Claim OwnershipFiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton
Subscribed: 12Played: 193
Subscribe
© All rights reserved
Description
The Fiber Broadband Association provides advocacy, education and resources to companies, organizations and communities who want to deploy the best networks through fiber to the home, fiber to the business and fiber everywhere. Get Association updates and Fiber for Breakfast The Fiber Broadband Association's weekly 30-minute live video discussion hosted by our President and CEO, Gary Bolton, and featuring industry thought leaders on current topics that explore fiber as the critical infrastructure for 21st century communications as well as other connectivity and workplace issues presented during these challenging times.
268 Episodes
Reverse
As BEAD funding moves from promise to reality, what comes next for US broadband? In this timely conversation, Carol Mattey – industry veteran and founding member/principal of Mattey Consulting LLC – joins President & GEO Gary Bolton of the Fiber Broadband Association to explore the long-term impact of the BEAD program and the future of connectivity. Join in the conversation as they examine whether gaps in broadband coverage will remain, how LEO satellite services may factor into the equation, and if today’s 100/20 Mbps standard will be adequate or need to be re-examined after BEAD projects are completed. The discussion also tackles who will ultimately be responsible for closing any remaining gaps – industry, government, or communities and whether the FCC’s Universal Service Fund could play a pivotal role. Register now!
With Special Guest:
Carol Mattey, Founder, Mattey Consulting LLC
On January 14, 2026, the California Public Advocates Office, in partnership with the University of California, Santa Barbara, released Broadband Competition and Pricing Strategies in California’s Urban Markets. The study examines how large incumbent providers respond to new competition from fiber and fixed wireless entrants across California’s urban communities.
In this week’s episode of Fiber for Breakfast, Ernesto Falcon, Program Manager at the CPUC, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to unpack the findings. Drawing on market-level pricing data and deployment patterns, the report shows that meaningful facilities-based competition—particularly from new fiber providers—drives lower promotional pricing, enhanced service offerings, and more aggressive customer retention strategies.
Conversely, in markets without robust infrastructure competition, consumers often face higher prices under effective gigabit monopolies. The analysis reveals persistent market concentration across many urban areas and underscores the need for policies that promote sustainable infrastructure competition, pricing transparency, and strong consumer protections.
With Special Guest:
Ernesto Falcon, Program Manager, CPUC
On this episode of Fiber for Breakfast, we pull back the curtain on In-Line Amplifier (ILA) huts—the unsung infrastructure powering long-haul fiber networks. Michael Thomas, Regional Vice President of Integration at Network Connex, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to explain how ILAs keep signals strong across hundreds of miles, reduce latency, and enable the rapid growth of AI and cloud services. They’ll also discuss why ILA placement is critical, how these sites are evolving into micro data centers, who’s building them, and how they could create new broadband opportunities for rural communities.
With Special Guest:
Michael Thomas, Regional Vice President of Integration, Network Connex
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
As AI adoption accelerates, tech leaders like Nvidia and OpenAI are tightening control over the full technology stack—from specialized chips and cloud infrastructure to the AI models driving innovation.
Our guest this week is Asad Ramzanali, Director of Artificial Intelligence & Technology Policy at the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator, warns that this consolidation threatens competition, innovation, and the very infrastructure supporting communications. For network operators, maintaining openness and interoperability across networks, data centers, and cloud platforms is critical to enabling 5G, edge computing and AI-driven services. When a small number of firms dictate access to chips, models and compute, they risk creating bottlenecks and limiting agility.
Join Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association as he and Asad unpack “the monopoly in the machine” and what telecom leaders can do to stay ahead.
With Special Guest:
Asad Ramzanali, Director of Artificial Intelligence & Technology Policy at the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator
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
As the U.S. population ages, the demand for solutions that help seniors live independently is accelerating—while the healthcare and senior care workforce faces a growing staffing crisis. In this episode, Elizabeth Parks, President & CMO of Parks Associates, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to unpack new research on the evolving market for independent living solutions for older adults. The conversation explores seniors’ desire for independence, family caregivers’ awareness and expectations, and the technologies gaining traction—from smart home systems and medical alerts to fall detection, mobility aids, home modifications, and community-based services. Elizabeth shares key insights into adoption barriers, trusted information channels, and practical strategies to overcome challenges, highlighting how connectivity and broadband-enabled solutions like fiber can play a critical role in supporting aging Americans.
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
After years of planning, the BEAD program is moving from paper to pavement—but approval is only the start. In this first episode of 2026, Kathryn de Wit, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ broadband access initiative, joins Fiber Broadband Association President & CEO Gary Bolton to examine what comes next as states begin building networks to reach nearly five million locations. Kathryn unpacks NTIA’s evolving guidance, the “curing” process, and the challenges ahead—from permitting and workforce shortages to supply chain pressures and non-deployment funding uncertainty. If you’re asking, “proposals are approved—now what?” this episode offers timely, practical insight into the work ahead and what it will take to turn BEAD’s ambition into lasting broadband impact.
