New study shows how fiber networks protect lives and keep communities connected before, during, and after disasters
This week, FBA announced a new case study, Fiber for Public Safety: How Broadband Infrastructure Protects Communities Before, During, and After Disasters, highlighting how resilient fiber broadband networks save lives by keeping first responders, hospitals, and communities connected when wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters strike.
The case study shares real-world examples from across the United States where fiber broadband has proven to be the difference between fragile communications systems and reliable, life-saving networks.
Fiber Broadband Association Recognizes Robert Griffin for Leadership in Expanding Fiber Connectivity
On November 4th, the Fiber Broadband Association celebrated Gimme Fiber Day and recognized Robert Griffin, Tribal Broadband Manager for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, as the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Charles Kao Award honoring his dedication to driving innovation and connecting communities through fiber broadband. This annual award celebrates individuals, companies, or organizations whose work has made a lasting impact on broadband deployment and accessibility.
The Dr. Charles Kao Award is presented each year on Gimme Fiber Day, an international event held November 4th on the birthday of Dr. Charles Kao, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist known as the “Father of Fiber Optics.” Established in 2013 by the FTTH Council Global Alliance (FCGA), Gimme Fiber Day highlights the vital role fiber plays in fostering economic opportunity, education, and social inclusion.
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Update on the FCGA Summit 2025 👏
This week Gary Bolton, FBA President and CEO attended the FTTH Councils Global Alliance (FCGA) summit. Hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, by the Fiber Connect Council MENA, who holds this year’s presidency of the FTTH Councils Global Alliance (FCGA), the summit brought together over 25 senior leaders from the six regional councils forming the platform for two days of networking and discussions over the Smart Cities and differences and commonalities of fiber deployment and adoption at international level.
Bolton presented a view on the major technology innovation tipping points that will be fueled by critical fiber optic infrastructure. During his discussion, he provided an overview on the progress of the fiber build out in the U.S., including an update on the $42.45B government subsidy funding program for providing broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities. Bolton concluded with an outlook for the future and the critical role that fiber will play in the acceleration of next gen technology and the positive impact on generations to come.
Signals of Change: How Fiber is Transforming Kansas
This week’s Fiber for Breakfast episode, Joseph Le, Interim Director of Broadband Development at the Kansas Department of Commerce, joined FBA President and CEO Gary Bolton to discuss the progress Kansas has made expanding broadband access—and how fiber continues to reshape communities across the state.
We’ve officially closed our Call for Speakers for Fiber Connect 2026, and we’re thrilled to share that we received a record-breaking 310 submissions! 🎉
The proposals are now in the hands of our Conference Committee, who will be reviewing them.
⭐Thank you to everyone who submitted! Your experience is what makes the content at Fiber Connect the best in the industry.
🔜Stay tuned for speaker announcements and more updates...
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