Broadband Forum's Heron release slashes new service deployment time

According to a recent announcement from Broadband Forum, the time it takes to deploy an array of new value-added services, including cybersecurity, remote working, and gaming experience controls, for broadband customers has been significantly shortened from months to weeks. This drastic reduction in time is credited to the organisation's latest release of open-source reference software, the Heron release.

Improving on previous methodologies, the new software release enables seamless integration between developers of applications and vendors for Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) firmware. Consequently, it empowers broadband providers to elevate their services and user experience. These perks include cybersecurity measures, controls for gaming experiences, and accommodations for remote working. Such value-added offerings are seen as crucial for the transition of broadband providers towards a services-led approach that prioritises customer satisfaction.

John Blackford, Broadband Forum Chairman and the OB-USP-Agent project lead shed light on the profound impact of the Heron release. He said, "The Heron release reduces the time that it takes for ISPs to deploy new services down to as little as 2-4 weeks, rather than 9-18 months. Previously, if an ISP wanted to deploy a new service, the app and CPE firmware vendors had to integrate software into the firmware, build a new version of the firmware, and push this out to all end-user devices."

Blackford also pointed out that each such integration was unique and couldn't optimally align with the TR-181 Device:2 data model, while the Heron release enables individual applications to be deployed on a platform that ensures industry-standard interoperability and fosters innovation.

The Heron release is the Broadband Forum's Open Broadband User Services Platform Agent (OB-USP-Agent) project's eight offerings. It brings with it numerous enhancements related to management specifications for key connected home systems (USP 1.3 and TR-181 Device:2.16). It permits each application to communicate with and access a device's data model to retrieve necessary data and transmit its abilities to device management systems. In addition, the software lifecycle of the applications involved can be managed by the ISP, thereby further improving the process of introducing new services.

Craig Thomas, CEO of Broadband Forum, applauded this important development. "This really is a holy grail of sorts for an app-enabled services gateway and for other CPE. We've worked closely with prpl Foundation to bring this innovation to reality, and the Open Broadband USP Agent is a key part of that. This latest release means ISPs can work with different firmware and application vendors to rapidly deploy new services, and broadband customers can now access these value-added services in the home faster than ever before," Thomas explained.

With the introduction of the Heron release, broadband customers can anticipate more efficient access to a variety of additional features provided by their ISPs. Meanwhile, ISPs stand to benefit from differentiated services and potentially increased average revenue per user. Therefore, this opens up opportunities not only for enhanced user experiences but also for significant growth in the broader broadband industry.