This week, FBA announced the results of its Fiber Deployment Cost Annual Report, conducted by Cartesian, that provides a comprehensive benchmark of the costs, challenges, and trends shaping fiber broadband deployment across the U.S. Despite rising costs, the 2025 report underscores fiber’s long-term resilience and value, particularly as demand for high-capacity networks accelerates.
This year’s Cartesian report includes the following key findings:
More than 60% of households have access to fiber today, with 11.8 million new homes added in 2025.
Labor is the dominant cost driver, accounting for 72% of underground deployment costs and 64% of aerial.
Expect to face more cost increases in 2026.
Cartesian will present the report on a webinar, on Thursday, January 29, at 12:00 PM ET.
Fiber Broadband Unlocks Capacity Required to Fuel AI and Quantum Innovation
This week, FBA released a paper, Infrastructure Foundations for AI and Quantum Computing, exploring fiber’s critical role in the next phase of digital transformation.
AI and quantum computing will also be a leading topic of discussion at Fiber Connect 2026 (FC26), May 17-20, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Specifically, on Wednesday, May 20, the event concludes with the AI and Emerging Tech Infrastructure Summit which will include:
A keynote and fireside chat with Dr. Michio Kaku.
A keynote with Nathan Austin, Vice President of Business Development at MyTech Partners.
A panel of AI innovators, quantum savants, and technology futurists.
A data center panel will discuss connectivity requirements of AI applications.
FBA’s final Regional Fiber Connect Workshop of 2026 will conclude in Vancouver, where the agenda has a strong focus on AI and Telecom.
Read the full release here & register here for these events.
Surf Internet Appoints Mary Moran VP of OSP Engineering & Construction
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How Connected Homes are Powering Independence as America Ages
Smart home technology isn’t about convenience anymore — for many households, it’s becoming a lifeline. From fall detection and emergency alerts to remote monitoring and telehealth, connected tools are reshaping how older adults stay independent at home.
That shift was at the center of this week’s Fiber for Breakfast, where Gary was joined by Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO of Parks Associates, to walk through new data showing how older adults and caregivers are using connected technology and the critical role broadband connectivity plays beneath it all.
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