At the MWC Barcelona 2025, the Broadband Development Congress (BDC) hosted by the WBBA was a resounding success, bringing together over 200 industry leaders from around the globe. The theme of the congress, “Smarter Broadband: Investment, Innovation, and Intelligence,” sparked discussions on key issues such as the evolution of Net5.5G, network technology innovation, and business practices.

During his opening speech at the congress, Ryan Qiu, Vice President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, highlighted the growing integration of AI in operator strategies and the role of Net5.5G as a catalyst for the convergence of networks and AI. Huawei introduced AI WAN, a cutting-edge solution that enhances IP networks in the Net5.5G era through AI, unlocking new network value in individual, residential, and business settings.

Industry leaders from organizations like the WBBA, IPv6 Forum, ITU, and IETF reached a consensus during an informal dialogue on the evolution of next-generation networks. Net5.5G has become an industry consensus, making significant strides in industry development, policy formulation, and business practices. Collaboration and joint efforts were encouraged to drive the commercial success of Net5.5G and guide the sustainable development of the Internet industry.

The WBBA, IPv6 Forum, ITU, IETF, and NIDA collaborated to establish a next-generation network cooperation mechanism. While the WBBA and IPv6 Forum promote industry consensus, ITU-T explores future network needs, IETF leads in network technology standardization, and NIDA defines network construction standards and facilitates technology adoption.

The Global Net5.5G Pioneer Program has made steady progress, with industry leaders unveiling the latest advancements at the congress. Several operators shared their experiences in commercial Net5.5G implementation, showcasing innovative networks that meet evolving traffic demands and support new services like edge computing. The WBBA released the technical document “Net5.5G Best Practices & Deployment Guide Whitepaper,” offering valuable insights for the industry.

As Net5.5G continues to evolve, the WBBA urges global industry organizations to strengthen industrial cooperation and drive innovation in technical standards, policies, and business practices to foster a thriving data communications ecosystem. The industry’s commitment to collaboration and advancement will shape the future of connectivity and drive sustainable growth in the digital age.