BEIJING, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At MWC Barcelona 2026, the World Broadband Association (WBBA), together with global industry partners, released the Net5.5G Readiness Assessment and Certification white paper during the Broadband Development Congress (BDC). The white paper provides a standardized framework for intelligent network evolution for carriers and enterprises worldwide. At the same event, Huawei announced its upgraded Net5.5G IP bearer network offerings, helping accelerate the industry's journey into the intelligent world.
WBBA released Net5.5G readiness assessment and certification standards, establishing the first global unified assessment framework for intelligent networks.
The white paper introduces the IP Network Development Index, the world's first assessment and ranking framework covering campus networks, IP bearer networks, and data center networks. It provides carriers and enterprises with a reference standard and clear direction for evaluating network development, and will drive global commercial deployment and intelligent evolution.
Meanwhile, the Net5.5G Pioneer Program, led by WBBA, has made steady progress, with the global pioneer matrix now including 32 visionary pioneers, 6 region pioneers, and 44 business pioneers.
Huawei announced upgraded Net5.5G IP bearer network offerings, which are fully aligned with the new standards.
Steven Zhao, Vice President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, said, "To embrace the All Intelligence era, WBBA is promoting the in-depth integration of networks and AI based on Net5.5G, and Huawei has upgraded IP bearer networks across three dimensions—security resilience, multi-dimensional awareness, and network autonomy. These efforts empower carriers to build a Net5.5G intelligent IP network foundation to safeguard service experience, accelerate monetization, and enhance efficiency, leading a new chapter of intelligent connectivity."
Global practices: Net5.5G moving from standards to real-world business value
Leading carriers and industry players showcased their latest Net5.5G practices. France's Orange Group turns its networks into an AI-ready platform, leveraging high bandwidth, intelligent and agile, efficient, trusted and reliable transport and access networks. CTM in Macao (China) built an intelligent bearer network with Net5.5G AI WAN. It leveraged AI training and inference-driven perception to identify encrypted video traffic and enable precision marketing and application-level experience assurance, reducing customer churn and boosting the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). Meanwhile, IGA in Türkiye leveraged AI-driven decision-making to reduce three-runway scheduling wait times by 20%. Powered by a reliable network capacity that ensures safe and real-time visualized baggage handling, the airport harnessed digital intelligence to enhance aviation safety and deliver an exceptional network experience for passengers. IGA has become a shining example for efficient, eco-friendly, and resilient development among global hub airports.
Looking ahead, WBBA calls on global industry organizations to deepen collaboration and drive innovations in technology standards, industry policies, and commercial practices for intelligent evolution to Net5.5G. Huawei will continue to work with WBBA and global partners, leveraging Net5.5G standards and cutting-edge intelligent solutions to promote industry prosperity.
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WBBA Releases Global Net5.5G Readiness Assessment and Certification Standards, and Huawei Unveils Upgraded Net5.5G IP Bearer Network Offerings to Boost New Industry Vitality
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The Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship celebrates Team Rivalries and Footy Fan fervour, to deliver positive community impact and big wins for some lucky rugby league fans!
BRISBANE, Australia, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leveraging its proud sponsorship of three major rugby league teams, including The Dolphins, Melbourne Storm, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Budget Direct has created a unique competition based on the head-to-head clashes between these teams throughout the regular season. This championship will see the teams battle it out, not just for points, but to win significant donations from Budget Direct to the charities nominated by the teams.
The initiative will see Budget Direct inject a total of $205,000 into vital community charities, while also giving three lucky footy fans the chance to win big for themselves and a cause close to their hearts.
The Team Competition: Playing for their Causes
Throughout the season, every clash between the Dolphins, Storm, and Rabbitohs will directly translate into tangible support for community organisations. At the end of the regular season, Budget Direct will award major donations to the clubs' nominated charities based on the final standings:
- 1st Place: $100,000 donation.
- 2nd Place: $50,000 donation.
- 3rd Place: $25,000 donation.
The clubs have selected to play for the following deserving community organisations:
The Fan Competition: Win $10K Cash and Give $10K to Charity
Beyond the action on the field, the Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship ensures that fans are also part of the victory and community impact. Supporters can join the excitement by signing up on the official Budget Direct competition webpage and aligning with a team playing in the championship.
At the end of the championship, three lucky fans, one aligned with each team, will be randomly drawn to win a fantastic win-win prize package:
- $10,000 in cash for the fan to keep.
- $10,000 donated by Budget Direct to the winner's nominated registered charity.
A True Win-Win for the Community
Jonathan Kerr, Chief Growth Officer, Budget Direct, highlights the spirit of the initiative. "We wanted to create a unique competition that celebrates the passion of footy fans while making a real difference in the community," said Kerr.
"By the end of this championship, Budget Direct will have donated $205,000 to incredible charities and given away $30,000 in cash to fans. It's a true win-win that turns every tackle and try into something much bigger than the game itself," added Kerr.
How to enter
Fans can follow the competition and enter to win at: www.budgetdirect.com.au/footy
Competition Terms & Conditions
The terms and conditions of the consumer competition can be found here: www.budgetdirect.com.au/terms-conditions/footy-charity-championship.html
The Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship celebrates Team Rivalries and Footy Fan fervour, to deliver positive community impact and big wins for some lucky rugby league fans!
BRISBANE, Australia, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leveraging its proud sponsorship of three major rugby league teams, including The Dolphins, Melbourne Storm, and the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Budget Direct has created a unique competition based on the head-to-head clashes between these teams throughout the regular season. This championship will see the teams battle it out, not just for points, but to win significant donations from Budget Direct to the charities nominated by the teams.
The initiative will see Budget Direct inject a total of $205,000 into vital community charities, while also giving three lucky footy fans the chance to win big for themselves and a cause close to their hearts.
The Team Competition: Playing for their Causes
Throughout the season, every clash between the Dolphins, Storm, and Rabbitohs will directly translate into tangible support for community organisations. At the end of the regular season, Budget Direct will award major donations to the clubs' nominated charities based on the final standings:
- 1st Place: $100,000 donation.
- 2nd Place: $50,000 donation.
- 3rd Place: $25,000 donation.
The clubs have selected to play for the following deserving community organisations:
The Fan Competition: Win $10K Cash and Give $10K to Charity
Beyond the action on the field, the Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship ensures that fans are also part of the victory and community impact. Supporters can join the excitement by signing up on the official Budget Direct competition webpage and aligning with a team playing in the championship.
At the end of the championship, three lucky fans, one aligned with each team, will be randomly drawn to win a fantastic win-win prize package:
- $10,000 in cash for the fan to keep.
- $10,000 donated by Budget Direct to the winner's nominated registered charity.
A True Win-Win for the Community
Jonathan Kerr, Chief Growth Officer, Budget Direct, highlights the spirit of the initiative. "We wanted to create a unique competition that celebrates the passion of footy fans while making a real difference in the community," said Kerr.
"By the end of this championship, Budget Direct will have donated $205,000 to incredible charities and given away $30,000 in cash to fans. It's a true win-win that turns every tackle and try into something much bigger than the game itself," added Kerr.
How to enter
Fans can follow the competition and enter to win at: www.budgetdirect.com.au/footy
Competition Terms & Conditions
The terms and conditions of the consumer competition can be found here: www.budgetdirect.com.au/terms-conditions/footy-charity-championship.html
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Budget Direct Footy Charity Championship - Launched With Big Wins for Charities and Major Cash Prizes for Footy Fans!
