At the World Broadband Association’s (WBBA) Broadband Development Congress in Shanghai on June 19, international experts convened to emphasize a pressing message: broadband infrastructure must evolve in tandem with the development of artificial intelligence capabilities. Under the theme “Smarter Infrastructure: Converging AI and Broadband,” the congress explored how combining these technologies can power the next generation of connectivity and unlock sustainable digital economies worldwide.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Zhengmao Li, WBBA’s Board Chairman, who highlighted new efforts to build a more inclusive global digital society. He reaffirmed the WBBA’s commitment to collaboration and transparency in developing smart infrastructure. GSMA’s Director General, Vivek Badrinath, stressed that technological innovation alone is not enough—investment and regulation must also evolve to support meaningful infrastructure development.
China Telecom CEO Ruiwen Ke described AI and broadband as foundational pillars for societal advancement. He called for global partnerships under the WBBA umbrella to ensure AI development remains secure, equitable, and governed responsibly.
The summit showcased technical strategies, particularly the dual innovation approach described by China Unicom’s Hongtao Lyu: building a “Network for AI” and developing “AI for Network” capabilities. This means networks can both support AI services and leverage AI to enhance their performance. Huawei executive David Wang outlined the company’s “All Intelligence” vision. He advocated for integrating ultrabroadband infrastructure—such as fiber and Wi-Fi 7—with AI at every layer to enhance both speed and intelligence across networks.
From the operator’s side, Globe Telecom’s Chief Commercial Officer Darius Delgado illustrated how AI is already enhancing broadband in real-world contexts. He noted that AI-driven fault detection reduced network restoration time by 70% and improved service reliability. Delgado highlighted in-home AI tools, such as automated band steering, which dynamically optimizes users’ Wi-Fi connections to enhance speeds based on usage and location.
Omdia’s Ronan de Renesse provided frameworks showing how operators can turn AI-enhanced networks into revenue-generating assets. By using AI to predict demand, provision capacity, and automate routine maintenance, operators stand to gain efficiency and profitability.
A panel discussion with leaders from DBS Bank, Globe Telecom, ZTE, and the Asia Pacific Telecommunity explored how AI-driven broadband can transform sectors such as finance, manufacturing, and urban development. They agreed that global cooperation is essential to avoid regional disparities in AI and broadband access.
The congress also released three significant white papers detailing technical approaches—ranging from Wi-Fi 7 and FTTR deployments to deterministic networking—each examining how AI can effectively transform fixed broadband infrastructures.
This event underscores a broader shift in connectivity strategy. As networks evolve from delivering raw speed to providing intelligent, adaptive service, the convergence of AI and broadband emerges as a critical frontier. The Infrastructure needed to support AI—high capacity, low latency, and intelligent management—must be developed in sync with AI systems themselves. As digital infrastructure becomes the foundation of modern society, the WBBA’s call to converge broadband and AI marks a pivotal moment. Strategic investment in intelligent networks can ensure robust performance, support innovation across various industries, and drive sustainable growth worldwide. Public-private cooperation remains essential to realize this vision—and to future-proof our digital ecosystems for generations to come.
