Broadband providers and CPE vendors must transform their strategies as hardware commoditisation and stagnating ARPUs challenge traditional business models. This research analyses the shift from basic speed pipes to software-driven in-home experiences, highlighting the strategic technology and AI investments needed to drive sustainable growth.

‍

• Broadband ARPU and hardware spending are falling despite faster speeds and new technologies.
• CPE software represents a high-margin growth opportunity for vendors managing home networks.
• Wi-Fi 7 is expanding rapidly but failing to drive revenue growth for hardware vendors.
• Edge AI and neural processing units will transform CPE gateways into proactive network optimisation.

‍