Fiber Broadband Association Research Expands in 2025, Helping Providers, Policymakers, and Communities Make Informed Decisions
This week, FBA announced a new level of momentum in its research, capturing critical data points and analysis of the fiber broadband industry and providing actionable insights and best practices recommendations. Through the work of its committees, workgroups, and partner organizations, FBA produced 24 research papers, studies and guides, covering topics critical to service providers, providers, policymakers, and communities seeking to build smarter, faster, and more sustainable fiber networks.
Among the most notable findings:
FTTH deployment has now surpassed 11.8 million homes.
Fiber networks now reach 98.4 million U.S. homes, more than 60% of the nation, and over 70% of Canadian homes and businesses.
Non-Tier 1 providers accounted for 40% of all fiber deployments, signaling broader industry participation.
Fiber take-rates rose to 46.5%, and communities with a second fiber provider saw cumulative take rates-rise to 61%, showing the positive impact of competition.
Fiber Broadband Association Releases Statement on BEAD Program Integrity
In response to recent guidance concerning proposed contract provisions that could materially alter foundational performance, oversight, and accountability standards under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) issues the following statement this week:
“BEAD was established as a bipartisan, state-led program with clear and consistent rules to ensure accountability, oversight, and long-term value for taxpayers and communities, and those rules must be applied uniformly to all participants. We appreciate NTIA’s guidance as states implement this complex program, and state broadband offices should be fully empowered to enforce BEAD requirements and reject contract provisions that weaken transparency, oversight, or accountability. The Fiber Broadband Association remains focused on BEAD’s core mission: deploying reliable, high-capacity, future-ready broadband infrastructure that communities can depend on for decades.”
gaiia Supports Resound Network’s Expansion with Unified OSS/BSS Platform
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Introducing the Last Mile Letter👋
Proud to launch The Last Mile Letter, FBA’s new monthly public policy briefing.
In a year defined by election dynamics, accelerating AI policy, and BEAD moving into full implementation, staying ahead is essential. Each issue offers clear, high-level insight into the policy developments shaping fiber and highlights the work FBA is driving across the nation.
Mark your calendar and join the FBA Membership Team during our Monthly Membership Office Hours on February 19, from 12:00-1:00 PM EST!
This session will include a membership benefits refresher—perfect for both long-standing members and those who joined more recently—plus the chance to ask questions and learn what’s new at FBA in 2026.
Monopoly in the Machine? AI, Chips & the Battle for Network Innovation
The conversation around AI has shifted. What once centered on models and use cases is now increasingly about infrastructure – chips, data centers, fiber, and who controls access to them.
That question framed this week’s Fiber for Breakfast, where Gary was joined by Asad Ramzanali, Director of Artificial Intelligence & Technology Policy at the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator, to unpack what he calls the growing risk of a “monopoly in the machine” - and what that means for networks, competition, and innovation.
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