Fiber Forward Weekly: Blair on 30 Years of Broadband

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Blair Levin's 30 Years of Broadband: What We've Built, What We've Learned, and What Comes Next

On this week’s Fiber for Breakfast, Gary sat down with Blair Levin, former FCC Chief of Staff and Executive Director of the 2010 National Broadband Plan, to talk about what drove broadband forward, where the industry still has work to do, and how AI is once again changing what networks will be expected to support.

Levin said the country has made considerable progress on broadband access, but adoption and affordability remain harder problems. What has changed most may be what those networks are now being asked to do.

AI, quantum networking, cloud infrastructure, and new traffic patterns are changing the performance requirements placed on networks and raising questions about whether decisions made around today’s needs will hold up against tomorrow’s. Levin argued that this is where the difference between technology matters. Satellite can provide an important connection where better options are not available, but he does not see it as interchangeable with fiber for the long-term demands of an AI-driven economy.

📖Read the Full Summary | 📺 Watch the Full Episode

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Nex-Tech Opens Corporate Office, Expands Presence in Central Kansas

EPB Launches IonQ Forte Enterprise Quantum Computer

eX2 Technology Celebrates Completion of Citywide Fiber Network

AFL: Industry Leaders Complete Multicore Fiber MSA, Release Spec.

GoNetspeed Celebrates First N.J. Customers

Clearfield Accelerates Data Center Fiber Deployment with NOVA^TM Velocity Panel

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📜 Policy Developments📜

This week, FBA held a Fiber Policy Lab at the Boston Regional Fiber Connect workshop, and also filed comments in support of two recent policy developments: the FCC's proceeding to eliminate barriers to wireline deployment and New Mexico's proceeding to amend its Rural Telecommunications Act.

SBO & Senator's Office Join Boston Fiber Policy Lab

Titled “Innovating With Fiber: Opportunities to Power the Future,” the Fiber Lab brought together local, state, and federal leaders with broadband advocates. Attendees heard from Mark Lannigan, Regional Director, Office of US Senator Ed Markey, and Michael Baldino, Massachusetts State Broadband Director, along with other policymakers to discuss how fiber is enabling innovation through regional healthcare, economic opportunity, and agriculture. Read the Announcement

Comments Filed on FCC Wireline Deployment Barrier Elimination

FBA's comments supported FCC efforts to address state and local barriers and the proposed 120-day timeline framework. Read the Comments

Comments Filed New Mexico Rural Telecom Act Amendments

FBA supported the state’s new deployment program, urged the prioritization of fiber, supported the state’s revised LITAP program, and urged increased rates available for all eligible consumers of broadband services. Read the Comments

🙌 Upcoming FBA Member Mingles 🙌

📆 Wed., Sep. 30 | Columbus, Ohio | 5 PM local time

Thank you to our sponsors altafiber & Lumos!

📆 Mon., Oct. 26 | Savannah, Ga. | 5 PM local time

📆 Wed., Nov. 18 | Vancouver | 5 PM local time

There is no cost to attend FBA Member Mingles. Remember to bring business cards to enter door prize drawings! RSVP to any of these events by emailing membership@fiberbroadband.org. Stay tuned for more upcoming Member Mingles and track all upcoming FBA events here.