What It Takes to Build Fiber: Construction Experts Share Real-World Lessons

As broadband deployment accelerates, network builders must manage safety, permitting, innovation, and coordination at unprecedented scale. That means working smarter, planning earlier, and minimizing disruptions in the communities we serve.

In this dynamic session, Katie Espeseth (Vice President, EPB) led a discussion with Heath Simpson (Ritter Communications), Mitch Hibbard (Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative), Rocco Laurenzano (GFiber), and Erika Lee (Common Ground Alliance). Each panelist shared real-world lessons from the field on deploying fiber in diverse environments, as well as how to do it safely, efficiently, and collaboratively.

Key themes included the importance of over-planning and over-communicating, forming partnerships with cities and trusted vendors, and staying ahead of damage prevention through clear locates and GIS coordination. The panel also explored innovation in construction, from drones and AI-assisted project management to smaller boring rigs and evolving best practices.

With millions of miles to go, the fiber industry must prioritize not just speed, but safety, transparency, and trust.

Watch the full panel to learn how the nation’s leading fiber builders are navigating the “mess” of broadband deployment.