Long-haul, high-capacity fiber is often taken for granted, but planning, building, and lighting up thousands of miles of glass requires extensive planning and a lot of construction, especially when the latest connections are designed for the $500 billion Stargate Project underway in Abilene, Texas. A key part to this and all other fiber projects is the inline amplifier (ILA) shelters built approximately every 50 miles along the fiber routes to strengthen the signal and keep data flowing rather than fading away.
Michael Thomas, Regional Vice President of Integration at Network Connex joined Gary Bolton this week on Fiber for Breakfast to discuss Network Connex's ILA project.
✨ Celebrate 25 Years of Fiber Excellence at the Fiber Connect 2026 Anniversary Gala ✨
Step into an elegant, black-tie evening dedicated to the trailblazers shaping the future of fiber. The 25th Anniversary Gala shines a spotlight on the innovators, changemakers, and industry champions whose work continues to move broadband forward.
Be part of a memorable night as we recognize outstanding achievements, reflect on the progress of the past quarter century, and look ahead to what’s next.
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.
🌐 Women in Fiber Mentoring Program 🌐
FBA's Women in Fiber Committee is now accepting applications for its Women in Fiber Mentoring Program, a professional development initiative that connects emerging leaders with experienced mentors across the fiber broadband industry.
The program helps participants build skills, expand their networks, and support one another’s career growth in a collaborative, inclusive environment.
The committee is always looking for additional mentors who are interested in giving back, sharing their experience, and helping shape the next generation of industry leaders.
🤠Compete in the Fiber Technician Competition at Fiber Connect 2026!
The OpTIC Path Rodeo returns to Fiber Connect 2026 as a high-energy skills competition for fiber professionals. Technicians and field teams go head-to-head in timed challenges that showcase the craft, precision, and problem-solving needed to build world-class fiber networks. It is equal parts competition and celebration of the people who power America’s digital future.
