Broadband service providers are moving toward AI-driven autonomous networks, but inconsistent data, poor device interoperability and legacy system integration remain major barriers, according to a new Broadband Forum report.
The survey of more than 100 broadband network decision makers found 94% of service providers plan to use software-defined networking as part of their autonomous networking strategy, while 92% said AI and machine learning integration is critical or important. But 83% cited poor or inconsistent data from multiple systems as a major obstacle to successful AI deployment.
Predictive maintenance was the top planned AI/ML use case, cited by 90% of respondents, followed by anomaly detection at 72% and automated fault resolution at 69%. Providers also pointed to customer experience optimization and service assurance as leading AI deployment priorities.
Device compatibility is another sticking point: 78% of respondents flagged poor vendor interoperability as a major barrier, while 90% said integrating new SDN platforms with existing DSL, cable/HFC and fiber infrastructure is a key challenge.
Broadband Forum CEO Craig Thomas said standards can reduce the technical and operational friction created by multi-vendor networks, helping providers scale automation and make AI-driven decisions more reliable.
Read the full report here.