There has been a growing relationship between the fiber and electric utility industries, specifically in relation to safety and innovation. This Fiber for Breakfast episode highlights the potential overlap between the electrical and fiber industries, with a focus on safety and how the importance of these initiatives is to foster collaboration between the two industries. We’ll discuss the historical and current significance of fiber to utility operations, and how the need for mutual understanding between the industries is connected by safety.

Special Guests:

Todd Butcher, Vice President of Power Distribution, S & N Communications

Joe Phillips, Director of Engineering and Design Services, S & N Communications

North America’s fiber networks are set to undergo rapid expansion in the latter half of this decade, driven by unprecedented levels of public and private investment, alongside innovative vendor solutions and the emergence of new fiber providers, including utilities, municipalities, and cooperatives. Omdia’s latest forecast projects a staggering $35 billion expenditure on fiber broadband access equipment in North America between 2024 and 2029. Join Fiber for Breakfast as Jaimie Lenderman delves into Omdia’s latest forecast and explores what lies ahead in the coming months and years as we enter this historic era.

Special Guest:

Jaimie Lenderman, Research Manager & Principal Analyst, Omdia

Quantum 2.0 technology might seem right out of a science fiction movie, but real use cases are becoming relevant. Robust local area quantum networks for scalable quantum computing and quantum-safe security for real-world digital platforms that provide cryptography solutions that harden against future quantum computing capabilities and threats are two of the most near-term use cases; we will also be exploring other quantum networking use cases. If you’re interested in learning more, hear from Mark Wippich about the latest in quantum networking.

Special Guest:

Mark Wippich, CEO, MPW

FTTH industry construction during the 2024-2028 timeframe, while remaining strong in Canada, will be absolutely unprecedented in the U.S.

Whether your organization is an equipment and materials vendor, Internet service provider, or a private/ public financier, you need to understand where the FTTH market is going. This webinar will provide a high-level overview of the new RVA FTTH five-year forecast.

Thoughts on how to maneuver through potential challenges and position your organization for real success will also be shared.

Special Guest:

Mike Render, CEO & Principal Analyst, RVA LLC

With the digital divide disproportionately affecting older Americans, AARP is a vocal advocate for ubiquitous affordable, reliable, broadband access and fought for the Affordable Connectivity Program. According to AARP research, as of November 2023, nearly half of households enrolled in ACP were headed by adults over 50 years old. As the end of ACP looms, many who rely on the program fear they will lose vital internet access.

This week on Fiber for Breakfast, we are joined by Coralette Hannon, Director of Livable Communities for AARP Government Affairs. Coralette will discuss AARP’s broadband advocacy efforts, the organizations push for ACP, and how the end of ACP will impact the older adult community.

Special Guest:

Coralette Hannon, Director of Livable Communities for AARP Government Affairs

Prepare to be transported into the dynamic world of telecommunications innovation with Baylink Networks! Join the CEO and Director of Strategies as they unveil the transformative impact of nearshore networks on our digital landscape. Through Baylink’s cutting-edge patented cable technologies, discover how they’re not just disrupting but redefining the industry’s very core. Brace yourself for a compelling exploration of cost savings as Darren and Mike present a compelling lake case study, showcasing the superiority of Baylink’s marine network over traditional terrestrial builds.

Special Guests:

Darren Dofher, CEO, Baylink Networks Inc.
Mike Maziarka, Director of Strategy, Baylink Networks Inc.

Global optical cable demand is set to recover in 2024, growing by 3.9% y/y to reach 557 million F-km, following a 7.1% y/y contraction in the previous year. While many states have made significant progress on the BEAD funding approval process, CRU believes its impact on US cable demand will mainly materialize from 2025 onwards. The US market’s mid-term demand outlook is bright, driven by multiple federal funding opportunities.

Special Guest:

Chenfei Wang, Principal Analyst, Head of Wire and Cable, CRU Group

https://www.crugroup.com/analysis/wire-and-cable/

On February 23, 2024, NTIA and the US Department of Commerce issued the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Final Waiver for the $42.45B NTIA BEAD broadband infrastructure funding program. The BABA Waiver has significant implications on which products and services that network operators can procure for eligible NTIA BEAD projects. Tom Cohen, Chief Regulatory and General Counsel for the Fiber Broadband Association will break down the details of this Waiver and net out what you really need to know.

Special Guest:

Tom Cohen, FBA Chief Regulatory and General Counsel, Partner Kelley Drye

Join Kevin Sheehan, Ciena’s CTO of the Americas and VP of Sales Engineering, as he delves into how service providers can overcome some of the challenges of BEAD deployment. And, discover how PON and coherent pluggables are revolutionizing residential access.

Guest Presenter:

Kevin Sheehan, CTO of the Americas and VP of Sales Engineering, Ciena

As of February 8th, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”), the largest and most successful broadband affordability program in our nation, stopped accepting new enrollments. Without additional funding from Congress, it is anticipated that April will be the last month currently enrolled households will receive the full ACP benefit. Join us this week as FBA CEO and President, Gary Bolton discusses the impact of the ACP wind-down on broadband affordability in Mississippi with Chip Pickering (INCOMPAS), Quinn Jordan (MSBA), and Adeyinka Ogunlegan (Education Superhighway).

Guest Presenters:

Chip Pickering, CEO, INCOMPAS
Quinn Jordan, Executive Director, Mississippi Broadband Association
Adeyinka Ogunlegan, Vice President, Government Affairs and Policy, Education Superhighway

Join Ned Brody (CEO of Actifai) in a focused session, tailored for broadband executives to demystify AI’s practical applications in today’s sea of theoretical use cases and overhyped claims. Learn to identify effective AI deployment areas within your organization, and how industry-specific data sets can be a game-changer. Gain insight into AI-driven software applications being used today, including one that delivers personalized offers and marketing to broadband customers. This concise session is designed to provide a clear, actionable understanding of AI’s role in enhancing communications service providers’ revenue. It’s an essential guide for broadband business leaders eager to leverage AI’s real-world benefits in a rapidly evolving landscape of new AI solutions.

Guest Presenter: Ned Brody, CEO, Actifai

CostQuest’s upcoming webinar titled “The Critical Role of the Broadband Fabric and Precision Data for Funding Programs” will delve into the critical roles and evolution of the key aspects driving broadband deployment and funding initiatives, including:

-History of Broadband Data and Geography
-Broadband Fabric Improvement Process & Changes Between Versions
-Federal & State-Level View of BEAD Funding Implementation
-Real-World State Program Examples

Get an inside look from Jim Stegeman, the expert leading the creation of the Fabric data and cost models that support government funding and ISP broadband deployment initiatives.

Guest Presenter: Jim Stegeman, CEO, CostQuest Associates