As networks become more complex, operators face growing pressure to maintain control, improve efficiency and adapt without becoming dependent on individual technology vendors.
In this interview with Comms Dealer, PacketFront CEO Jonny Wetterborn discusses how the industry is evolving, why multi-vendor orchestration and automation are becoming increasingly important, and the role PacketFront can play in helping operators navigate greater complexity, consolidation and regulatory demands.
PacketFront Software Solutions, based in Sweden, is recognised for its ability to automate broadband, fibre and IT networks, particularly within multi-vendor environments. Its software traces back to Sweden’s early FTTH deployments from around 2001, when the company created solutions to support the country’s first public fibre network rollouts. PacketFront identified the need for advanced automation and these early developments ultimately evolved into today’s standalone software business, formally established in 2013.
The founding team saw an emerging need for advanced provisioning and orchestration solutions capable of managing increasingly complex broadband networks. Their initial focus was on dedicated broadband infrastructures built from equipment sourced from multiple hardware vendors. A key strategic aim was to adopt a hardware‑independent model that would enable true multi‑vendor orchestration and overcome the limitations of traditional, vertically integrated systems. “This vision led to the creation of the early BECS platform>>, originally developed to enhance efficiency and reduce complexity for fibre, and telecom operators managing multi-technology networks,” stated Wetterborn.
On track for growth
PacketFront has continued to meet its strategic objectives and is now firmly in the execution phase of its business plan. While FY2025 results are still pending, the company began last year with a presence in 22 countries and operations across roughly 100 networks globally. Since 2020, it has achieved growth of around 60 per cent. Looking ahead, the business remains focused on the traditional fibre market and the ongoing consolidation within the UK altnet sector, alongside its work in the more mature enterprise segment. “The ongoing consolidation is expected to increasingly shape the industry landscape, leading to a more pronounced multi-vendor environment,” added Wetterborn. “At the same time, and for telecom network operators, evolving regulatory frameworks such as the Telecommunications Security Act (TSA) are adding layers of operational complexity and associated costs.”
“The need for enhanced automation and network orchestration is becoming increasingly critical. Advancing capabilities in these areas will be essential to managing complexity, driving efficiency and sustaining long-term operational competitiveness.”
Key objectives
In response, PacketFront is committed to closely tracking these market shifts and will continue to reinforce its presence in the traditional fibre sector while pursuing new growth opportunities within the enterprise space. “This dual focus allows us to remain agile and well positioned to capture value as the ecosystem evolves,” commented Wetterborn. “Across both sectors, the need for enhanced automation and network orchestration is becoming increasingly critical. Advancing capabilities in these areas will be essential to managing complexity, driving efficiency, and sustaining long-term operational competitiveness.”
PacketFront’s target market is wide, including CSPs, MSPs, fixed line and fibre network operators (including altnets as already mentioned), open access and wholesale operators as well as enterprises. “As the telecoms industry continues to consolidate and regulatory frameworks such as the TSA and NIS2 introduce new operational demands, PacketFront enables these organisations to adapt and secure a cost-effective operation,” explained Wetterborn. “PacketFront serves as a critical enabler for companies seeking to modernise their operational handling, improve resilience and transparency, and unlock new business opportunities.”
Demand drivers
Wetterborn also observed that despite rising operational complexity and the integration of more systems into core environments, clients’ fundamental needs have remained largely unchanged. “We are still talking about reducing operational cost through automation, managing multi-vendor orchestration in increasingly complex environments, and securing faster service delivery and scalability in the operational network,” he commented. “But what has changed is the number of components and amount of different data points that flow in those networks. The question is how this data can be synched, combined and work together to create the most optimal operational view, environment and value.”
To meet these demands, PacketFront has expanded its portfolio and started to collaborate with technology partners to address the wider scope and complexity. “To meet the challenges of this more complex environment an ecosystem of multiple technology partners needs to come together to form a total solution,” added Wetterborn. “PacketFront is in close collaboration with technology partners in the UK and Poland. Together we can address not only network orchestration but also related fault identification and traffic management.”
Security, regulatory requirements, AI developments, and broader technological advancements are all areas that PacketFront actively monitors and evaluates. “AI is part of our daily and strategic agenda, and will be for years to come,” noted Wetterborn. “That said, and as the understanding and specific use of AI develops, so will the understanding improve around how our portfolio and related deliveries might need to be adjusted.”
“PacketFront also believes that multi-vendor networks will continue to increase over time because operators do not want to end up in a lock-in situation with one hardware vendor. The addressable market will continue to grow, and so will related opportunities. One should remember that the winning approach is not just to sell software, but position PacketFront as a strategic enabler of operational transformation in a market defined by an increased need for complete ecosystem collaboration, regulation and complexity.”
Meet Jonny…
Role model: One of my first managers within Ericsson, Peter Lindfors. He taught me what respect, behaviour and commitment really are about in a professional and social context.
Tell us something about yourself we don’t know: I was born and raised in Kiruna, Sweden, located north of the Arctic Circle.
If you wrote a book what would it be about? ‘War stories’ from 30 years in ICT.
The best idea you have ever had: Moving to Tokyo, Japan.
Your biggest career achievement: That I dared to pursue opportunities that, to me, were interesting, challenging and fun.
Originally published by Comms Dealer.
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