New Research from Fiber Broadband Association Highlights Fiber’s Role in Transforming Rural Healthcare Access

This week, FBA released a new research paper, “Fiber Broadband Connects Better Healthcare to All Americans,” spotlighting how fiber broadband is a critical enabler of high-quality, accessible healthcare-especially in rural and underserved regions of the country.

From expanding telehealth and remote diagnostics to enabling immersive mental health therapies and virtual physical rehabilitation, fiber broadband is proving essential to overcoming long-standing geographic, economic, and systemic barriers to care. The paper outlines how next-generation connectivity not only expands access to healthcare services but improves patient outcomes and supports stronger rural economies.

Read the release here

Read the paper here

Complete the Survey Today for the Chance to Win $100!

FBA is dedicated to providing industry-leading research to support your teams in deploying fiber in your communities and across the U.S. A cornerstone of this mission is our annual Fiber Deployment Cost Report conducted by our research partners at Cartesian. First published in 2023, this report has become the industry's leading resource on deployment cost benchmarks and trends. 

FBA members play a key role in ensuring the success of this study in accurately depicting what it is like to deploy fiber in 2025. It is through your participation in the survey that we can present the most representative view of the current deployment landscape, including challenges you face, whether it be permitting delays, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, or other barriers. 

Now is the time to provide your input! We ask you to take this opportunity to support our research on fiber deployment in the U.S. by taking the online survey. If you prefer to provide input via a short phone interview, please reach out to Megan Corriveau at megan.corriveau@cartesian.com.  

Click below to participate in this year's survey: 

2025 Fiber Deployment Cost Survey

Survey Deadline: 31st October 2025

As a thank you for your participation, the first 50 study participants will also receive a $100 Amazon gift card (Terms and conditions apply).

More information can be found online: https://fiberbroadband.org/2025-fiber-deployment-cost-survey/. If you have any questions, please reach out to our VP of Research & Workforce Development, Deborah Kish (dkish@fiberbroadband.org). 

Trans Americas Fiber System Deploys Ciena High-Capacity Optical Technology on TAM-1 Submarine Cable

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TDS to be official internet provider for upcoming Ivins PGA Tour event

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Surf Internet Expands to Northern Michigan with $11.4 Million Fiber Investment

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R&M: Netscale Patch Panels grow in Height

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Ripe for Revival hosts ribbon cutting for new Brightspeed Mobile Market Read More | Wins Charlotte Top Workplace Read More

AFL Releases FY2024 Corporate Responsibility Report

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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.

All Broadband is Not Created Equal: The Practical Divide Between Marketing Claims, Speed Tests, and Delivered Speeds

This week’s Fiber for Breakfast episode, host Gary Bolton sat down with Jonathan Chambers, Co-CEO of Conexon who helped pioneer early telecom power and broadband policy at the national level. Their discussion traced the evolution of broadband deployment in rural America — and why rural electric cooperatives remain at the heart of closing the digital divide.

Read the full summary | Watch the full interview

✨ Join us for the FBA Member Mingle in Chicago ✨
📍 Downers Grove, IL
📅Tuesday, October 28 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM CT

This exclusive networking event is your chance to connect with fellow FBA members, enjoy great conversations, build new relationships, and relax over light refreshments.

✅ FBA Members: RSVP now to membership@fiberbroadband.org

❓ Not a member yet? There’s still time to join and gain access to this and future events here!

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!

 📢Upcoming Sponsored Webinars 📢

• October 29, 2025: A Guide to Modernizing an ISP Tech Stack featuring experts from gaiia, Passionate About OSS, & CORE Consults 
• October 30, 2025: The benefits of Network Automation in Global Networks featuring experts from NTT Data
• November 4, 2025: Fiber or Fixed Wireless? Why Not Both? Unlocking the Power of Hybrid Connectivity featuring experts from Cambium Networks 

Fiber Connect 2026 Call for Speakers Open