Broadband Forum survey says 97% of participants cite that AI-powered features enhance the connected home experience

A large majority of survey participants noted that emerging AI applications have potential for both operational efficiency in the delivery of home broadband and enhanced customer experiences.
Oct. 16, 2025
2 min read

Key Highlights

  • 97% of service providers consider AI a key tool for analyzing customer usage patterns, indicating widespread industry adoption.
  • 42% of providers currently use AI for network traffic optimization, with many planning to expand AI deployment within the next year.
  • AI deployment is part of a broader strategy to develop broadband value-added services and increase revenue in mature markets.
  • Global broadband revenues are expected to reach $400 billion by 2030, emphasizing the importance of innovative growth strategies.
  • Providers are focusing on increasing broadband ARPU to sustain growth as household penetration nears saturation in many markets.

A new joint Broadband Forum and Omdia study called the “Future of the Connected Home” revealed that a large group of service providers (97%) see AI as a key tool for analyzing customer usage patterns.

Meanwhile, 42% of respondents advise that they use AI technology for network traffic optimization, and a third are considering it for improved energy consumption.

When it comes to the deployment of AI, 33% of respondents to the survey said that they had already deployed AI within their broadband service, a further 28% were due to launch within 6 months, and 56% within 12 months

The implementation of AI is part of Broadband Service Providers' (BSPs) move to focus on creating broadband value-added service (VAS) home broadband offerings.

Sponsored by AprecommCalixFriendly TechnologiesIncognitoMotive, and Nokia, presents findings from a global service provider survey of 116 companies across 32 countries.

Broadband providers are at a crossroads moment. With global revenues set to rise to $400 billion by 2030, broadband access is clearly a success.

But to achieve new growth after capturing a subscriber, the study notes that “all this growth currently comes from increasing subscriptions, which are nearing saturation in mature markets as household penetration reaches its limit,” so “if telcos are to continue to grow revenue in this critical sector, it is crucial that they look to also increase broadband ARPU.”

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About the Author

Sean Buckley

Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategy of Lightwave across its website, email newsletters, events, and other information products.

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