Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton

FTTH technology is clearly the “end game” solution for wireline broadband access services, however, the speed and scope of operator migration to full-fiber networks varies widely, depending on factors such as operator roadmaps and competitive landscape conditions. On the next episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Erik Keith, Principal Analyst for Broadband Infrastructure at S&P Global Market Intelligence, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to discuss key findings from S&P’s most recent global surveys of telecom and cable operators. The conversation will examine key factors in the ongoing evolution towards more pervasive FTTH network deployments, including data points from both the telco and cable operator perspectives. With Special Guest: Erik M. Keith, Principal Analyst for Broadband Infrastructure at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan

Virginia was recently awarded $545 million awards in federal funding through the BEAD program to expand high-speed internet access across the state. The BEAD awards will enable 23 internet service providers to extend broadband infrastructure to more than 133,000 remaining unserved homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions across the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is technology neutrality in its approach for expanding broadband, though fiber projects are still projected to reach the majority of locations. On today’s Fiber for Breakfast, Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Director, Office of Broadband, Virginia ARC Program Manager joins Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association to give us an update on her plans for addressing the digital divide in the state of Virginia. With Special Guest: Tamarah Holmes, Director of the Office of Broadband, DHCD

In this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, we explore how Maryland is pioneering a first-of-its-kind “Single View” of all public broadband and digital infrastructure assets. This statewide platform centralizes planning and coordination by mapping everything from vertical assets and real estate ownership to existing networks, connectivity gaps, and future community needs. The approach is already delivering major results, including more than $3.5 million in savings on a recent ARC broadband grant. Eric Bathras, Chief Technology Officer for Maryland’s Office of Infrastructure, joins FBA President & CEO Gary Bolton to explain how this Goldilocks strategy—one investment serving many needs—helps states optimize resources, address un(der)served areas, and support transportation systems and community anchor institutions. Register now to learn how a unified infrastructure view can accelerate broadband expansion and drive more cost-effective digital policy. With Special Guests: Eric Bathras, CTO for the Office of ​Infrastructure​ at the Maryland Department of Information Technology

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Brandy Reitter, Colorado’s State Broadband Officer, for a deep dive into the state’s broadband strategy following the “benefit of the bargain.” Brandy unpacks Colorado’s updated broadband plan, highlighting how the state is using a mix of technologies to serve communities with diverse needs—including how tribal locations influence deployment decisions. She also explains Colorado’s definition of reliable broadband and why it differs from the NTIA’s—offering valuable insight for providers preparing for the next funding rounds. Brandy joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to discuss and celebrate the critical role local ISPs and operators have played in Colorado’s success. Finally, she looks ahead to priorities for non-deployment funding, and how the state plans to build long-term resilience, digital equity, and operational excellence across all communities. With Special Guests: Brandy Reitter, Colorado’s State Broadband Office

What does 2026 hold for the future of fiber—and for the people shaping it? Join Jessica Koch, Controller at Consolidated Business Services and FBA Conference Committee Chair and Evann Freeman, VP, Government & Community Relations, EPB and FBA's Board Vice Chair and Conference Committee Board Liaison as they pull back the curtain on next year’s vision, offering a look at why Fiber Connect continues to position our industry light years ahead. They will also walk through the seven brand-new Regional Fiber Connect Workshops rolling out across the country and showcase bold, new programming for Fiber Connect 2026, taking place May 17–20 in Orlando. If you’re looking for insight, inspiration, and a glimpse of where the industry is headed, this episode sets the stage With Special Guests: Jessica Koch, Controller at Consolidated Business Services and FBA Conference Committee Chair Evann Freeman, VP, Government & Community Relations, EPB and FBA's Board Vice Chair and Conference Committee Board Liaison

In this episode, we deliver the 2025 annual deployment update on the progress and prospects for fiber broadband—what’s been built, what’s ahead, and what it means for the telecommunications industry. Mike Render, President of RVA, LLC, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, for his final appearance of the year to break down current deployment levels, the key drivers accelerating fiber builds, and the challenges slowing expansion. Drawing on his latest research, Mike highlights emerging opportunities to increase take rates and ARPU, as well as adjacent fiber markets gaining momentum. It’s a clear-eyed view of where fiber stands today and how smart strategy and planning can shape its next phase of growth. With Special Guest: Mike Render, President of RVA, LLC