Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton
by Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton
The Fiber Broadband Association provides advocacy, education and resources to companies, organizations and communities who want to deploy the best networks through fiber to the home, fiber to the business and fiber everywhere. Get Association updates and Fiber for Breakfast The Fiber Broadband Association's weekly 30-minute live video discussion hosted by our President and CEO, Gary Bolton, and featuring industry thought leaders on current topics that explore fiber as the critical infrastructure for 21st century communications as well as other connectivity and workplace issues presented during these challenging times.
Episodes
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FFB Episode 302: Next Generation Tech Discussion: Hollow-Core and Multi-Core Fiber 101
Hollow-core and multi-core fiber are moving from emerging technologies to potential game changers for next-generation networks. In this technology-focused episode of Fiber for Breakfast, representatives from industry leaders such as Prysmian, Relativity Networks, Lightera, and Corning will talk...
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FFB Episode 301: From Classical to Quantum: An Infrastructure Roadmap for Fiber Operators
Quantum networking may sound like an entirely new infrastructure challenge, but its most valuable asset is one many broadband providers already own: fiber. In this next episode, Vincent Celindro, Director of Strategic Sales & Technology of Quantum Foundry joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the...
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FFB Episode 300: Telecom Turning Point: Connecting America and Building What Comes Next
As BEAD moves from planning into deployment, the program is entering a new phase with important implications for broadband infrastructure and the communities it will serve. In this milestone 300th episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, is...
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FFB Episode 299: Arkansas’s Broadband Momentum
Arkansas is moving from broadband planning and funding to putting infrastructure in the ground—and its approach is attracting national attention. Join the next episode of Fiber for Breakfast as Glen Howie, Director of the Arkansas Broadband Office, talks with Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the...
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FFB Episode 298: BEAD Isn’t Over Yet: What Happens After Final Approval?
With all 50 states now having approved BEAD Final Proposals, the program is moving from planning to execution—but the process is far from settled. Carol Mattey, former FCC official, broadband and policy expert, and principal of Mattey Consulting, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber...
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FFB Episode 297: 30 Years of Broadband - What We’ve Built, What We’ve Learned, and What Comes Next
Three decades after helping shape the vision for America’s broadband future, Blair Levin, (formerly FCC Chief of Staff (’93-97) and Executive Director of the 2010 National Broadband Plan) and with over two decades of advising institutional investors about telecommunications policy, joins Fiber…
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FFB Episode 296: Beyond the Build: The Future of State Broadband
What happens when major broadband grants wind down? Revati Prasad, Executive Director of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to explore the future role of state broadband offices and the challenges of sustaining...
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FFB Episode 295: Washington’s Broadband Buildout: What’s Happening Now?
When Jordan Arnold became Director of the Washington State Broadband Office in January 2026, the state was on the cusp of a major broadband milestone. Just weeks later, Washington received federal approval for its final BEAD proposal, unlocking more than $1 billion in investment for broadband...
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FFB Episode 294: Scaling Fiber in a Competitive Era: A Conversation with Fidium’s CEO
In this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, sits down with Gaurav Juneja, CEO of Fidium, to discuss the company’s next phase as a fiber-first operator. With a network spanning more than 76,000 fiber route miles, Juneja shares how Fidium...
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FFB Episode 293: The Predictability Imperative: How AI Is Helping Fiber Providers Compete in an Uncertain Market
AI has moved beyond experimentation for forward-looking fiber providers. The real question is no longer whether AI can automate tasks. It is how organizations can leverage it securely and at scale to operate with greater consistency, confidence, and predictability, so providers of any size can...
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FFB Episode 292: EPB Quantum Computer: From Municipal Energy to Quantum Tech
EPB has evolved from a leading municipal utility to a national model for advanced fiber optic infrastructure – and is now focused on establishing Chattanooga as a hub for quantum technology. As the operator of the world's fastest community-wide internet since 2010, EPB's leadership in…
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FFB Episode 291: Beyond the Build: Monetizing Fiber for Long-Term Advantage
As fiber networks mature, the challenge is no longer just deployment – it’s maximizing value, differentiation, and long-term scalability. In this episode, Darren Farnan, General Manager of United Fiber joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association to explore how providers...
