co-located with Network X
VIECON, Vienna, Austria
14th October 2026
VIECON, Vienna, Austria 14th October 2026
Broadband Development Congress
Building Real Value with Trusted AI-Powered Networks and Innovation
The Broadband Development Congress 2026 returns as the premier annual event of the World Broadband Association (WBBA), bringing together the global telecommunications community for an unmissable gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and WBBA members.
For the first time, the Congress moves from Paris to Vienna, marking an exciting new chapter as we expand our focus to Central and Eastern Europe while maintaining our strong presence from Western European markets. This strategic shift reflects the dynamic growth and innovation emerging across the region's telecommunications landscape.
As the telecommunications industry stands at the intersection of connectivity and artificial intelligence, this year's Congress addresses the critical infrastructure, trusted networks, and computational power required to support the AI revolution. This is where WBBA members and telecommunication industry leaders converge to shape the future of broadband technology and policy.
2026 Key Topics
Network Infrastructure Transformation
Broadband applications and services
AI Use Cases
Emerging Technologies
Smart Gigacities
2025 guest speakers included:
Why Attend?
As the telecommunications industry stands at the intersection of connectivity and artificial intelligence, this year's Congress addresses the critical infrastructure, trusted networks, and computational power required to support the AI revolution. This is where WBBA members and telecommunication industry leaders converge to shape the future of broadband technology and policy.
New City
In 2026, Broadband Development Congress relocates to Vienna — bringing you face-to-face with operators and decision-makers from Western, Central and Eastern Europe, the DACH region, and emerging markets across the globe.
Conference
The definitive broadband industry event where strategy meets innovation, and where the foundations for tomorrow's AI-powered world are being built today.
Exhibition
Experience the Network X Exhibition and first-hand the latest products and solutions from major vendors. Explore live product demonstrations, engage directly with suppliers on their stands, and discover the benefits and use cases that address your network challenges.
Awards
2026 brings an enhanced experience as we integrate the prestigious annual Broadband Excellence Awards directly into the Congress agenda. This seamless integration will showcase groundbreaking innovations, recognize industry pioneers, and celebrate the achievements driving our sector forward - all within the main event experience.
Network X Party
Celebrate, connect, and unwind with colleagues, friends, and new connections at the ultimate industry party – taking place at the Mirage – Big Top with circus-themed entertainment.
Broadband Excellence Awards
The WBBA Broadband Excellence Awards 2026 recognise organisations and leaders delivering measurable, real‑world impact through broadband connectivity, cloud platforms, and artificial intelligence.
Presented by the World Broadband Association (WBBA), the Awards honour excellence across the broadband value chain from operational network infrastructure deployed today, to enterprise and public‑sector transformation, and future‑ready technologies shaping the next generation of digital ecosystems.
Relive the Broadband Development Congress 2025
Last year’s theme, Telco-Powered Sovereign Infrastructure: Enabling National Prosperity Through Broadband, Cloud, and AI, addressed one of the most critical topics shaping the future of the industry. The Congress brought together a diverse array of voices, including policymakers, regulators, operators, vendors, academics, advisory and analysts, to explore the challenges and opportunities in building sovereign, future-ready infrastructure. These conversations defined the path forward for sustainable economic development and digital sovereignty.
Get inspired by 2025. Get ready for 2026.
About the World Broadband Association
The World Broadband Association (WBBA) is a multilateral, broadband industry-led association, providing leadership for digital broadband across the next decade.
Our objective is to overcome industry challenges and drive the provision of networks and services for all. We aim to accelerate the healthy development of the global telecom industry, creating sustainable benefits for stakeholders, end users, and society.