Surf Internet has reached a major milestone—surpassing 200,000 fiber passings across Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan—doubling its reach since late 2023. This rapid growth highlights Surf’s strategic commitment to rural broadband deployment and its role as a regional leader in delivering high-speed fiber connectivity across the Great Lakes.

Now celebrating 25 years in operation, Surf has consistently been the first provider to bring internet—first dial-up, then broadband, now fiber—to many of the communities it serves. With a focus on rural and underserved areas, the company continues to expand its fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) footprint through a hybrid model of private investment, competitive broadband grants, and state-level programs like the Indiana Connectivity Program.

Unlike providers waiting on federal funding cycles, Surf is acting now—deploying capital, forming public-private partnerships, and designing expansion strategies based on community input and localized needs. This on-the-ground approach—driven by a locally rooted workforce and forward-thinking talent development efforts—has proven effective in scaling access while maintaining local relevance and trust.

Join us for our next Fiber for Breakfast as Gene Crusie, CEO, Surf Internet joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO, Fiber Broadband Association to talk about Surf’s approach to accelerating fiber builds in lower-density markets, including how the company balances speed, scalability, and sustainability. With plans to reach an additional 75,000 addresses by the end of 2025, Surf offers a compelling blueprint for rural deployment that’s both proactive and community-driven.

With Special Guest:

• Gene Cruise, CEO and Founder, SURFInternet

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

As the demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity surges—driven by generative AI, real-time analytics, and intelligent automation—fiber networks must evolve. Enter Agentic AI: a new class of autonomous artificial intelligence systems transforming how fiber networks are designed, deployed, managed, and scaled.

Join us for our next Fiber for Breakfast to hear Ron Westfall, Analyst in Residence from HyperFRAME Research cover this topic with Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. Sharing data points and insights from some recent research, Ron will touch on how Agentic AI is reshaping the fiber networking landscape — from automating complex network operations to meeting AI-era bandwidth demands. Whether you’re an operator, strategist, or technologist, this session will equip you with the vision and tools to lead in the fiber-connected AI future enabling telecom operators and fiber providers to build smarter, more resilient, and energy-efficient networks.

With Special Guest:

• Ron Westfall, Analyst in Residence, HyperFRAME Research

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

The U.S. remaining the global leader on Artificial Intelligence (AI) development has been a major priority of the Trump Administration in its first six months. When it comes to infrastructure to support AI, there has been significant policymaker and media attention on gaps in energy and cooling to support data centers but relatively less focus on ensuring sufficient fiber connectivity. Lumen is one of the companies investing in its fiber networks to meet the demand and create the AI backbone. During this Fiber for Breakfast live session at Fiber Connect 2025, Gary Bolton will be joined by James Feger, Senior Vice President for Product Segments, to discuss the critical intersection between fiber and AI.

With Special Guest:

• James Feger, SVP Product Segments, Lumen Technologies

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

In a city of 1.5 million residents and a population density of over 11,000 people per square mile, you might assume that digital access is a given. But the reality is different. The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic laid bare a persistent digital divide, as students and families struggled to adapt to a rapidly digital world.

PHLConnectED—an initiative led by the City of Philadelphia and local partners—was launched to ensure that pre-K through 12th-grade families could access free or low-cost internet services. Central to the program’s success is the City’s Digital Navigator Network, which provides one-on-one support to help residents overcome barriers to broadband adoption, such as lack of digital literacy, device access, or clarity around service options.

Additionally, the conversation will touch on the City’s new Verizon franchise agreement, which will bring fiber connectivity to all Philadelphia recreation centers—critical hubs for community access—and why fiber infrastructure plays a vital role in building a resilient, inclusive digital ecosystem.

Join Juliet Fink-Yates, Broadband Infrastructure and Digital Inclusion Manager at the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation & Technology, and Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), as they discuss the measurable impact of the City’s Digital Navigator Network, PHLConnectED and  the role in advancing digital equity, and what’s next in connecting communities to opportunity.

With Special Guest:

• Juliet Fink-Yates, Broadband Infrastructure & Digital Inclusion Manager, City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation & Technology

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

Oklahoma is laying the groundwork for a digital revolution. With an ambitious plan to deliver fiber broadband to 95% of the state by 2028, the Oklahoma Broadband Office is driving a historic transformation—connecting rural and urban communities alike with future-ready, high-speed internet. Fueled by ARPA, BEAD, Capital Projects Fund grants, and strong public-private partnerships, the state is bridging the digital divide and powering progress in education, healthcare, and economic growth.

Join Mike Sanders, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO), and Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, on this week’s Fiber for Breakfast as they break down Oklahoma’s bold fiber broadband mission—and how it’s on track to deliver statewide fiber coverage within just a few years.

With Special Guest:

• Mike Sanders, Executive Director, Oklahoma Broadband Office

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

In this week’s Fiber for Breakfast episode, we spotlight Project Nunapet—a groundbreaking broadband initiative bringing high-speed internet to four Tribal communities in Alaska’s Kodiak Archipelago. Named after the Alutiiq word for “our lands,” Project Nunapet reflects the enduring connection between the Alutiiq people and the land and sea.

Through a powerful collaboration between Old Harbor Native Corporation and Alaska Communications—and funded by a Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 grant from the NTIA—this project will deliver Gigabit-speed service to 570 homes across the communities of Old Harbor, Chiniak, Akhiok, and Womens Bay.

