Fiber Forward Weekly: FBA's Regional Fiber Connect Workshop in Spokane was a Success!

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Fiber Broadband Association and NCTI Highlight Opportunities for Growth in Broadband Workforce

This week, FBA and NCTI unveiled the results of a joint workforce preparedness survey. The findings have been published in a paper titled, “Employer Workforce Preparedness in the Fiber Broadband Industry: How Build-Ready are We?” highlight the proactive steps many broadband service providers are taking to ensure a robust and skilled fiber-optic workforce.

Participate in the Fiber Deployment Cost Survey

Your insights will help establish reliable industry benchmarks and provide clarity on the ongoing challenge of inconsistent build cost data.

🎁 First 50 respondents receive a $100 Amazon gift card (T&Cs apply) - learn more here!

If you’re not the right person to take this survey, please share with your Head of Network Deployment, Construction, or PMO.

🔗Click here to start the survey!

Fiber Connect 2026 Call for Speakers Open

Fiber Connect 2026 will take place May 17-20, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Conference Center in Orlando, Florida. We’ve already received some exciting submissions, but we’re looking for more voices and perspectives to help shape the conversations that will drive the future of fiber broadband.

👉 Submit through the Speaker Submission Portal by 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, October 31, 2025.

🔗Read More Here

Innovative Systems: WV Cable Operator Switching to MG-TV

STL launches the world’s slimmest IBR cable with 864F for hyperscalers in the United States

Southern Telecom and Seimitsu form SouthernWaves, secure deal with South Downtown Atlanta project

Ripple Fiber Launches Fiber Internet in Holden, Massachusetts, Soon Providing Access to Over 11,000 Homes

Orbitel Upgrades Internet Speeds for Most Customers at No Extra Cost

123NET Expands Southfield Data Center to Power AI and High-Density Deployments

Consolidated Communications Becomes Fidium, Uniting All Services Under One Bold Identity

EPB announces leadership plan for the future

Surf Internet Leads ICP Round 14 with Largest Award in the State

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.

Aging in Place: Powered by Fiber

This week’s Fiber for Breakfast episode, Thomas Kamber, founder and executive director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, shared how broadband—and fiber in particular—is reshaping the experience of aging in place. From his early work in post-9/11 New York to leading OATS’ nationwide growth, Kamber has seen first-hand how the importance of fiber connectivity can empower older adults with independence, health, and community.

Read the full summary | Watch the full interview

Broadband Communities releases the 2025 Top 100 list

Broadband Communities | Brad Randall | 9/19/25

Solving the disconnect between field techs and engineers – and why it matters

Broadband Nation | Tommy Clift | 9/24/25

Updated, Comprehensive List: BEAD Benefit of the Bargain Provisional Awards

Telecompetitor | Ian Doescher | 9/23/25

Advocacy groups urge lawmakers to reform, expand Universal Service Fund amid congressional probe

Statescoop | Keely Quinlan | 9/18/25

Research Finds $3.24 Trillion Economic Benefit From Fiber Deployment To Unserved Areas Broadband Breakfast | Akul Saxena | 9/23/25

Data centers that return energy to electric grid are hot

Fierce Network | Martha DeGrasse | 9/23/25

One Fifth of Multifamily Housing Residents With Internet Have Gig Speeds: Study - Telecompetitor

Telecompetitor | Phil Britt | 9/23/25

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI): RFP for ISP Network and Operations Management Services Provider 🏗️

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for vendors to supply and deliver broadband network materials to support their infrastructure deployment in Lincoln County, Oregon. Vendors must provide new, high-quality materials that meet federal and tribal requirements, including Build America, Buy America (BABA) provisions. Proposals will be evaluated on cost competitiveness, delivery schedule, compliance with specifications, support services, and Indian preference. Qualified vendors will be added to CTSI’s Qualified Bidders List, and selected partners must ensure timely, compliant delivery to support broadband construction milestones.

Key Dates

September 30, 2025, 4:00 PM PST – Proposal submission deadline; proposals will be opened immediately after

To view more, click here.

To view all RFPs, view them on FBA’s website here.

FBA is supporting the New York State Wireless Association (NYSWA)’s Forum on September 29^th for an evening of education, idea sharing, and new relationships.

Marissa Mitrovich, FBA’s VP of Public Policy, will be featured as a panelist, offering insights into the evolving policy landscape and the importance of broadband infrastructure. In addition, several FBA staff members will participate in the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum's Speed Networking event.

For more details and to register, click here. Send FBA a note once you’ve registered so we know to expect you at this NYC event.