Fiber Broadband Unlocks Capacity Required to Fuel AI and Quantum Innovation

Fiber Broadband Unlocks Capacity Required to Fuel AI and Quantum Innovation 

New paper by FBA details how high-performance fiber networks are essential to emerging technologies 

WASHINGTON D.C. – (January 22, 2026) – The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) today released a paper, Infrastructure Foundations for AI and Quantum Computing, exploring fiber’s critical role in the next phase of digital transformation. As artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing move from emerging concepts to real-world deployment, they are placing unprecedented demands on communications networks that only fiber broadband can meet. The paper shares how real-world investments, from quantum network deployments to expanding data centers and government AI initiatives, demonstrate fiber’s role as a strategic asset for innovation, security, and economic growth. 

Fiber’s virtually unlimited capacity, ultra-low latency, symmetry, and reliability make it the essential infrastructure foundation for AI applications, hyperscale data centers, and quantum systems, which require precise, high-speed data movement and long-term scalability.  

In fact, Recon Analytics Roger Entner stated in a recent Fiber for Breakfast episode that 75% of Fiber subscribers use AI daily, compared with 60% on cable, 30% on fixed wireless, 20% on cable, and only 10% of satellite subscribers use AI, illustrating a strong correlation between AI usage and the quality of the user’s broadband connection. Further Recon Analytics research finds that the types of AI tasks shift dramatically with better broadband. Fiber users leverage AI for more strategic tasks like analysis and content creation. 

“Fiber broadband is not simply the fastest option available, it is the foundational infrastructure needed to support emerging, bandwidth hungry technologies at scale,” said Deborah Kish, Vice President of Research and Workforce Development at Fiber Broadband Association. “This paper underscores why long-term investment in fiber is essential to U.S. innovation, security, and economic competitiveness.” 

AI and quantum computing will be a leading topic of discussion at Fiber Connect 2026 (FC26), the world’s largest fiber broadband event, May 17-20, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Specifically, on Wednesday, May 20, the event concludes with the AI and Emerging Tech Infrastructure Summit which will include: 

• A keynote and fireside chat with Dr. Michio Kaku, visionary physicist and bestselling author, will offer his insight about the road from classical networks to an AI-native, quantum-enabled internet. He’ll also explore why bandwidth, latency, and determinism are the new foundations for national competitiveness. 

• Nathan Austin, Vice President of Business Development at MyTech Partners, will deliver a keynote focusing on fiber’s transition to becoming a strategic national asset that can determine if America leads or follows in the AI-dominated world. 

• A panel of AI innovators, quantum savants, and technology futurists will discuss how fiber’s unlimited capacity unlocks limitless possibilities for innovation and discovery. 

• Experts from utilities, electric cooperatives, and more explore the who, what, when, and why fiber and power are intrinsically linked as essential parts of today’s middle mile and last mile service delivery and infrastructure.  

• A data center panel will discuss connectivity requirements of AI applications and the backbone computing continuum from central cloud to edge and end point. 

Looking beyond Fiber Connect 2026, FBA’s final Regional Fiber Connect Workshop of 2026 will conclude in Vancouver, where the agenda has a strong focus on AI and Telecom. Click here to learn more about FBA’s Regional Fiber Connect workshops.  

To learn more about these events and FBA papers and research, subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here.