Fiber Connect 2024: Shaping the Future of Fiber Broadband 

Held in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, Fiber Connect 2024 brought together industry leaders, enthusiasts, and visionaries under the theme “Accelerating Our Fiber Future.”   The event emphasized how fiber infrastructure can revolutionize communities, economies, and opportunities for individuals. Precision OT was there to engage with other attendees in discussions and collaborations aimed at driving innovation and advancing gigabit broadband networks.  

Fiber Forward – How to Speed Up Broadband Expansion 

In a pre-conference workshop titled “Integrating Innovation: Pioneering Fiber Broadband Solutions”  industry experts gathered to present case studies and discuss/demonstrate cutting-edge technologies for fiber broadband.  An interactive panel of MSO leaders took a deep dive into industry advancements, network solutions and lessons-learned with the goal of brainstorming ways to both simplify and accelerate broadband expansion.  A few highlights: 

• Investment and Cost Management –  MSOs building out new fiber broadband networks have learned the importance of careful financial planning and cost management. This involves not only the initial expenditure on fiber optics and installation, but also ongoing costs related to maintenance and upgrades. While the upfront costs are high, the long-term benefits of higher bandwidth capabilities and lower maintenance costs will outweigh these initial investments. 

• Relationships Matter – Building a new fiber network involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including equipment manufacturers, infrastructure providers, and technology partners.  Building strong relationships with municipalities, engineering firms, and regulatory experts can provide the necessary support to navigate the complex technical and legal challenges involved. 

• Commit to Continuous Improvement – With the telecommunications industry rapidly evolving, new technologies and techniques emerge frequently.  70% of building out a new fiber network is labor cost, so it’s worthwhile to cross-train when possible and build a company culture to attract the best talent possible.  By committing to continuous learning and process refinement, organizations can build more robust and future-ready networks. 

Artificial Intelligence AND Quantum Technology?  Woah Dude……. 

As is the case in most tech forums these days, there was much discussion around AI (Artificial Intelligence) at Fiber Connect 2024.  An interesting twist came in the form of a Day 1 keynote presentation entitled “Quantum Leap: Enhancing Fiber Optic Infrastructure for Tomorrow’s Technologies”  which discussed the merits of enhancing AI with quantum physics.  The phenomena Albert Einstein referred to as “spooky action at a distance” was described by Dr. Duncan Earl of Qubitekk. He explained that while in classical computing–information is stored in bits, in quantum computing–we have qubits. Two key quantum phenomena are superposition and entanglement. Entanglement allows particles as far away as on opposite sides of the universe to influence each other’s behavior, creating a level of connectivity that seems to defy conventional limits.  Unlike classical bits, qubits follow the principles of quantum physics and can exist in multiple states simultaneously(superposition), enabling parallel processing without the need for parallel hardware.  The quantum behavior of qubits effectively “shrinks” the distance between two points, making it nearly impossible for messages sent this way to be intercepted. 

Quantum computers excel at solving optimization and simulation problems, with potential applications ranging from developing better cancer medicines to securing the power grid to enhancing artificial intelligence.  In teaming up AI and quantum computing, we can “train an AI machine with less energy”, said Dr. Earl who is also chief scientist for the first commercially available quantum network, the EPB Quantum Network which supports 10 quantum nodes and is available to industry, academia, and national labs to use and run experiments. 

Where does fiber come in? 

Other quantum networks exist in addition to the EPB Quantum Network.  These isolated quantum computing systems all have specialized equipment currently, but they are slowly moving towards standardization.  Once standardized, fiber networks will be needed to connect all the individual quantum computers together, essentially creating a much larger, more powerful quantum computer.  Modifications will be needed to current fiber networks to accommodate qubits and so networks like the EPB are looking for partners that understand quantum and/or are willing to learn something new. 

Promoting Fiber:  It Takes a Village 

On Day 2 during the morning general session, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) honored Julie Kunstler with the Fiber Lifetime Achievement Award. Kunstler, who retired in April 2024 as Chief Analyst at Omdia, was recognized for her exceptional contributions to the fiber broadband industry. Kunstler has consistently provided crucial analysis on fixed broadband access, including its components and technology impacts. Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the FBA, praised Kunstler’s insightful market forecasts, guidance on industry trends, and commitment to promoting broadband connectivity.  

