GSMA Intelligence and ITU-T SG13 Push Secure, Resilient IP Networks at UBBF 2026
The Net5.5G Intelligent IP Network Summit, held during the Global Ultra-Broadband Forum (UBBF) 2026, put network security and resilience at the center of carriers' AI strategies. GSMA Intelligence presented its new cybersecurity white paper, and ITU-T SG13 and WBBA launched a joint initiative urging operators to build more secure networks.
- The Net5.5G Intelligent IP Network Summit took place during UBBF 2026.
- GSMA Intelligence presented its white paper on a target architecture for telecoms cybersecurity, built on Native Security and in-depth defense.
- The paper warns that data harvested now could be decrypted later by quantum computers.
- ITU-T SG13 and WBBA launched the "Build Resilient, Secure IP Networks Together" initiative.
- Egypt's NTRA received the "Pioneer of National Network Resilience Policy" award.
A white paper on telecom cybersecurity architecture
The summit, themed "Security and Resilience for Networks, Smart New Growth for Carriers," was the first occasion on which GSMA Intelligence interpreted its newly released cybersecurity white paper globally. The paper is titled "a target architecture for telecoms cybersecurity white paper."
According to the release, the paper names two core pillars for modern telecom networks:
- Native Security: security is embedded into network elements from design and production through to deployment and operation.
- In-depth defense: multi-layered, domain-based protection against complex and persistent threats.
The white paper also warned about quantum computing decryption threats. It notes that bad actors harvest and store encrypted data for later decryption. Carriers therefore need to adopt new cryptography algorithms and cybersecurity practices that resist future attacks by quantum computers.
AI changes the threat picture
Representatives from ITU-T SG13 and AV-TEST discussed the evolving threat landscape. They emphasized that AI has accelerated and amplified attack scales, breaking the traditional balance of offensive and defensive security. As a result, security and resilience must be elevated as a strategic imperative and built from the ground up by design into network architecture, according to the summit report.
In response, ITU-T SG13 and WBBA jointly launched the "Build Resilient, Secure IP Networks Together" initiative. It encourages global carriers to strengthen network security and resilience to guarantee high service reliability and continuity in the AI era. The initiative also calls on operators to use AI for new business monetization models.
Huawei's role and the awards
The release was issued by Huawei. Leon Wang, President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, said AI has evolved from an efficiency tool into a network monetization engine, and that sustained growth demands a secure, resilient foundation. John Cai, Vice President of the same product line, detailed the upgraded Huawei NG WAN Solution. The release gives no further specifications of that product.
Executive representatives from leading global carriers also shared strategic roadmaps and practices in network security resilience and autonomous networking.
The President of the IPv6 Forum presented awards to outstanding carrier representatives. Egypt's National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) received the "Pioneer of National Network Resilience Policy" award. Eng. Shamroukh, Executive President and CEO of NTRA, said the award is for "the outstanding efforts in building resilient and secure IP networks and advancing child online safety initiatives."
What it means for carriers
The summit framed the industry consensus as "ensuring service continuity through security & resilience and driving business growth through network intelligence." For carriers, the message is that security should be designed into networks from the start rather than added later, and that preparing for quantum-era decryption is part of that work. The initiative and the white paper are guidance and calls to action, and the release does not describe binding requirements or deadlines.
