After years of planning, the BEAD program is moving from paper to pavement—but approval is only the start. In this first episode of 2026, Kathryn de Wit, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ broadband access initiative, joins Fiber Broadband Association President & CEO Gary Bolton to examine what comes next as states begin building networks to reach nearly five million locations. Kathryn unpacks NTIA’s evolving guidance, the “curing” process, and the challenges ahead—from permitting and workforce shortages to supply chain pressures and non-deployment funding uncertainty. If you’re asking, “proposals are approved—now what?” this episode offers timely, practical insight into the work ahead and what it will take to turn BEAD’s ambition into lasting broadband impact. 

With Special Guests:

• Kathryn de Wit, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ broadband access initiative

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

What does 2026 hold for the future of fiber—and for the people shaping it? Join Jessica Koch, Controller at Consolidated Business Services and FBA Conference Committee Chair and Evann Freeman, VP, Government & Community Relations, EPB and FBA’s Board Vice Chair and Conference Committee Board Liaison as they pull back the curtain on next year’s vision, offering a look at why Fiber Connect continues to position our industry light years ahead. They will also walk through the seven brand-new Regional Fiber Connect Workshops rolling out across the country and showcase bold, new programming for Fiber Connect 2026, taking place May 17–20 in Orlando. If you’re looking for insight, inspiration, and a glimpse of where the industry is headed, this episode sets the stage

With Special Guests:

• Jessica Koch, Controller at Consolidated Business Services and FBA Conference Committee Chair
• Evann Freeman, VP, Government & Community Relations, EPB and FBA’s Board Vice Chair and Conference Committee Board Liaison

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

In the last Fiber for Breakfast episode of 2025, Gary welcomes the Senior Director, Field and Partner Marketing at Adtran and the 2026 FBA Board Chair, Ash Brown. Ash will review FBA Board priorities for 2026, and will share FBA Policy updates and plans to engage with her constituents and the FBA working groups in the new year. Ash will also share the latest on Adtran. 

With Special Guest:

• Ash Brown, Senior Director, Field and Partner Marketing at Adtran and the 2026 FBA Board Chair

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

In this episode, we deliver the 2025 annual deployment update on the progress and prospects for fiber broadband—what’s been built, what’s ahead, and what it means for the telecommunications industry.

Mike Render, President of RVA, LLC, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, for his final appearance of the year to break down current deployment levels, the key drivers accelerating fiber builds, and the challenges slowing expansion. Drawing on his latest research, Mike highlights emerging opportunities to increase take rates and ARPU, as well as adjacent fiber markets gaining momentum. It’s a clear-eyed view of where fiber stands today and how smart strategy and planning can shape its next phase of growth.

With Special Guest:

• Mike Render, President of RVA, LLC

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

In this week’s episode, Dr. Christopher Ali – national broadband policy expert and author – joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, for a candid look at what comes after BEAD. Ali cuts through the headlines to uncover the real challenges facing broadband deployment, urging policymakers and providers to move beyond short-term objectives and adopt long-term, purpose-driven strategies. 

He underscores the often-overlooked importance of middle-mile infrastructure, the unique opportunities electric cooperatives offer, and why fiber, though the preferred technology, must co-exist with wireless and satellite. Ali also addresses the widening gap between broadband availability and usability, calling for sustained affordability programs and stronger digital literacy support. 

Finally, he gives a sneak peek into his new book – “Where the Wires End: Stories from the Digital Divide” and challenges the industry to redefine what success looks like in the post-BEAD era. 

With Special Guest:

• Dr. Christopher Ali, National Broadband Policy Expert and Author

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

In this episode, Jessica Dine, Policy Analyst at New America’s Open Technology Institute and Wireless Future Project, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to unpack New America’s recent report, Exploring Paths to a U.S. Digital Skills Framework. With billions being invested in broadband deployment and adoption, the lack of a national standard for defining and measuring digital skills poses a major risk to impact. Jessica outlines two strategic options: adapting proven international or institutional models or developing a data-driven framework tailored to the U.S. landscape. Tune in to explore why this work is urgent and how it could advance digital inclusion and policy effectiveness nationwide.

With Special Guest:

• Jessica Dine, Policy Analyst at New America’s Open Technology Institute and Wireless Future Project

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!