What’s fixed got to do with it? Broadband Forum outlines its top broadband trends

  Increased network convergence as 5G proliferates  Dave Allan, Ericsson, Wireline-Wireless Convergence Work Area Director at Broadband Forum We have previously seen pockets of 5G deployment, but we are now likely to see a much wider roll out as the technology moves from the concept phase to become a true reality. This realization of 5G will bring yet another surge in network traffic, which is already growing exponentially, with the technology unlocking new applications such as Virtual Reality, connected cars and remote surgery. As a result, we will see wireless communications rely more heavily on the fixed network and we will continue to see a growing emergence of converged networks. Broadband Forum is already working with 3GPP to ensure fixed networks are ready for this new era of connectivity and this work will further evolve to consider what more can be achieved in the release 17 timeframe.     Cloudification, Automation and DevOps   Tim Carey, Nokia, OB-BAA Chair at Broadband Forum As operators look to make their networks more agile and cost-effective, the shift across the industry towards the cloudification of networks – from the Central Office to end…