World Broadband Association News

At the World Broadband Association, we are committed to addressing these challenges and promoting policies that support the widespread adoption of high-speed, reliable, and sustainable broadband.

Members took the opportunity to showcase their cutting-edge technology capabilities, focusing on a customer-centric approach to enhance broadband access coverage and user experience.

Activities in the so-called metaverse might one day require extreme bandwidth, suggests Martin Creaner, director general of the World Broadband Association. His organisation expects home broadband connections to reach up to 50 Gbps by 2030, external. But reliability may be even more important than speed for some applications. “For remote robotic surgery across 3,000 miles… you absolutely do not want any scenario where the network goes down,” says Mr Creaner.

Raisecom is leveraging its 25 years of telecommunications experience to tackle the digital divide in rural and underserved areas. This blog explores how Raisecom's innovative solutions are making fixed broadband services more affordable and accessible.

CommunicAsia2024 brings together a diverse array of participants, including communication service providers, market disruptors, technology vendors, system integrators, cloud providers, regulators, industry analysts, associations, foundations, and enterprises. This melting pot of expertise and innovation is where new technologies are unveiled, and the digital future is continuously reimagined.

In light of my extensive tenure within GAMTEL, I have garnered invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of telecommunications, particularly in regions like The Gambia. My role at GAMTEL has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the pivotal role broadband plays in fostering socio-economic development.

On May 13, the SAMENA (South Asia, Middle East, North Africa) Leaders’ Summit was successfully held in Dubai, UAE. The summit, themed "Smartly Drawing the Future: Intelligence and Sustainable Development of Infrastructure," brought together over 20 regulatory agencies, more than 30 operators, and over 300 industry leaders to discuss leading 5G-A development and digital transformation, and to collaboratively move towards a more prosperous smart world.

Mr Liu Zhiyong, Chairman of the WBBA Oversight Committee, and Mr Li recently visited the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva. They all agreed that there visions and goals are highly aligned and mutually supportive. We should strengthen cooperation to accelerate the construction of global cloud and broadband infrastructure, narrow the digital divide, and contribute to achieving the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ITU agreed to admit WBBA as a formal member to further accelerate digital technology innovation and contribute to global sustainable development.

As Vice President at Ookla and the chairman of the WBBA's broadband advocacy working group, I've had the privilege of leveraging Ookla's deep industry expertise to drive meaningful progress in the global broadband landscape. Ookla's mission to measure, understand, and improve connected experiences has been a guiding force in my approach to leading this important working group.

Li Zhengmao, freshly returned from a significant visit to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), shared insights from his meeting with the ITU Secretary-General. His message resonated with the ethos of collaboration and global connectivity that defines WBBA's mission. He emphasized the imperative of partnerships with industry leaders like Swisscom to bridge the digital divide, envision the future of networks, and sculpt a digitally inclusive tomorrow.

In a meeting on April 16th, 2024, the World Broadband Association and the International Telecommunication Union discussed collaboration on bridging the global digital divide. The two organizations plan to work together to increase investment in underserved regions and promote green and sustainable development.

One of the most formidable challenges lies in the fierce competition posed by global "Big Tech" firms such as Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. This juxtaposition often feels like a David versus Goliath scenario, with traditional operators grappling to assert their relevance amidst tech giants wielding vast resources and influence.

WBBA hits milestone in Barcelona! A groundbreaking step toward shaping global broadband technology.

WBBA's pivotal Barcelona Board meeting: shaping broadband's future trajectory with dedication & innovation.

In this blog Omdia summarizes some of the most important events that have shaped this industry in 2023.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this forum served as a pivotal platform for collective discussions and the establishment of high-quality cooperation under "the Belt and Road." Li Zhengmao, Chairman of the World Broadband Association (WBBA), delivered a keynote address on advancing e-commerce and sustainable trade.

Nokia's Ultra-Broadband customer event took centre stage in the city of Bangkok, Thailand. This event served as a magnet for world-leading network operators and industry partners, providing a platform for sharing cutting-edge technology, industry insights, and innovative applications.

In the last in a series of four WBBA Working Group webinars, ZhongHua Chen, of China Telecom, explores key findings from "Driving the Future: Understanding the Landscape of Cloud Network Convergence".

Watch as Martin Creaner, Director General, World Broadband Association, addresses the state of broadband and the pressing need for digital inclusion.

In the second in a series of four World Broadband Association (WBBA) Working Group webinars, Kevin Hasley, Vice President – Strategic Initiatives, Ookla, examines the key investment demands.