Fiber Broadband Association Announces Fiber Connect 2026 Award Winners

Fiber Broadband Association Announces Fiber Connect 2026 Award Winners 

Awards recognize individuals and companies driving fiber broadband light years ahead 

ORLANDO, FLA., — (May 20, 2026)—Today at Fiber Connect 2026, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) announced the winners of its annual awards program. This year’s winners were celebrated at the 25th Anniversary Awards Gala on Tuesday evening at Fiber Connect 2026. The evening honored individuals, companies, and innovations driving the fiber broadband industry forward and creating lasting impact across communities.  

“This year’s honorees represent the vision, execution, and influence advancing fiber broadband throughout the industry,” said Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. “From accelerating deployments to strengthening communities, these leaders are setting a new standard for what’s possible with fiber. Congratulations to our 2026 award winners.” 

Photon Award: Paul Breakman, VP, Americas Partners & Business Development, Adtran 

Honors an individual whose volunteer service demonstrates exceptional dedication to the Association and the industry.   

Star Award: Surf Internet 

Recognizes a company or community that goes above and beyond in advancing fiber to the home.   

Fiber Under Forty Award: Alex King, Director of Broadband, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC 

Recognizing individuals born in 1986 or later who are making an impact on their companies or the broader fiber broadband industry.  

Women Changing Fiber for Good Award: Tzeitel Buchanan, Lead, Lumen’s Tribal Center of Excellence; Volunteer & Community Leader, Lumen 

Celebrating women whose contributions are improving the fiber broadband industry and leaving a lasting legacy.  

Advocacy Allstars Award: Chris Champion, Vice President of Government Relations, C Spire 

Honoring individuals working to advance the agenda of the fiber broadband industry at the state and federal levels.   

Community Impact Award: ALLO Fiber: ALLO Fiber Smart Schools  

Highlighting fiber broadband projects that are transforming communities and changing lives across North America.  

Product Innovation Award: EPB, EPB Quantum Network® 

Showcasing technological advancements that enhance fiber broadband’s ability to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s customers.  

Constellation Award: ADB Companies and Render Networks 

Celebrating coalitions of companies that joined forces to advance fiber broadband networks across communities, states, and regions.   

Gene Scott Education Award: Mark Boxer, Technical Manager, Solutions and Applications Engineering, Lightera 

Recognizes a person, community, or institution that has made a significant impact on fiber industry education.   

The Fiber Connect 25th Anniversary Awards Gala brought the industry together for a black-tie evening celebrating the people and innovations driving fiber forward, featuring a red-carpet reception, elegant dinner, live entertainment, and the presentation of this year’s awards. The night concluded with dueling pianos, offering a lively setting to celebrate 25 years of progress, partnership, and fiber-fueled vision.  

To learn more about Fiber Connect 2026, visit the conference website here or subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here to stay updated on the latest industry news. View the 2026 Fiber Broadband Association Award Winners here.