Pedal to the Metal  

Not to be upstaged, following Kunstler’s award presentation FBA chairman of the board,  Jimmy Todd, ROARED into Ballroom A on a motorcycle to the tune of Steppenwolf’s Born to Be Wild.    “There’s a rush in riding down an unknown road…” Todd began,  “You feel limitless….anything and everything is possible….”   He spoke of riding out on the open road, seeing communities that are well connected and thriving. And sadly, he’s also ridden through towns that are not connected, remote and abandoned.  “I’ve been told that my idea–that every home in America that has electricity can have fiber — is a fantasy.  Why?  Fiber is the best investment that can be made for connectivity.  Other networks will not scale like fiber. “ Todd closed with “Our country is at a crossroads:  It’s important that we all pave the way.  Full speed ahead, this is an evolutionary path all of us are on.  When fiber leads, the future follows…” 

BEAD, BIL  (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) 

During the opening keynote presentation Marissa Mitrovich, FBAs Vice President of Public Policy, interviewed the NTIA’s Alan Davidson.  Davidson told the audience that the NTIA will soon be putting out a guidelines that address how to use some of the alternate technologies(to fiber) in Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) projects.   When asked whether the NTIA is backing away from fiber, Davidson replied that thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill we are “fiber forward”.  But in situations where fiber isn’t economically feasible, alternate technologies may be approved for BEAD funding.   Davidson stressed the essential need to build networks that will stand the test of time (future-proofed) as this type of financial investment won’t come along again anytime soon.  Davidson said the bipartisan funding is rolling out as follows: 

• States have produced plans (and the plan must include ways to connect EVERYone) 

• 26 state plans have been publicly announced/approved, more coming soon 

• State challenge processes are on-going right now 

• Sub grants are under way 

Marisa asked what members of the broadband community can do to help and he said “Show up. Be part of the challenge process in your states, make sure they have the right list.”   He also addressed the critical need for trained fiber optic technicians by highlighting the efforts of various states and organizations, encouraging all to “Communicate with us.  We want to hear what’s working and what’s not working.  We want to know what the friction points are and how to make things better.” 

The idea is to benchmark programs around the country that are working, communicate them broadly and try to duplicate their efforts.   

Workforce Development  

For its part, the FBA is doing what it can to help meet the growing workforce demands for building out the broadband networks of the future.   FBA President and CEO, Gary Bolton highlighted the OpTIC PATH Program, a fiber optic technician training program introduced in 2021 with the end goal of putting 75,000 trained technicians into the workforce.  Mark Boxer was recognized for his contributions to OpTic PATH and dedication to broadband workforce development with the 2024 Chairman’s Award.  Most notably, Boxer led FBA’s initiative to create a workforce development program to train and certify the technicians needed to connect all Americans to reliable broadband. 

Why the Middle Mile Matters 

While much of the discussion around BEAD and other digital equity funding programs has centered on FTTX (Fiber to the home/business/etc), panelists led by moderator Sachin Gupta of Centranet discussed “Middle Mile Networks: Defining the Road Ahead.”   In many rural areas, there is no middle mile network located close enough to connect last mile infrastructure. Or sometimes the only nearby middle mile is privately owned by a large ISP who can selectively determine how to set up services and essentially charge whatever they want.  According to Charles Vogt of DZS, “Capacity, processing and real time communications are driving growth.  We have a unique opportunity now to get middle mile right.  Build the middle mile with open standards.”   The goal would be to enable middle mile networks to offer equal opportunity for ISPs to link cost-effectively to last mile infrastructure. This can connect more users to high-speed broadband while also increasing competition among local ISPs to drive down costs.  

Once We’ve Bridged the Broadband Gap, Then What?    

In a panel discussion entitled  “Changing the Value Creation Paradigm: Moving Forward Once the Digital Equity Gap is Closed”  Moderator Matt Collins (Calix) discussed how trust is a common theme in building new networks.  “Internet is essential, but one issue is in the forefront – SECURITY.”  He asked the panelists how they think about trust and network security in their role: 

Tamarah Holmes of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development mentioned the importance of forging strong relationships and trust when building out the last mile.  To help build comfort and trust with the BEAD program “We tie in community and local support — education, literacy and how to use internet in a safe manner.”  Regarding digital equity funding, she mentioned that the state of Virginia is looking into leveraging literacy efforts already in practice across the state.  Libraries, for example, have “digital navigators”.  Librarians are actually going into homes to help people set up computers and home networks.  “State providers and broadband offices can help support this,” Tamarah said. 

Scott  Hendrix of Tombigbee Fiber stated “As a service provider, [security] is our duty. The 1st layer should be protection. Once the internet is there—you’ve opened the door. You have to put security on the door–then layer the other services on top of that. It’s our duty to better the lives of those we serve.”  

As was proclaimed throughout the conference  “When Fiber Leads, the Future Follows….”