Fiber Connect 2025 Equips Nation’s Leading Fiber Providers with Tools for Next-Gen Broadband Expansion

Fiber Connect 2025 Equips Nation’s Leading Fiber Providers with Tools for Next-Gen Broadband Expansion 

Conference content offers expert insights on deployment strategies, workforce development, fiber economics, and outside plant strategies 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (April 8, 2025) – The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) is bringing the entire fiber broadband ecosystem into focus at Fiber Connect 2025, the world’s largest event for fiber deployment, expansion, and innovation. Taking place June 1-4, in Nashville, Tenn., this year’s event will feature curated programming that explores the critical role of engineers, fiber technicians, installers, and service providers in building and maintaining the networks that empower communities nationwide. Other specialty programs at Fiber Connect include, The State Broadband Summit, C-Suite Summit, the Women in Fiber luncheon, Broadband Policy Symposium, as well as tracks that dive into fiber economics, middle mile, tribal broadband and workforce development.  

Fiber Connect 2025 will offer in-depth workshops and breakout sessions focused on best practices in fiber deployment, workforce development, and strategies for network expansion. From construction and fulfillment to ISP operations and infrastructure management, attendees will gain expert insights into the latest tools, technologies, and methodologies shaping the future of fiber broadband.   

“As fiber broadband deployment accelerates nationwide, it’s essential that network operators, service providers, and industry professionals have the knowledge and resources to build and scale effectively,” said Evan Freeman, Vice President, Government & Community Relations, EPB. “Fiber Connect 2025 is designed to equip attendees with the critical insights they need to navigate the complexities of network construction, from regulatory and permitting challenges to funding strategies and workforce development.” 

General Sessions: Operator Light Talks  

At Fiber Connect 2025, the Operator Light Talks segments will offer a dynamic platform to hear real-world use cases directly from the field. These sessions will feature operators sharing their firsthand experiences—highlighting the challenges they’ve faced, the solutions they’ve implemented, and the outcomes they’ve achieved. Whether it’s overcoming deployment obstacles, scaling networks efficiently, or leveraging new technologies, these talks provide valuable insight into what’s working in today’s fiber landscape. 

OpTIC Path Rodeo: Showcasing Fiber Technician Excellence 

Monday, June 2 – Tuesday, June 3, 2025 

Fiber Connect 2025 will introduce its first annual OpTIC Path Rodeo, offering fiber technicians with an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in constructing high-quality fiber optic networks. For more information, click here.  

Pre-Conference Workshop: FBA Fiber Starter Toolkit  

Designed for those considering fiber broadband deployment or in the early stages of network construction, these workshops, held June 1, will provide a comprehensive understanding of key deployment elements, including legal and regulatory considerations, funding, and installation. Attendees will also gain insight into common regulatory and permitting challenges, such as navigating environmental reviews, locates, and approvals.  

Breakout Sessions: Practical Strategies for Deployment and Expansion  

Breakout sessions will begin Monday, June 2, and will cover key aspects for fiber deployment, funding and infrastructure management: 

• Deployment Best Practices: Realities of fiber expansion across different terrains, permitting challenges, and strategies for successful deployment strategies. 

• The State Broadband Office: BEAD Funding Progress Update: Balancing urban and rural connectivity needs, fiber-first strategies, and regulatory exceptions for alternative technologies. 

• Networks at Work: Exploring fiber-to-the-home economics, fiber’s role in precision agriculture, and the importance of local stakeholder support.  

• Tribal Broadband: Infrastructure development in Tribal communities.  

• Fiber Economics: Public-private partnerships, securing state and federal funding, and strategies to support fiber expansion.  

Tuesday’s breakout sessions will delve deeper into deployment, workforce development and network expansion: 

• Deployment Best Practices: Overcoming rural development challenges and optimizing fiber expansion within budget constraints.  

• Outside Plant Considerations: Strategies for building regional and national fiber networks. 

• Digital Equity & Workforce Development: Recruiting, training, and retaining a skilled broadband workforce.  

• Middle Mile: Keeping It All Connected: The critical role of middle-mile infrastructure in broadband expansion.  

• Service Provider Ecosystem: Enhancing customer experience, workforce development, and industry partnerships. 

Overbuilder Toolkit: Building a Brighter Future  

Tuesday, June 3, 2025 

As new providers enter the market and incumbents respond, the Overbuilder Toolkit session will explore strategies for differentiation, customer retention, and market expansion. Discussions will cover key industry challenges, including the value-added services to enhance customer loyalty and revenue, the rise of open-access networks for faster fiber deployment, and strategies to break through in competitive markets dominated by incumbent providers. Panelists will include industry leaders from All Points Broadband, Lumos Fiber, GoNetSpeed, Brightspeed, Visionary Broadband, and other key experts in the field. 

With dedicated workshops, and in-depth breakout sessions, Fiber Connect 2025 will provide invaluable guidance for professionals at every stage of their fiber journey—whether they are just beginning deployment or expanding their reach in competitive markets. 

Register here for Fiber Connect 2025 or contact Lucy Green at lgreen@fiberbroadband.org for sponsorship opportunities. Stay updated by subscribing to the Fiber Broadband Association’s weekly newsletter here.