The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap.
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch podcast, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with John Barlow, Director of Strategic Accounts at Consult Red, to discuss the evolving broadband landscape. From the increasing role of value-added services to the rise of smart routers, open-source platforms, and AI, this episode provides valuable insights into the future of broadband.
For years, the primary metric for broadband competition has been speed—who can provide the fastest connection at the lowest price? However, as John explains, speed alone is no longer a sufficient differentiator in the market. Customers now expect more than just fast internet; they want a seamless, reliable, and secure broadband experience tailored to their digital lifestyles.
As broadband becomes more of a utility, akin to electricity and water, service providers must find new ways to differentiate themselves and retain customers. John highlights how value-added services are now playing a critical role in helping ISPs stand out. These include:
With more options available to consumers and switching providers becoming easier than ever, ISPs must shift their focus toward creating sticky services that go beyond just delivering fast internet.
One of the biggest trends shaping broadband today is the emergence of smart routers. Traditionally, routers were static hardware devices designed solely to provide internet access. Now, they are evolving into intelligent hubs that manage and optimize a user’s entire home network experience.
John explains that one of the key technologies enabling this shift is containerization. By using open-source platforms, ISPs and technology providers can deploy and scale applications across different devices without being locked into proprietary ecosystems. This means that:
A great example of this is open-source software RDK-B, driven by tier 1 operators such as Comcast, which allows service providers to build applications once and deploy them across multiple operators using the same platform. This standardization makes it easier for ISPs to introduce innovative services without having to completely re-engineer their networks.
One of the most intriguing points of discussion in this episode is the growing intersection between broadband and utility services. With the rise of smart meters, energy management systems, and IoT-enabled home automation, broadband is becoming a critical component of modern utility infrastructure.
John envisions a future where broadband providers and utility companies collaborate more closely to deliver integrated services, such as:
While these innovations may still be in their early stages, it’s clear that broadband will play a vital role in the next wave of smart infrastructure solutions.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming nearly every industry, and broadband is no exception. John discusses how AI-powered solutions are already being used to:
AI will not only supercharge existing broadband services but will also pave the way for new, yet-to-be-discovered use cases that will shape the industry in the coming years.
One of the interesting questions John raises in the episode is: What is the “killer app” for broadband?
In the mobile industry, apps like Angry Birds, Uber, and Instagram helped drive smartphone adoption. But broadband lacks a similar game-changing application that makes consumers excited about their internet service.
While value-added services are growing, the industry is still searching for that one breakthrough innovation that will fundamentally change how people perceive and use broadband. Whether it’s in smart home technology, AR/VR, or telehealth, there is still room for major disruptive applications to emerge in this space.
Beyond his work at Consult Red, John is also launching a new podcast, Simply Connected. The show aims to explore emerging broadband technologies, industry trends, and future connectivity innovations.
Unlike highly technical podcasts, Simply Connected is designed for a broad audience, focusing on real-world use cases and expert insights about where broadband is headed over the next decade.
The first episode of Simply Connected launches on February 28, offering a deep dive into broadband’s role in the evolving tech landscape.
This episode of the Broadband Bunch highlights the major transformations happening in broadband, from the rise of smart routers and open-source innovation to AI-powered connectivity and the convergence of broadband with utilities.
As ISPs shift their focus from speed to services, the companies that succeed will be those that can:
With so much innovation on the horizon, broadband providers have a unique opportunity to redefine connectivity and create lasting value for their customers.
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