ThoughtWaves, FBA’s Award-Winning Documentary on the Convergence of Computing, the Internet, and Fiber Optics, Expands Global Distribution

ThoughtWaves, FBA’s Award-Winning Documentary on the Convergence of Computing, the Internet, and Fiber Optics, Expands Global Distribution  

Now streaming on Amazon and free platforms worldwide, with additional releases forthcoming  

WASHINGTON, D.C.—(April 22, 2026)—The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) today announced that ThoughtWaves: Connecting Our World — Innovation, Industry & Influence, A Story 50 Years in the Making, a documentary chronicling the parallel rise of the internet and fiber broadband, is now available to global audiences through an expanding slate of streaming platforms. 

The film is currently available on Amazon’s transactional video-on-demand (TVOD) service in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, where viewers can rent and watch on demand. In addition, ThoughtWaves is now streaming for free on ad-supported platforms, including Xumo Play’s documentary channel and Tubi in the U.S. Additional distribution is underway, with forthcoming availability expected on Roku and other platforms.  

Nearly half a century ago, two foundational breakthroughs reshaped the world: the first successful Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) data exchange between computers, and the development of fiber optics, first demonstrated in the early 1970s. Together, these innovations transformed not only technology, but the very nature of human connection.  

ThoughtWaves tells the untold story of people, companies, and breakthroughs that brought these technologies from concept to global infrastructure. Spanning five decades of innovation, the film features insights from industry leaders, policymakers, and pioneers who helped build the digital world and continue to work toward closing the digital opportunity gap.  

The documentary has already begun to earn industry recognition, most recently receiving an Award of Excellence Special Mention in the documentary short category from the Best Shorts Competition. Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker John DeMaio, the film has been praised for its compelling storytelling, meticulous research, and powerful exploration of how technology shapes society.  

• Amazon US 

• Amazon UK 

• Amazon Australia 

• Xumo Play 

For more information on ThoughtWaves visit www.thoughtwavesfilm.com. To stay up to date on all events and research subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here.