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FFB Episode 290: AI Runs on Fiber: How Networks Are Evolving
Artificial intelligence is transforming telecom networks—from how they are designed and operated to how service providers optimize performance, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience. As AI adoption accelerates, what changes should network operators be preparing for, and where will AI...
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FFB Episode 289: Save Our E-Rate: The Fight to Protect Broadband for Schools and Libraries
The E-Rate program has connected virtually every school and library in America to broadband, growing classroom internet access from just 14% in 1996 to near-universal today. But for the first time in the program's nearly 30-year history, the FCC is asking whether E-Rate should be terminated. On...
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FFB Episode 288: Right of Way Wars: Winning the Fiber Deployment Battle
As fiber deployments accelerate nationwide, one major challenge continues to delay projects and increase costs: right-of-way and permitting issues. Too often, broadband providers, municipalities, and contractors face unnecessary expenses and setbacks simply because they lack the expertise to...
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FFB Episode 287: Intelligent Oversight: How AI is Changing BEAD Compliance
The BEAD program represents a once-in-a-generation investment, but it also creates a major oversight challenge for state broadband offices. How can states ensure every project meets specifications without stretching staff or exhausting limited budgets? On this episode of Fiber for Breakfast…
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FFB Episode 286: Optical Fibre and Cable Market Outlook: The Role of Hollow-Core and Multicore Fiber
In this week’s episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Ahmed Ali, Senior Analyst and Lead of CRU’s Optical Fibre and Cable Service, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to discuss how AI, cloud and data centre growth are reshaping the requirements placed on optical...
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FFB Episode 285: The Quantum Edge: Why Fiber Providers Should Pay Attention Now
Quantum networking is quickly moving from research concept to infrastructure conversation—and fiber providers may already hold the foundation. In this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Professor Prem Kumar, Director, Center of Photonic Communications and Computing at Northwestern University joins...
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FFB Episode 284 - Building AI-Ready Networks: The Next Evolution of Broadband
AI is transforming broadband networks from simple connectivity platforms into intelligent infrastructures that can predict, adapt, and optimize performance in real time. As AI applications drive new traffic patterns, latency requirements, and customer expectations, service providers face both...
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FFB Episode 283: Fiber Technology Trends: Key Takeaways from S&P Global’s Annual Operator Surveys
FTTH technology is clearly the “end game” solution for wireline broadband access services, however, the speed and scope of operator migration to full-fiber networks varies widely, depending on factors such as operator roadmaps and competitive landscape conditions. On the next episode of Fiber for...
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FFB Episode 282 - HyperFRAME Research Lens: State of I&O Strategy in AI Era 2H 2026
AI is rapidly reshaping enterprise infrastructure and operations (I&O), placing new demands on compute, networking, virtualization, security, and talent management. On the next episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Ron Westfall, Vice President and Practice Leader for Infrastructure and Networking at...
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FFB Episode 281 - Broadband Access and Home Networking Forecast
In this episode, we explore the latest Dell’Oro Group Broadband Access and Home Networking forecast and what it signals for cable, fiber, and fixed wireless providers worldwide. After three consecutive years of revenue declines, the market is projected to grow at just a 0.3% CAGR through 2030…
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FFB Episode 280: New RVA/FBA Consumer Research: Fiber’s Role in a Disruptive Era: AI, Video Proliferation, and Counter-Urbanization
The 2026 study of the general public across the U.S. and Canada takes the deepest market research dive yet into attitudes toward and participation in AI, as well as other emerging societal shifts. A key component of the study explores the evolving role of fiber as these trends continue to…
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FFB Episode 279: Fiber in the Fast Lane: Powering the Autonomous Future
Autonomous vehicles are moving beyond early pilot programs and driving a multi-million-dollar industry. Goldman Sachs Research forecasts that the robotaxi rideshare market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 90% from 2025 to 2030. While AVs make split-second driving...
