During MWC Barcelona 2025, the World Broadband Association (WBBA) hosted an industry summit under the theme “Smarter Broadband: Investment. Innovation. Intelligence.” As part of its commitment to advancing next-generation network technologies, the WBBA, in collaboration with industry partners, launched the Net5.5G Best Practices & Deployment Guide Whitepaper (the Whitepaper). This initiative aims to accelerate the global commercial rollout of Net5.5G and lay the groundwork for the intelligent connectivity era.
The Whitepaper highlights the growing adoption of Net5.5G across multiple regions, indicating a strong industry consensus on its role as the foundation for future network evolution. Building on insights from the Network Evolution for the 5.5G and 6G Era – Net5.5G Architecture Whitepaper, published in June 2024, this latest document provides an in-depth exploration of best practices, deployment strategies, and proof-of-concept results. By showcasing global case studies, the Whitepaper underscores the rapid integration of Net5.5G across five continents and its increasing recognition as a critical enabler of next-generation networking.
Featuring 15 real-world implementations, the Whitepaper covers deployments by carriers, enterprises, governments, and industries. It examines key technologies, business benefits, and strategic solutions, offering a comprehensive guide for organisations looking to transition to Net5.5G. Several telecom leaders have already embraced this technology:
- Swisscom (Europe): Deploying Net5.5G to enhance enterprise connectivity with high-performance, flexible networking solutions.
- Zain KSA (Middle East): Upgrading its infrastructure to 400GE, optimising network links and simplifying operations.
- Airtel Nigeria (Africa): Leveraging Net5.5G to boost network efficiency while reducing operational and maintenance costs.
- Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Asia Pacific): Strengthening digital service delivery to accelerate time-to-market and expand business opportunities.
To address the evolving needs of the intelligent era, the Whitepaper introduces four essential Net5.5G scenarios: computing connection, intelligence connection, data connection, and airspace connection. It also outlines four key technologies that define Net5.5G: ultra-broadband connectivity, enhanced IPv6 capabilities, autonomous networks, and integrated security solutions. By implementing AI-driven functionalities at multiple network layers, Net5.5G enables 10GE campus networks, high-capacity transport networks, and highly efficient data centres, helping telecom providers optimise costs, enhance revenue, and improve operational efficiency.
The document also highlights the success of the Net5.5G Pioneer Program, launched by the WBBA in November 2024. With 18 visionary pioneers, two regional pioneers, and 18 business pioneers, the initiative has significantly contributed to advancing Net5.5G standards, enhancing regional networks, and sharing best practices globally. The program is projected to expand further, targeting 100 visionary pioneers, 100 regional pioneers, and 100 business pioneers by 2027, ensuring that mainstream carriers and enterprises benefit from the latest advancements.
In its concluding remarks, the WBBA urges industry organisations, regulatory bodies, telecom operators, enterprises, and technology providers to strengthen collaboration in driving Net5.5G innovation. The association highlights the importance of joint efforts in technical standardisation, policy frameworks, and commercial applications to facilitate widespread adoption.
The release of this Whitepaper marks a pivotal step toward accelerating Net5.5G commercialisation and fostering a more dynamic broadband ecosystem. As the digital landscape evolves, Net5.5G is set to empower organisations with enhanced connectivity, unlocking new opportunities for digital transformation and business growth.
