As we conclude the first half of 2026, the United States is entering one of the most significant infrastructure investment super cycles in modern history. Two transformative trends are converging: the continued expansion of fiber broadband networks and the rapid buildout of the infrastructure required to support artificial intelligence, quantum networking, and other emerging technologies. While often viewed as separate markets, both rely on the same foundational asset: fiber. As intelligence becomes increasingly distributed, data-intensive, and real-time, fiber is evolving from a connectivity platform into the critical infrastructure that will power economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness for decades to come.
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Fiber for Breakfast Week 26: The Quantum Edge – Why Fiber Providers Should Pay Attention Now
Quantum networking can sound like something far off in the future, but this week’s Fiber for Breakfast made the case that the conversation is already moving closer to the networks we rely on today.
Gary sat down with Professor Prem Kumar, Director of the Center for Photonic Communications and Computing at Northwestern University, to explore what quantum networking could mean for fiber providers. The discussion started with a familiar comparison. Just as early internet pioneers in the 1960s and 1970s could not fully predict the digital world their work would enable, today’s quantum researchers are building the foundation for applications that are still emerging.
Kumar described this as the beginning of a “qubit revolution,” driven by rapid progress in quantum computing. But just like classical computing needed networks to scale, quantum systems will also need to be interconnected. The challenge is that quantum information behaves differently. It cannot simply be copied, measured, or routed the same way traditional data can, which makes the network layer far more complex.
FBA recently issued two statements addressing proceedings on Capitol Hill. It applauded the advancement of the Farm Bill 2.0 and the recognition of the critical role USDA broadband programs play in connecting rural communities, strengthening local economies, and enabling the future of American agriculture.
FBA also welcomed Chairman Carr’s focus on permitting modernization and the Commission’s efforts to examine barriers that can delay broadband deployment. Read the Full Permitting Statement
📆Join FBA for its policy-focused event, Fiber Day on the Hill, July 15-16!📆
👋⬆️The Fiber Broadband Association is proud to welcome these new member organizations that joined in Q2 2026!⬆️👋
If you'd like more information about membership, or know a fiber broadband ecosystem player that would be interested, please contact FBA's Vice President of Membership Jennifer Vassil at jvassil@fiberbroadband.org.
🙌 Upcoming Member Mingles 🙌
📆Mon., Jul. 15 | Washington, DC, Fiber Day on The Hill| 5 PM EDT
As always, there is no cost to attend. Stay tuned for more upcoming Member Mingles in Virginia, Colorado, and North Carolina! Track all upcoming FBA events here.
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