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FFB Episode 278 - The Fourth Pillar of the A.I. Era
As AI evolves from centralized data centers to massive, distributed systems, the physical layer—glass and photons—is becoming the true architecture of intelligence. Join us on the next episode of Fiber for Breakfast as Allan Isfan, AI, Telecom, and Streaming Executive at AI Squared, joins Gary...
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FFB Episode 277 - The Fiber Network Consolidation Wave: Are you ready?
The U.S. fiber market has entered a phase of consolidation, with larger operators acquiring smaller networks at an accelerating pace. Integration can unlock scale and efficiency, but execution risk varies widely by architecture, technology stack, and operational maturity. Which networks integrate...
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FFB Episode 276: Latest Trends and Developments in the North American Broadband Market - 2026 Edition
As high-speed internet becomes essential to daily life, this episode explores Omdia’s latest report on what’s next for broadband across North America. The report examines emerging trends reshaping connectivity—from expanding rural access and improving home network experiences to evolving pricing...
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FFB Episode 275: Smart Funding, Smart Deployment: The Strategy Driving 100% Coverage
Affordability and access are converging in New Mexico’s broadband strategy. In this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Jeff Lopez, Director of the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) talks with Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the FBA, about Senate Bill 152, unanimously approved by the…
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FFB Episode 274: The State of Broadband: What the Data Really Reveals
The U.S. broadband market is entering a new competitive phase as fiber expands deeper into legacy territories, fixed wireless scales across more markets, and public funding accelerates network deployment. With tens of billions in federal BEAD funding flowing into broadband, private capital…
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FFB Episode 273: Capacity, Competition & Cash Flow: The Upstream Equation
On this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, hosted by Fiber Broadband Association President & CEO Gary Bolton, we’re joined by Mark Trudeau, Founder & CEO of OpenVault and Jeff Heynen, VP of Broadband Access and Home Networking at Dell'Oro Group to unpack the 4Q25 OpenVault Broadband Insights report....
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FFB Episode 272: Tight Today, Transformational Tomorrow: A Historic Moment for Fiber
Fiber demand has reached a historic inflection point. In this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Mike O’Day, head of Corning's Optical Communications business joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association and shares his perspective on a remarkable growth cycle as innovation...
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FFB Episode 271: AI and the Network Effect: Where Carriers Win Next
For the past three years, Omdia has modeled and forecasted the impact of AI on network traffic through a cross-team effort spanning business and consumer trends, networks, hardware, software, devices, and facilities. In this week’s episode, Brian Washburn, Chief Analyst, Telco B2B Solutions…
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FFB Episode 270 - Mission Accomplished – or Mission Abandoned? Life After BEAD
As BEAD funding moves from promise to reality, what comes next for US broadband? In this timely conversation, Carol Mattey – industry veteran and founding member/principal of Mattey Consulting LLC – joins President & GEO Gary Bolton of the Fiber Broadband Association to explore the long-term…
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FFB Episode 268 - Broadband Competition and Pricing Strategies in California Urban Markets
On January 14, 2026, the California Public Advocates Office, in partnership with the University of California, Santa Barbara, released Broadband Competition and Pricing Strategies in California’s Urban Markets. The study examines how large incumbent providers respond to new competition from fiber...
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FFB Episode 267 - The Hidden Infrastructure Behind AI and Hyperscale Networks
On this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, we pull back the curtain on In-Line Amplifier (ILA) huts—the unsung infrastructure powering long-haul fiber networks. Michael Thomas, Regional Vice President of Integration at Network Connex, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband...
