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Accelerating Net5.5G Deployment: A New Era of Connectivity

In March 2025, the World Broadband Association (WBBA) convened at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, unveiling their latest technical document titled "Optimal Methods and Guidelines for Net5.5G Network Deployment". This initiative aims to facilitate global commercial deployment of the advanced Net5.5G networks, which are paving the way for a smarter and more efficient broadband era.

During the summit, discussions revolved around investment, innovation, and intelligence in broadband connectivity. The new guidelines are crucial for industry stakeholders looking to harness the full potential of Net5.5G technology. The report signifies a growing agreement within the industry regarding the necessity of Net5.5G as the next-generation network infrastructure.

Background and Significance

Since its inception, Net5.5G has emerged as a foundational technology expected to significantly enhance broadband services across the globe. A preliminary document released by WBBA in June 2024 outlined the evolution towards 5.5G and 6G, presenting a comprehensive architecture plan. The latest document, however, emphasizes rapid global adoption trends observed across five continents, validating the widespread support for Net5.5G.

The most recent report highlights 15 global case studies involving operators, governments, and enterprises. These examples illustrate effective deployments of Net5.5G, showcasing its advantages and offering a glimpse into future possibilities. For instance, Swisscom in Europe is leveraging the technology to deliver tailored enterprise services, while Zain KSA in the Middle East is modernizing its communication channels to improve efficiency. In Africa, Airtel Nigeria is utilizing Net5.5G to minimize operational costs and improve network performance, and in the Asia-Pacific region, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison in Indonesia is focusing on enhancing digital service quality by implementing this innovative technology.

New Use Cases and Technologies

The technical document identifies four new use cases tailored for the intelligent era:

• - Computational Connectivity
• - Intelligent Linking
• - Data Transfer Connection
• - Aerial Communication

Additionally, it highlights four pivotal technologies that underpin Net5.5G: ultra-broadband connections, advanced IPv6 functionalities, autonomous network management, and integrated security protection. These innovations allow for enhanced campus networks, high-capacity intelligent transport networks, and efficient data center operations. By implementing artificial intelligence (AI) across various network levels, operators can significantly reduce costs, boost revenue, and drive operational efficiency across services.

The Net5.5G Pioneer Program

Since launching the Net5.5G Pioneer Program in November 2024, WBBA has witnessed remarkable progress across its 18 initial pilots, with two regional pioneers and 18 business innovators participating. This initiative aims to set new standards for Net5.5G, upgrade regional network infrastructures, and share global best practices. Projections suggest that by 2027, the program will expand to include 100 pioneering organizations in each sector, reinforcing Net5.5G's value proposition for key global operators and enterprises.

Call for Collaboration

The report concludes with a call to action, urging industry organizations, standard-setting bodies, government institutions, telecom operators, enterprises, and device manufacturers to strengthen their collaboration. Progress in technical standards, policy development, and commercial practices plays a critical role in promoting innovation for Net5.5G.

With established guidelines now in hand, the pathway for faster commercial adoption of Net5.5G has been firmly laid out. As we transition into this intelligent era, the capabilities of Net5.5G stand poised to empower customers and revolutionize business success through its innovative technical advantages.

For further details, stakeholders can access the complete technical document at WBBA's Knowledge Center.