Net5.5G Summit Emphasizes Secure Networks for AI-Era Growth

The Net5.5G Intelligent IP Network Summit was held during the Global Ultra-Broadband Forum (UBBF) 2026 in Vienna, focusing on security and resilience as foundational elements for growth in the AI era. The theme was "Security and Resilience for Networks, Smart New Growth for Carriers".

During the summit, GSMA Intelligence unveiled its latest white paper on cybersecurity. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T SG13) and the World Broadband Association (WBBA) launched a joint initiative urging global telecom operators to build secure and resilient network foundations. The initiative also promotes leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for new revenue models while mitigating AI-related security risks.

Experts, including representatives from ITU-T SG13 and AV-TEST, highlighted that AI has accelerated and amplified attack scales, disrupting the traditional balance between offense and defense. Consequently, security and resilience must be elevated to strategic priorities, intentionally built into network architectures from the ground up.

GSMA Intelligence's publication emphasized two key pillars: "Native Security," integrating security into network elements from design to management, and "in-depth defense," providing multi-layered protection. The white paper also issued a forward-looking warning about encryption threats posed by quantum computing, advising operators to adopt quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms.

The event also featured sharing of industry best practices. The Egyptian National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA) received the "Pioneer of National Network Resilience Policy" award for its efforts in promoting network resilience and security. The summit reinforced the industry's consensus that security and resilience are crucial for continuous service delivery and business growth in the AI era.