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FFB Episode 266 - Update on Virginia's Fiber Projects and Initiatives
Virginia was recently awarded $545 million awards in federal funding through the BEAD program to expand high-speed internet access across the state. The BEAD awards will enable 23 internet service providers to extend broadband infrastructure to more than 133,000 remaining unserved homes,...
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FFB Episode 265 - Monopoly in the Machine? AI, Chips & the Battle for Network Innovation
As AI adoption accelerates, tech leaders like Nvidia and OpenAI are tightening control over the full technology stack—from specialized chips and cloud infrastructure to the AI models driving innovation. Our guest this week is Asad Ramzanali, Director of Artificial Intelligence & Technology Policy...
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FFB Episode 264 - Cracking the Code on Broadband Coordination: Inside the Single View
In this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, we explore how Maryland is pioneering a first-of-its-kind “Single View” of all public broadband and digital infrastructure assets. This statewide platform centralizes planning and coordination by mapping everything from vertical assets and real estate...
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FFB Episode 263 - Parks Associates Consumer Study Highlights: Assistive Technologies for Older Adults and How Fiber Connects Independence
As the U.S. population ages, the demand for solutions that help seniors live independently is accelerating—while the healthcare and senior care workforce faces a growing staffing crisis. In this episode, Elizabeth Parks, President & CMO of Parks Associates, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of…
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FFB Episode 262 - From Strategy to Sustainability: Colorado’s Broadband Approach to Reliability & Reach
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Brandy Reitter, Colorado’s State Broadband Officer, for a deep dive into the state’s broadband strategy following the “benefit of the bargain.” Brandy unpacks Colorado’s updated broadband plan, highlighting how the state is using a mix of technologies to...
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FFB Episode 261 - New Year, New Connections: BEAD Moves Forward in 2026!
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…
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FFB Episode 259 - FBA 2026 Events Reveal
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...
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FFB Episode 260 - Plans, Policies & Programs with Ash Brown, FBA Board Chair
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...
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FFB Episode 258 - The State of Fiber with Mike Render - Progress and Prospects for Fiber Broadband
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...
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FFB Episode 257 - What's Next After BEAD
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,...
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FFB Episode 256 - Defining Digital Readiness: What Broadband Leaders Need to Know Now
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…
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FFB Episode 255 - Why AI's Future Depends on Fiber
In this week’s episode, we explore Recon Analytics’ compelling insight: fiber broadband isn’t just another access layer – it’s the backbone of the AI economy. Their latest survey shows that fiber users engage with AI far more frequently and intensely than users on other networks, revealing a...
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FFB Episode 254 - Leading a Transformation - Brightspeed’s First Six Months Under New Leadership_EDITED.mov
This conversation with Brightspeed CEO Michel Combes explores his first six months at the helm of one of the nation’s fastest-growing fiber internet providers. In this discussion with Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, Michel reflects on the company’s transformation...
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FFB Episode 253 - A Practitioner’s Guide to Rural Digital Inclusion
As the broadband industry’s focus shifts from deployment to adoption, ensuring rural residents have the tools and confidence to fully engage in the digital economy is critical. True inclusion goes beyond connectivity—it requires affordable devices, hands-on digital skills training (including AI...
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FFB Episode 252 - Signals of Change: How Fiber is Continuing to Transform Kansas
Kansas is proving that the buck doesn’t stop with BEAD. Across the state, new broadband initiatives are laying the groundwork for a digital renaissance – connecting communities, revitalizing local economies, and creating opportunities that keep Kansans rooted where they are or even draw them back...
About this show
The Fiber Broadband Association provides advocacy, education and resources to companies, organizations and communities who want to deploy the best networks through fiber to the home, fiber to the business and fiber everywhere. Get Association updates and Fiber for Breakfast The Fiber Broadband Association's weekly 30-minute live video discussion hosted by our President and CEO, Gary Bolton, and featuring industry thought leaders on current topics that explore fiber as the critical infrastructure for 21st century communications as well as other connectivity and workplace issues presented during these challenging times.
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Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton
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