AI for ISPs: Sales Innovation and Broadband Growth (Fiber Connect 2025)

AI adoption for ISPs works best when it layers into your existing tech stack rather than replacing it: start with a specific problem, choose a tool built on open systems, and you can be up and running with a team lead, some shared data, and a few strategy calls.

There's something electric about Fiber Connect. And this year in Nashville, the energy was undeniable - especially in my chat with Josh, Head of Marketing at Actifai.

We sat down to catch up on everything from how far AI has come in broadband to what ISPs should really be thinking about when it comes to integrating smart, future-ready tech into their operations.

AI in Broadband: Beyond the Buzzword

As Josh put it, the broadband world is no stranger to hype - but when it comes to AI, the shift is real. Just a few years ago, introducing AI at a show like Fiber Connect sparked a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Now? ISPs are coming up to vendors asking how they can get started.

But with popularity comes noise. The challenge for operators today isn't whether to explore AI, it's how to cut through the buzzwords and get to the value. Not all "AI-powered" tools are created equal, and that toothbrush with "AI" on the box? Probably not the kind of digital transformation your business needs.

Watch the full interview 👇

The Smarter Approach: Start With the Problem

Josh shared a key insight: the most effective AI solutions don't ask you to change how you operate. Instead, they slide into your existing tech stack and make it work smarter.

The trick? Start with the challenge. What processes feel clunky? Where are your CSRs bogged down? What part of your sales funnel isn't converting? Then find a solution that speaks directly to those pain points.

Actifai, for example, doesn't just throw AI at your sales team. They layer it into your website, your call center scripts, your door-to-door strategy - all while pulling live data from your billing system and CRM. That's not just smart. That's scalable.

Why Open Systems Matter for ISP Tech Stacks

This part really hit home. Josh emphasized the importance of working with open systems. No single vendor can be best-in-class at everything. ISPs need a core platform that plays well with others, allowing them to bolt on best-fit tools as needs evolve.

That's exactly why Sonar and Actifai work so well together. Sonar's open OSS/BSS platform gives ISPs the billing and subscriber data backbone, and it's not about overhauling what works. It's about layering in innovation where it moves the needle.

Getting Started With AI Without the Headaches

One of the biggest takeaways? AI adoption doesn't have to mean bringing in a dev team or re-architecting your business.

Josh broke it down simply: You need a team lead. Some shared data. A few strategy calls. That's it. No massive project, no hidden overhead. Just results.

Future-Proof Without Fear

AI isn't here to replace your people. It's here to support them, elevate their work, and help your ISP operate more efficiently. The goal isn't to disrupt. It's to empower.

As Josh said so well: AI doesn't need to be a black box. It can be tangible, practical, and ready today. And when the right partners come together - ones who care about open APIs, real outcomes, and long-term collaboration - that's when the industry levels up.

Here's to lighting it up - together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should an ISP start adopting AI?
Start with a specific problem rather than the technology. Identify the clunky processes, the spots where CSRs get bogged down, or the part of the sales funnel that isn't converting, then find an AI tool that speaks directly to those pain points and layers into your existing stack.

Does AI adoption require a dev team or a re-architecture?
No. As Josh explained, getting started can be as simple as assigning a team lead, sharing some data, and running a few strategy calls - no massive project and no hidden overhead.

Why do Sonar and Actifai work well together?
No single vendor is best-in-class at everything, so ISPs need a core platform built on open systems. Sonar's open OSS/BSS platform supplies the billing and subscriber data, and Actifai layers AI across the website, call center scripts, and door-to-door sales without overhauling what already works.