Fiber Broadband Association Awards AI, Device Management, and Subscriber Experience Concepts at Fiber Connect 2026

Fiber Broadband Association Awards AI, Device Management, and Subscriber Experience Concepts at Fiber Connect 2026 

Proof of Concept Showcase highlights fiber broadband’s role in supporting AI infrastructure and high-quality connectivity experiences 

ORLANDO, FLA.—(May 20, 2026)—Today at Fiber Connect 2026, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) announced the winners of the Proof of Concept (PoC) Showcase, hosted by the Broadband Forum. The Showcase featured five demonstrations that explored how interoperable technologies enable a more efficient and scalable connected community.  

The PoCs were presented in the Fiber Connect 2026 Expo Hall, May 18-19, and evaluated by leading industry analysts. The three award-winning PoCs include: 

• Most Innovative Award: Presented to IQGeo for its “IQGeo AI” PoC. This demonstration featured live AI-powered quality control across the full fiber network lifecycle. It can deliver real-time quality assurance at the point of work to ensure fiber installations are done right the first time.   

• Biggest Impact Award: Presented to AVSystem for its “Autonomous Networks via MCP: AI-Agents Driving Zero-Touch Customer Support” PoC. The demonstration featured a synergy of Model Context Protocol (MCP), AI-agents, and foundational BBF protocols to enable true autonomous networks. Operators can modernize massive existing deployments alongside new rollouts, reduce OPEX, eliminate unnecessary truck rolls, and deliver zero-touch connectivity. AVSystem’s award-winning PoC was supported by Enxoo as a Salesforce and digital transformation partner.

• Game Changer Award: Presented to UniqCast for its “IPTV/OTT Platform: A Unique TV Experience. Modernize TV. Simplify Operations. Protect Broadband Value.” PoC. This PoC featured an end-to-end IPTV/OTT platform that consolidates multiple video delivery components into a single integrated platform with one roadmap and support model. It can enable providers to reduce operational workload and complexity. 

“The PoC Showcase demonstrates how quickly broadband innovation is evolving beyond basic connectivity to support AI-driven operations, smarter subscriber experiences, and more intelligent network management,” said Jessica Koch, FBA Conference Committee Chair and Controller at CBS Oregon. “Fiber Connect attendees got a first-hand look at the technologies that will shape future broadband capabilities and accelerate connectivity light years ahead.” 

“These demonstrations were exciting to witness, as they gave us a peek at the next-generation of broadband innovation,” said Craig Thomas, CEO of Broadband Forum. “The PoCs highlighted how AI, automation, device management, and enhanced subscriber experience can work together to help providers build smarter, more scalable networks while improving service quality for customers.” 

Additional PoCs were presented at Fiber Connect 2026, including “Real-Time Data Streaming Using a Phone,” presented by Axiros; and “Friendly AI Assistant Powering its TR–369 Device Management Platform,” presented by Friendly Technologies. 

Learn more about Fiber Connect 2026 here or subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here to stay updated.