2024.11.11 - New collaboration hopes to revolutionize smart-home technology

November 11, 2024

By: Brad Randall

Broadband Communities

Integrating the Broadband Forum’s flagship User Services Platform (USP) with the Connectivity Standards Alliance‘s Matter protocol can result in developing a standards-driven cloud-based controller that will support smart-home devices, regardless of their brand.

Devices supported by Matter networks, like TVs, stereos, and speakers, are managed with smartphones, according to Broadband Forum.

Jason Walls of QA Cafe, Broadband Forum’s broadband user services work area co-director, explains the project as helping to level the playing field.

Comments from Walls were included in Broadband Forum’s Nov. 11 release.

“(Broadband service providers) will be able to simplify and unify the end-user experience in the smart home,” he said.

According to Walls, end users will be able to manage devices using a managed Matter-enabled gateway in their home.

“Industry-wide collaboration across the smart home is paramount in unleashing the full potential of Matter and we look forward to driving this project forward in the months ahead,” Walls said.

Additionally, once completed, the specification will be known as MatterService Data Model for USP-enabled Devices (WT-517), according to Broadband Forum’s announcement.

Chem Assayag, a senior VP with Orange, had comments included in Broadband Forum’s release.

“As the owners of home connectivity, network operators play a crucial role in the end-user experience in the smart home,” Assayag said.

Assayag also said the project was “not just a technical upgrade.”

“It is a strategic opportunity to drive widespread adoption of the Matter standard,” Assayag said. “Preparing the entire home ecosystem for the smart home revolution.”

Broadband Forum hopes to complete the project by the summer of 2025, the release stated.

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