Broadband connectivity is reshaping daily life across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. As demand grows for reliable, high-speed access, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) providers play a central role. Vantiva, known for its innovation and focus on sustainability, continues strengthening partnerships across the region. We spoke with Giovanni Tumino, VP EMEA, to discuss key trends, new technologies, and the company’s outlook for the years ahead.
What major trends are shaping the CPE landscape in EMEA?
The market is evolving quickly, but a few themes stand out.
5G is expanding fast and giving operators a practical way to deliver high-speed broadband without fixed-line infrastructure. That’s opening new opportunities in rural and underserved areas while helping close the connectivity gap. It also allows operators who don’t own fixed-line infrastructure to avoid paying lease fees per line, making it an economically attractive option.
Artificial intelligence and edge computing are also transforming devices. CPEs are now increasingly integrating Neural Processing Units (NPUs) and supporting Edge AI capabilities, which means smarter, faster, and more secure processing. While these advances are especially impactful in video devices, where users interact with screens and AI avatars, on the broadband side, the focus is on optimizing operational costs and improving service delivery. These technologies make the customer experience smoother and help operators manage networks more efficiently.
Sustainability is another strong driver. People and regulators across Europe expect energy-efficient, recyclable products. This push is leading to more responsible design and manufacturing.
Open-source platforms such as RDK and prpl are also gaining ground. They give operators flexibility and control over their software and data. Vantiva has already shipped more than 125 million RDK-based devices worldwide, many of them in EMEA, showing how widely this model is being adopted.
How is Vantiva responding to these shifts?
Our approach builds on proximity, innovation, and trust.
Local teams and partnerships across EMEA allow us to tailor solutions to the specific needs of each market. Early adoption of new technologies keeps us ahead of change. Vantiva prides itself on being an early adopter of breakthrough silicon technologies and new product categories, and we actively contribute to new standards and technology definition.
We’re investing in Wi-Fi 7, preparing for Wi-Fi 8, and expanding fiber and Fixed Wireless Access. Our AI-enabled CPEs are designed for both smart home and enterprise applications – think AI avatars that enhance the self-care experience and redefine how customers interact with services and operators.
We’re also pioneering patented antenna designs that maximize 5G indoor reception while delivering industry-leading Wi-Fi coverage. Our WAN-agnostic approach ensures that users enjoy seamless experiences regardless of their connection.
Throughout all of this, sustainability is guiding our every step, from design and materials to packaging and recycling. We have a 30+ year reputation of responsible innovation and continuously strengthen our sustainability practices to support European climate objectives.
How are AI and edge computing changing the user experience?
They’re making connectivity smarter and more intuitive. AI avatars can guide users through setup and troubleshooting in real time, enabling seamless and fast self-care experiences in an entirely intuitive way. On video devices, AI can personalize content recommendations and optimize streaming quality. For broadband, AI-driven diagnostics and predictive maintenance help operators prevent issues before they occur, keeping service consistent. These advances work quietly in the background but significantly impact reliability and ease of use.
What role do open-source platforms play for European operators?
Open-source is speeding up innovation, and platforms like RDK and prpl allow operators to adapt services quickly and manage software independently. Vantiva contributes actively to these communities through our work with RDK, OpenWRT, and the prpl initiative, helping operators innovate while staying in control of their technology. We’ve shipped over 125 million RDK-based CPEs globally – a proven track record that showcases our leadership in open standards and collaborative development.
How is Vantiva addressing sustainability in product design?
We implemented EcoDesign of our products in 2008, building sustainability into our process. We design devices that use less energy, are easier to recycle, and minimize carbon impact through transport, storage, after-sales operation, refurbishment, and end-of-life disposal. This is a central element to the long-term value for partners and the environment, and it’s increasingly resonating with European stakeholders who value sustainability as a key criterion in procurement decisions.
What are Vantiva’s priorities for the coming years in EMEA?
We’ll continue investing in next-generation connectivity, deepening partnerships, and advancing sustainability. AI, edge computing, and open-source development will remain the key engines of progress. Vantiva’s mission is to help operators turn these technologies into smarter, more secure, and more inclusive digital experiences for everyone in the EMEA region.