Key Takeaways
- prpl Foundation aims to create open-source software for smart home devices, akin to Android.
- Major telecoms like AT&T and Verizon are adopting prpl for home gateways, enhancing security and life cycle management.
- Cybersecurity applications for home gateways are critical, with multiple vendors planning prpl-compliant offerings soon.
prpl Foundation’s Growth and Impact
The prpl Foundation focuses on developing open-source software for service provider customer premise equipment (CPE), targeting the smart home market. It includes a comprehensive suite of software such as home gateway operating systems, APIs, and Wi-Fi mesh software. Essentially, prpl aims to create a standard for smart home devices similar to Android.
At a recent summit in Paris, significant advancements were reported by lead members including AT&T, Verizon, and Orange. AT&T’s prpl Life Cycle Management (LCM) is operational on approximately 12 million home gateways, while Verizon plans to upgrade 10 million devices by next year. Orange expanded its reach with launches in Jordan and an upcoming deployment in Morocco, along with plans for future improvements in France.
In addition to established members, the foundation welcomed KPN, TIM, Telenor, and Turk Telecom as new participants. Presentations at the summit highlighted the challenges telecom companies face in coordinating their internal structures to embrace agile technology and deployment frameworks.
Cybersecurity is a crucial concern within this ecosystem, as home gateways are vulnerable to threats from both the internet and insecure Internet of Things (IoT) devices. HardenStance, an organization focusing on cybersecurity, highlighted the potential for enhancing the security of home gateways and broader telco networks through prpl’s collaborative approach.
As of now, Bitdefender and F-Secure are the only verified cybersecurity vendors offering prpl-compatible applications. Bitdefender has successfully partnered with Orange for deployments. Additionally, Cujo AI announced that its security app will be generally available by the end of this year, further enhancing options for cybersecurity solutions within the prpl community.
The anticipated addition of several new prpl-compliant security apps, including offerings from Sam Seamless Network and Allot Communications, is expected to reach as many as six choices available to telecom providers soon. For the prpl ecosystem, these cybersecurity applications represent valuable services that can drive revenue growth for telecom service providers.
It’s worth noting that while prpl primarily aims to safeguard home networks, it could also enhance the security of telecom networks. Mismanaged smart devices can generate malicious traffic, posing risks to both households and the wider telco infrastructure. This can affect service quality and the telco’s reputation.
Despite its potential, telco network operations have shown limited interest in prpl, resulting in a lack of investment in the ecosystem. A recurring issue discussed at the summit was the need for better visibility into household internet traffic to justify security investments. This situation reflects a broader challenge in aligning departmental priorities within telecom companies.
As prpl continues to evolve, telcos must not only focus on generating revenue through new services but also recognize the importance of enhancing the security of their networks. Following all revenue streams while ensuring comprehensive protection will be critical for the foundation’s future and the telecom industry at large.
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