Accelerating Global Deployment of Net5.5G: Insights from WBBA's White Paper

At the recent MWC Barcelona 2025, the World Broadband Association (WBBA) held a pivotal industry summit titled "Smarter Broadband: Investments, Innovation, Intelligence." In this context, the WBBA unveiled a comprehensive white paper that serves as a guide to best practices and implementation strategies for Net5.5G, aiming to facilitate its global commercial rollout and usher in the intelligent era.

This white paper highlights the increasing adoption of Net5.5G worldwide, asserting its growing recognition within the telecommunications sector as the next-generation network infrastructure. Previously, in June 2024, the WBBA published a foundational document outlining the evolutionary roadmap for both 5.5G and 6G, which includes architectural design, implementation guidance, and valuable proof of concept results.

In the newly released white paper, WBBA underscores the recent advancements and the swift global embrace of Net5.5G across five continents. It details 15 case studies from various sectors, including carriers, enterprises, and governments, focusing on key technologies, business advantages, and solutions necessary for crafting next-generation networks. For instance, in Europe, Swisscom has leveraged Net5.5G to provide premium services with enhanced reliability to businesses, while in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia's Zain KSA has upgraded its connections to 400GE, simplifying its network connectivity. Conversely, in Africa, Airtel Nigeria has implemented Net5.5G improvements to enhance network performance while cutting operational and maintenance costs. In the Asia-Pacific region, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison is enhancing digital service experiences and reducing the time-to-market (TTM) for new opportunities.

To address new needs in the intelligent era, the white paper proposes four new connection scenarios: computational connections, smart connectivity, data connectivity, and aerial space connectivity. Moreover, it identifies four key technologies for Net5.5G, including ultra-broadband connectivity, enhanced IPv6 capabilities, autonomous driving networks, and integrated security solutions. Utilizing AI-powered routers at the network edge, new AI connections throughout the network, and AI operational agents, Net5.5G equips high-capacity, intelligent transport networks and high-efficiency data center networks. These advancements empower carriers to slash costs, boost revenues, and enhance efficiencies while exploring new business opportunities.

Additionally, the white paper illustrates the significant accomplishments of WBBA's pioneering Net5.5G program, which has seen continuous global progress since its inception in November 2024. The program has given rise to 18 visionary pioneers, two regional pioneers, and 18 corporate pioneers, propelling improvements to Net5.5G standards, regional network modernization, and the sharing of global best practices. By 2027, the initiative intends to include 100 visionary, 100 regional, and 100 corporate pioneers, with Net5.5G networks serving major global carriers and traditional enterprises.

In its concluding remarks, the WBBA's white paper urges more organizations, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders across the telecommunications spectrum to strengthen collaboration and collectively promote Net5.5G innovations in technical standards, policies, and business practices. The release of this white paper lays a robust foundation to accelerate the commercial implementation of Net5.5G, fostering the industry's ecosystem. As we transition into the intelligent era, Net5.5G will enable clients to seize opportunities in digital transformation and enhance business success through its technical advantages and innovative capabilities.

For further insights and to access the full white paper, please visit WBBA's Knowledge Center.