and help minimise customer support . This includes ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity and swiftly addressing any issues that arise . By prioritising a user-centric design approach , CPE ensures that users experience a seamless plug-and-play installation and daily management of their connected ecosystem at home .”
“ This simplicity reduces the technical barriers associated with these devices and enhances overall satisfaction . With the incorporation of advanced analytics , for example , CPE can proactively address and rectify technical issues in real time , minimising downtime and contributing to a reliable service experience . Moreover , effectively integrating CPE within a broader service ecosystem allows smooth interaction with other smart devices ,” he notes .
“ This integration ( that comes with containerisation of value-added home network applications and mobile applications to manage these services ) creates a cohesive and personalised user experience , driving engagement through valuable offerings like enhanced security features and smart home connectivity . CPE based on open software , for example , can become a developers ’ playground for new home applications . So , by adopting a holistic approach that combines innovation , quality service , and a keen focus on user experience , CPE devices can significantly enhance customer loyalty and create opportunities for increased spending .” DIFFERENTIATE . In a similar vein , what role does CPE have in helping CSPs to differentiate from one another ? “ Applicationintelligent CPE is a key driver of ‘ services-led ’ broadband ,” suggests Broadband Forum ’ s
What is fixed-wireless access ?
Thomas . “ It enables the CSP to look beyond the traditional selling points of speed and price . By adopting a containerised ‘ application service gateways ’ or CPEs , CSPs can dynamically integrate new services securely without affecting the end-users ’ Internet connectivity and managed Wi-Fi experience in the home . They can also avoid the long and regular updates that devices with monolithic firmware require and instead enjoy faster time-to-market of new services to secure new revenue and reverse declining ARPU . With an ‘ app-store ’ of services and applications at their fingertips that are easily deployable , CSPs can tailor broadband packages to address their customers ’ needs and provide a highvalue and differentiated offering ,” he advises .
“ Service providers with competitive services can use independent rankings to position their better Wi-Fi and offer less energy-intensive , greener services ,” adds SoftAtHome ’ s Gremeau . “ A user-friendly mobile companion app can also help differentiate the CPE .”
“ One significant factor is the focus on sustainability and eco-design ,” observes Vantiva ’ s Cheevers . “ By offering environmentally friendly CPE options that
Fixed wireless access ( FWA ) is a method of providing broadband over a mobile radio access network ( RAN ) directly through the customer-premises equipment . Previous iterations were plagued by slow speeds and poor reliability , but FWA over 5G is a very different proposition and is being touted as one of the few 5G use cases customers are willing to pay for in the short term .
Where fibre is available , 5G FWA is mainly a competitive play – allowing mobile-only operators to compete with fixed rivals – but where it really comes into its own is to close the digital divide as part of a heterogeneous connectivity strategy for convergent operators . Customers who are difficult or expensive to connect via fibre can be connected by 5G FWA either as an interim solution during network build , with the plan to eventually migrate them when fibre becomes available , or as a permanent solution in remote areas .
Successful 5G FWA deployment requires operators to be able to ensure both good service quality as well as great customer support . Here customer premises equipment plays a critical role .
The major choice of CPE is whether to offer indoor boxes which , while relatively easy to install , don ’ t work well with higher-frequency bands and deliver relatively low performance , or whether to provide outdoor units that deliver increased performance . Typically , outdoor units require professional installation – increasing costs – but some operators have pioneered easy self-installation backed by great customer care to deliver both lower costs as well as a great onboarding experience .
“ Service providers can use independent rankings to position their better Wi- Fi and offer greener services .” - Lionel Gremeau , SoftAtHome
utilise recyclable materials and energyefficient technologies , CSPs can appeal to eco-conscious consumers and enhance their brand image . Another aspect is Wi-Fi performance metrics , which are based on rigorous testing protocols . They allow CSPs to showcase superior connectivity and reliability . Providing transparent data on Wi- Fi-measured performance empowers customers to make informed decisions and fosters trust in the service being offered . By ensuring that their CPE consistently meets highperformance standards , CSPs can assert their commitment to delivering a quality user experience ,” he suggests . STANDARDS . Another pivotal role of CPE in differentiation is the adoption of open-source software platforms such as prpl , RDK , Android , and OpenWRT . “ These standards enable developers to create a range of applications tailored to enhance smart home functionalities , which enriches the consumer experience , and positions CSPs as innovators within the digital ecosystem ,” says Cheevers . “ By leveraging open-source CPE , providers encourage a vibrant developer community to contribute to their offerings , ensuring that consumers have access to the latest technological advancements and customisation options .”
“ Finally , CSPs can implement advanced security features within their CPE , such as built-in network monitoring and threat detection , which offer peace of mind to users about their data privacy . This proactive stance on security can serve as a compelling selling point in a market increasingly concerned with cyber threats .”
“ Overall , a thoughtful CPE strategy not only helps CSPs to differentiate themselves but also positions them as consumerfocused , innovative leaders in the industry . By continuously refining their CPE offerings , CSPs can enhance user satisfaction , foster brand loyalty , and ultimately drive growth in a crowded marketplace ,” he advises . AI / ML . AI and ML-enabled CPE have been playing a key role in optimising the home network . What ’ s next ? “ AI / ML in partnership with an application services gateway or CPE that leverages software containers , based on standards and open-source stacks , can intuitively recommend and drive new dynamic services in an agile , personalised way for the
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