  • Technology & Service Innovation: How CPE/CPN innovation enables advanced home services (e.g., smart automation, energy optimization, immersive experiences).
  • Operator Strategy: Role of operators in delivering and managing the solution, including business models and service differentiation.
  • Customer Value: Improvements in network performance, user experience, service personalization, or operational efficiency.
  • Sustainability Impact: How the solution reduces energy use, electronic waste, or enables eco-friendly practices.
  • Market Results & Validation: Adoption metrics, performance data, user feedback, or independent recognition.
  • Scalability: Potential to replicate across markets or operator networks.
Submission Format:
  • Entries will only be accepted when submitted in the English language only.
  • Entries exceeding the 500-word limit will not be considered for review by the judges.
  • Supporting documents may be included with entry. If applicable, please submit supporting documents (up to 5 pages) in .doc, .ppt, or .pdf format. Please name the file using the format:
  • Company Name/Individual Name - Category Name
Criteria included will consider assessment of:
  • Innovation in CPE/CPN Technology & Services
  • Operator Enablement & Business Model Impact
  • User Experience and Quality of Life Enhancement
  • Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
  • Scalability & Ecosystem Collaboration
Judges
  • Dr Wu Jia, Senior Engineer, Network Technology Research China Unicom Research Institute
  • Submissions Open: Monday, 9th June
  • Submissions Close: Friday, 29th August
  • Shortlist Announced: Friday, 19th September
  • Winners Announced: Tuesday, 14th October
  • No entry fee is required.
  • Each company can enter multiple awards, but only one product/solution per category.
  • Answers must adhere to the word limit, with the option to include supporting documentation.
  • For any inquiries regarding the awards

    please reach out.
  • Entries exceeding the 500-word limit will not be considered for review by the judges.
  • The awards (Except Gigacity Excellence) recognize recent industry application, innovations, specifically products and initiatives launched since October 2023.
  • The Gigacity Excellence awards will be evaluated based on performance since October 2021.
  • Submissions will be forwarded to the judges for assessment against the listed criteria below following the nominations deadline.
  • Judges, selected for their industry expertise, will remain impartial and recuse themselves from evaluating submissions from their own companies, if necessary.
  • The highest-scoring submissions will be shortlisted, and award recipients will be revealed during the Official Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, 14th October..
  • Submissions must be received by Friday, 29 August (5pm UK time).
  • For any enquiries about the awards, please

    please reach out.
  • Supporting documents may be included with entry. If applicable, please submit supporting documents (up to 5 pages) in .doc, .ppt, or .pdf format. Please name the file using the format: Company Name/Individual Name - Category Name
  • Make sure that supporting documents distinctly corroborate the product or service that is being nominating.

The WBBA, along with its partner Informa Tech, acknowledges and values the sensitive nature of the information provided in the entries. We ensure that this understanding is upheld by the judging panel, and entries are treated with strict confidentiality throughout the judging process.

The judging panel is carefully chosen to prevent any potential conflicts of interest. If an entry is shortlisted, only non-confidential extracts from the entry summary will be used for the awards ceremony and any related editorial coverage.

Please ensure that the entry summary does not contain any confidential information.

WBBA judges are meticulously chosen for their extensive market knowledge, esteemed reputation within the industry, and commitment to impartiality. Each judge independently and anonymously evaluates every entry on a scale of 1 to 10, considering both the information provided in the entry and any accompanying supporting materials. The scores are aggregated, and the entrant with the highest average score emerges as the winner. In the event of a tie, judges deliberate to determine the ultimate victor. Any attempt by an entrant to provide additional information or exert undue influence on the judges will result in their disqualification from the awards process. The complete Awards program, encompassing categories, judges, judging methodology, and more, will be prominently featured on the WBBA website.
  • Ensure Entry Meets the Criteria: Don't let simple errors like choosing the wrong category lead to rejection. Just as judges scrutinize submissions against the criteria, it's crucial to conduct the same review.
  • Bolster Your Entry with Customer Use-Cases: Highlighting real-world deployments, success stories, and customer benefits will significantly enhance the credibility of your application.
  • Respect the Word Limit: Maximize the 500-word limit by focusing on pertinent information. Incorporate statistics, figures, and measurable results to underscore your achievements. Real-life examples demonstrating the application of your technology and its impactful outcomes are highly recommended.
  • Be Direct and Concise: Capture the judges' attention by starting with key information about your entry. Provide clear, concise explanations of the What, Where, When, and How of the submission.
  • Don't Limit Yourself to One Category: Feel free to enter multiple categories. There's no restriction on the number of categories you can participate in.
  • Meet the Deadline: Ensure the entry is submitted on time. Late entries will not be considered.
Broadband-Awards-Winners-2024
  • Outstanding Contribution the Network Excellence – China Unicom
  • Excellence in Broadband Application – China Telecom
  • Network Innovation Excellence towards Realisation of Future Networks and Services - STC
  • Product and Solution Excellence – Nokia
  • Gigacity Excellence –
  • Advanced City - Guangxi and Shanghai
  • Developing City – Algiers and Bahrain

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