These policy themes and more will be featured in the Broadband Policy Upload Program at Fiber Connect 2026. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 19, and will explore the policy considerations shaping industries and technologies that rely on fiber infrastructure, including data centers, smart cities, telehealth, precision agriculture, and cybersecurity.
Survey Says™ Fiber Broadband Association Debuts “Fiber Feud” at Fiber Connect 2026
This week, FBA also announced the debut of “Fiber Feud” at Fiber Connect 2026, bringing a game-show-style competition to the main stage of this year’s event. Fiber Feud will feature teams of broadband industry leaders going head-to-head in a fast-paced test of their industry and FBA knowledge, Fiber Connect familiarity, and quick thinking.
Four teams will compete live on the main stage during general sessions, with preliminaries on Monday, May 18, and the top two teams advancing to the finals on Tuesday, May 19. The teams include the following broadband industry leaders:
Team State Broadband Officers, led by Team Captain Bree Maki, Executive Director, Minnesota Office of Broadband Deployment
Team Adtran/JSI/Corning/GLDS, led by Team Captain Ash Brown, FBA Board Chair and Senior Director of Field Marketing, Adtran
Team Ocean San Financial, led by Team Captain Dave Hagan Jr., Manager at Ocean San Financial
Team OSP Solutions, led by Team Captain Daniel Romer, Vice President, Sales, OSP Solutions
Threat Detection Emerges as a Breakout Use Case for Fiber Networks
FBA's research paper, An Introduction to Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing for Fiber Network Operators, was published this week. The paper, developed by FBA’s Technology Committee, provides a comprehensive overview of how fiber networks can be leveraged beyond connectivity to enable advanced sensing capabilities across industries. By broadening the understanding of fiber’s utility, prioritizing integration of DFOS applications, and fostering collaborative models for asset monetization and data-driven management, fiber network operators can unlock unprecedented value.
Download the full paper here. The paper’s findings will be presented during a webinar on May 13th at 12pm ET. Register for the webinar here.
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 of Fiber of Fiber Connect Luncheon
At Fiber Connect 2026, one of the most anticipated gatherings returns—the Women of Fiber Connect Luncheon—bringing together voices from across the industry for an inspiring conversation on leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact.
This year’s program will feature a keynote from Abby Farris Rogers, exploring how strong leadership fuels more resilient, connected communities. The conversation continues with a fireside chat between Ramsey Alwin and Ash Brown, diving into leadership, longevity, and the legacy we’re building across the fiber ecosystem.
This impactful event is made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors: Calix, Clearfield, Inc., Corning, Graybar, KGPCo, Power & Tel, WICT, and Wolf Line Construction.
Don’t miss Fiber Connect’s 25th Anniversary Gala at Fiber Connect 2026.
This milestone celebration is one of the most anticipated moments of the event, bringing the industry together for an evening of connection, reflection, and fun.
🎟️Tickets are going fast—secure yours before they sell out.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the celebration!
For years, the broadband industry focused on connecting people to the internet. Faster speeds, broader coverage, better access. This week’s Fiber for Breakfast pushed that idea further. In a conversation with Allan Isfan, Senior Director of Product Management Technology for Global Video Platform & AI at Warner Bros. Discovery, Gary explored what happens when networks are no longer just delivering connectivity but actively supporting how AI runs.
