📢Registration for Fiber Connect 2026 is Open! 📢
Registration is now open for Fiber Connect 2026 (FC26), the world’s largest fiber broadband event, taking place May 17-20, 2026, at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. With a theme focused on moving the world “Light Years Ahead,” Fiber Connect 2026 reflects how fiber has become the infrastructure behind modern life and future innovation.
The OpTIC Path Fiber Optic Technician Rodeo is back. Start sharpening your skills and register to compete in the annual OpTIC Path Rodeo at Fiber Connect 2026.
“The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) applauds Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Hal Rogers (R-KY) for introducing the Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act (SUCCESS for BEAD Act). This companion to the Senate version of the bill would authorize the use of remaining funds under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to strengthen broadband deployment nationwide.
“This legislation reinforces BEAD’s role as a long-term economic investment — extending high-performance connectivity to hard-to-reach areas while underscoring the importance of U.S. leadership in data-intensive industries, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies.”
-Gary Bolton, President & CEO, Fiber Broadband Association
Mike Callahan Appointed Burlington Telecom President, GM
Want to see your company's fiber news featured here? Email your press releases and related images to fiberforward@fiberbroadband.org by noon ET on Wednesdays.
Dear Fiber Broadband Association Members,
I am pleased to report that our industry achieved a new annual record for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) deployment in 2025, surpassing 11.8 million homes passed.
As we enter a pivotal political environment in 2026, marked by midterm elections and early presidential campaigns, FBA is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing recognition of fiber as essential infrastructure, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation technologies.
FBA’s focus will be on securing impactful policy outcomes by advocating for fiber as a foundational component of AI development and broader technological innovation. Key priorities will include driving network modernization through the efficient retirement of copper infrastructure, eliminating permitting and deployment barriers, and safeguarding both federal and state broadband initiatives.
Gary Bolton, President & CEO, Fiber Broadband Association
From Approval to Action – What Comes Next for BEAD
The first Fiber for Breakfast episode of 2026 featured Gary and Kathryn de Wit, Program Director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Broadband Access Initiative, for a timely discussion on what happens now that state plans are being approved—and what it will take to turn BEAD’s ambition into lasting impact.
🎧Catch up on additional FFBs aired during the holidays, including episodes with Ash Brown, FBA Board Chairman; Jessica Koch, FBA Conference Committee Chair; and Evann Freeman, FBA’s Board Vice Chair and Conference Committee Board Liaison: Click here
✨ Join us for the FBA California Member Mingle ✨
đź“Ť San Diego, CA
📅 Wednesday, January 21 | 5–7 PM local time
This exclusive networking event is your chance to connect with fellow FBA members, enjoy great conversations, build new relationships, and relax over light refreshments.
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