Join us as Kristina Woolston, CEO of Old Harbor Native Corporation, shares the story of this transformative project with Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. Learn how 155 miles of subsea fiber and an extensive last-mile network are bridging the digital divide and supporting education, healthcare, economic growth, and cultural preservation for generations to come.

With Special Guest:

• Kristina Woolston, CEO, Old Harbor Native Corporation

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

In December 2024, AT&T announced it would expand its range and reach of its Fiber service to 50M homes by the end of 2029, a clear validation that fiber broadband is the critical infrastructure required to support its customers in today’s digital economy. The company has said this strategy, along with its continued rollout of 5G, is part of its strategic plan to put its customers first. The simple fact that AT&T is the largest capital investor in U.S. connectivity infrastructure underscores the company’s commitment. During this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Erin Scarborough, Senior Vice President – Mass Markets Product Management, AT&T Services, Inc., joins FBA CEO Gary Bolton to discuss AT&T’s strategic initiatives.

With Special Guest:

• Erin Scarborough, Senior Vice President – Mass Markets Product Management, AT&T Services, Inc.

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

While tariff reductions for some regions offer a glimmer of relief, rising tariffs on Chinese imports and persistently high rates overall have introduced a wave of uncertainty—particularly in the U.S. market. Join us for another informative Fiber for Breakfast session with our guest, Jaimie Lenderman, Research Manager from Omdia as she talks with Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association about the direct and indirect impacts these trade policies may have on deployment costs, network expansion plans, and the broader global economic outlook.

With Special Guest:

• Jaimie Lenderman, Research Manager, Omdia

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

Everyone in Michigan should have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet—but according to the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity, more than 30% of Michiganders either lack access, can’t afford it, or don’t have the necessary skills or technology to get connected. In today’s world, internet access isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, work, and economic opportunity.

That’s where the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) comes in. MIHI is working to build a more digitally equitable Michigan, where everyone can leverage technology to improve their quality of life.

Established in June 2021 through an executive directive from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, MIHI has been leading the charge to close the digital divide. In this week’s episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Eric Frederick—MIHI’s first Chief Connectivity Officer—joins Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to discuss the early challenges he faced stepping into the role, the team’s progress on Michigan’s Digital Equity Plan, and what’s ahead in their mission to connect every Michigander.

With Special Guest:

• Eric Fredrick, Chief Connectivity Officer, Michigan High Speed Internet Office, Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near the stunning Royal Gorge lies Cañon City, Colorado. Though it’s a city, it embraces a charming small-town atmosphere, and like many rural communities, it recognizes the critical need for fast, reliable internet. Cañon City emphasizes that high-speed fiber connectivity isn’t just a luxury—it’s vital for the area’s progress. From ensuring public safety to enhancing educational access, healthcare services, and business growth, the demand for robust broadband infrastructure is undeniable.

To meet this need, Cañon City partnered with Visionary Broadband, a rising fiber broadband provider from Wyoming, to deploy a cutting-edge fiber broadband infrastructure. This will connect essential services like government offices, healthcare providers, the local school district, and first responders—paving the way for greater connectivity and opportunity in the region.

In this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Brian Worthen, CEO of Visionary Broadband joins Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to talk about Visionary’s rapid rise and the challenges they face in rural projects like this. They’ll explore how these transformative initiatives are reshaping communities of all sizes and empowering rural areas with the technology they need to thrive.

With Special Guest:

• Brian Worthen, CEO, Visionary Broadband

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

Nevada is vast—covering over 110,000 square miles—and despite substantial federal funding for broadband expansion, the state faces unique challenges. Rugged terrain, remote communities, and geographic isolation create significant barriers to digital access. The High-Speed Nevada Initiative is designed to overcome these hurdles by strategically combining federal, state, local, and private investments to bridge the digital divide. In this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, we’re joined by Brian Mitchell, Director of the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) and head of the State of Nevada’s Broadband Office, to discuss the groundbreaking work happening across the state. Brian will share insights into the phased approach of this initiative, its focus on precise mapping, and why thoughtful planning is key to success. Tune in as Brian and FBA President and CEO Gary Bolton explore the intersection of technology, policy, and broadband’s future in Nevada. Together, they’ll break down how this initiative is setting a new gold standard for planning and execution, making Nevada a model for large-scale, complex broadband projects.

With Special Guest:

• Brian Mitchell, Director of the Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), State of Nevada’s Broadband Office

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!

During this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Evann Freeman, Vice President of Government and Community Relations, EPB, FBA Board member, and Rich Williams, Fiber Connect Conference Program Director, join FBA President and CEO Gary Bolton to cover the highlights of the upcoming Fiber Connect 2025 conference, taking place June 1 – 4, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Kicking off on Sunday, June 1st, Fiber Connect 2025 promises something for everyone — Featuring 10 content programs led by top broadband experts, a dynamic expo hall with 300+ booths, and an opportunity to network with 5,000+ industry leaders. Evann and Rich will dive into everything attendees can expect at this must-attend event. Don’t miss it as we “Light it Up” for the biggest year yet in fiber broadband deployment.

With Special Guests:

• Rich Williams, Conference Program Director, Fiber Connect
• Evann Freeman, VP, Governent & Community Relations, EPB

Read the full Fiber for Breakfast summary article here!