Empowering Service Providers to Add New Value and Services

As the telecom landscape continues to evolve, service providers are exploring new ways to enhance their offerings beyond basic broadband connectivity. The recent Broadband Forum webinar featured insights from industry leaders, including Swisscom, Vodafone, and KAON,  showcasing how operators can drive innovation, optimize network management, and deliver compelling value-added services. 

The Market Imperative: Why Operators Must Evolve 

With increasing competition and shifting consumer expectations, traditional revenue models are under pressure. Operators that embrace digital transformation through AI-driven service management, next-generation device control, and personalized service offerings will be best positioned to succeed in this dynamic environment. 

Operators that do not evolve are facing: 

• Declining ARPU from legacy voice and data services 

• Growing complexity in home networks and IoT ecosystems 

• The need for enhanced security and compliance measures 

• Consumer demand for seamless, self-managed digital experiences 

Swisscom: A Data-Driven Approach to Service Innovation 

Swisscom has been at the forefront of leveraging data analytics and automation to improve customer experiences. Through their dual-stack approach, running both TR-069 and USP (User Services Platform), Swisscom has enabled: 

• Proactive issue resolution: By monitoring device performance metrics, Swisscom can identify hardware failures before they impact customers, allowing for pre-emptive replacements. 

• Seamless device management: Swisscom's transition to USP enables enhanced data collection, facilitating precise network optimizations and faster troubleshooting. 

• Futureproofing with AI and automation: The implementation of AI-driven analytics helps predict and mitigate connectivity issues, reducing customer complaints and operational costs. 

"By investing in USP and analytics, we are enhancing network visibility and improving our ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences." – Swisscom  

Vodafone: Redefining Service Delivery with USP 

Vodafone has embarked on a journey to modernize service management by deploying a fully USP-based service delivery platform. Their approach includes: 

• Seamless software management: Vodafone leverages USP to remotely deploy and manage new applications and firmware updates, improving operational efficiency. 

• Enhanced security and compliance: Their platform ensures adherence to privacy regulations while enabling secure, real-time data collection for network optimization. 

• Customer-centric digital services: Vodafone’s USP-powered self-service mobile app allows users to manage network settings, troubleshoot issues, and access new service offerings in real time. 

"Our investment in USP has given us the agility to roll out new services rapidly while maintaining full control over the customer experience." – Vodafone  

Innovation Is No Longer Optional  

Swisscom and Vodafone illustrate a critical reality for telecom operators: innovation is no longer optional. The rapid evolution of broadband technologies, the increasing complexity of connected home environments, and the rising expectations of consumers necessitate a strategic shift. Operators must adopt cutting-edge solutions that enhance network efficiency, improve customer experiences, and drive new revenue streams.  

To stay ahead, global operators are prioritizing key work areas that enable them to adapt to evolving market demands. These strategic initiatives are essential for delivering innovative services, optimizing network performance, and strengthening customer relationships.

Operators like Swisscom and Vodafone are investing in AI-driven platforms that: 

• Predict and resolve connectivity issues before they impact customers. 

• Optimize network performance through machine learning-based analytics. 

• Reduce support costs by enabling self-service troubleshooting.

Moving to a cloud-native home device management (HDM) platform allows for: 

• Scalability: Supporting a growing number of IoT devices without increasing infrastructure complexity. 

• Remote diagnostics: Faster issue resolution through automated device monitoring.
• Vendor-agnostic compatibility: Seamless management of diverse CPEs (Customer Premises Equipment) from multiple manufacturers.

Fixed Wireless and Wi-Fi Optimization

Service providers are exploring Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and advanced Wi-Fi management solutions to: 

• Expand broadband coverage in underserved areas. 

• Improve home Wi-Fi performance through AI-driven optimization.
• Offer premium connectivity experiences tailored to customer needs.

Security as a Competitive Differentiator

With growing threats such as SIM swap fraud and network intrusions, operators must prioritize security by: 

• Deploying USP-based authentication and silent SIM-based security measures. 

• Offering managed cybersecurity services, such as parental controls and anti-malware solutions. 

• Ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements to protect customer data. 

The Role of Open Standards and Collaboration 

Service providers are increasingly turning to open-source communities like USP, Purple Foundation, and RDK to accelerate innovation. By participating in these ecosystems, operators gain access to: 

• Standardized frameworks for rapid service deployment. 

• Interoperable device management solutions that prevent vendor lock-in. 

• A collaborative environment for continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. 

The insights shared by Swisscom, Vodafone, and other industry leaders underscore a clear trend: service providers that invest in next-generation service management platforms, AI-driven automation, and security-first strategies will be best positioned for future growth. By embracing open standards, leveraging USP, and focusing on delivering compelling customer experiences, operators can unlock new revenue streams and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. 

For more insights and to watch the full webinar here.