With Special Guests:
Kathryn de Wit, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ broadband access initiative
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 the last Fiber for Breakfast episode of 2025, Gary welcomes the Senior Director, Field and Partner Marketing at Adtran and the 2026 FBA Board Chair, Ash Brown. Ash will review FBA Board priorities for 2026, and will share FBA Policy updates and plans to engage with her constituents and the FBA working groups in the new year. Ash will also share the latest on Adtran.
With Special Guest:
Ash Brown, Senior Director, Field and Partner Marketing at Adtran and the 2026 FBA Board Chair
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
In this week’s episode, Dr. Christopher Ali – national broadband policy expert and author – joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, for a candid look at what comes after BEAD. Ali cuts through the headlines to uncover the real challenges facing broadband deployment, urging policymakers and providers to move beyond short-term objectives and adopt long-term, purpose-driven strategies.
He underscores the often-overlooked importance of middle-mile infrastructure, the unique opportunities electric cooperatives offer, and why fiber, though the preferred technology, must co-exist with wireless and satellite. Ali also addresses the widening gap between broadband availability and usability, calling for sustained affordability programs and stronger digital literacy support.
Finally, he gives a sneak peek into his new book – “Where the Wires End: Stories from the Digital Divide” and challenges the industry to redefine what success looks like in the post-BEAD era.
With Special Guest:
Dr. Christopher Ali, National Broadband Policy Expert and Author
In this episode, Jessica Dine, Policy Analyst at New America’s Open Technology Institute and Wireless Future Project, joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to unpack New America’s recent report, Exploring Paths to a U.S. Digital Skills Framework. With billions being invested in broadband deployment and adoption, the lack of a national standard for defining and measuring digital skills poses a major risk to impact. Jessica outlines two strategic options: adapting proven international or institutional models or developing a data-driven framework tailored to the U.S. landscape. Tune in to explore why this work is urgent and how it could advance digital inclusion and policy effectiveness nationwide.
With Special Guest:
Jessica Dine, Policy Analyst at New America’s Open Technology Institute and Wireless Future Project
In this week’s episode, we explore Recon Analytics’ compelling insight: fiber broadband isn’t just another access layer – it’s the backbone of the AI economy. Their latest survey shows that fiber users engage with AI far more frequently and intensely than users on other networks, revealing a powerful feedback loop: better connectivity drives deeper AI adoption, and that engagement further justifies fiber investments. For telecom providers, this isn’t just a usage trend – it’s a strategic signal. Listen this week as Roger Entner, Analyst and Founder of Recon Analytics chats with Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association about what this means for CAPEX allocation, customer segmentation, positioning fiber as the “AI experience,” and rethinking the value proposition in an AI-driven future.
With Special Guest:
Roger Entner, Analyst and Founder of Recon Analytics
This conversation with Brightspeed CEO Michel Combes explores his first six months at the helm of one of the nation’s fastest-growing fiber internet providers. In this discussion with Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, Michel reflects on the company’s transformation journey, progress in expanding high-speed connectivity across its 20-state footprint, and the cultural and operational shifts driving momentum. From accelerating fiber deployment and enhancing customer experience to strengthening community partnerships and fostering an innovative workplace committed to putting the customer first, the session offers a candid look at the challenges, milestones and lessons learned during his initial months of leadership. Attendees will gain insight into Brightspeed’s strategic direction, leadership philosophy and the path forward as the company continues its mission to deliver reliable, next-generation connectivity to more than 5 million locations in the communities it serves.
With Special Guest:
Michel Combes, CEO, Brightspeed
As the broadband industry’s focus shifts from deployment to adoption, ensuring rural residents have the tools and confidence to fully engage in the digital economy is critical. True inclusion goes beyond connectivity—it requires affordable devices, hands-on digital skills training (including AI literacy), and ongoing community support. When these elements come together, rural communities can transform connectivity into opportunity—fueling new jobs, entrepreneurship, and long-term local prosperity.
In this week’s episode, Adam Dewbury, Ph.D., Researcher and Shaniqua Corley-Moore, Head of Tech Talent Development, join Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to share evidence-based strategies and best practices for advancing digital inclusion. They’ll explore how tailored interventions can empower key groups—low-income households, women, students, older adults, veterans, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with language barriers, and people with disabilities—to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
With Special Guest:
Adam Dewbury, Ph.D., Researcher and Shaniqua Corley-Moore, Head of Tech Talent Development
Kansas is proving that the buck doesn’t stop with BEAD. Across the state, new broadband initiatives are laying the groundwork for a digital renaissance – connecting communities, revitalizing local economies, and creating opportunities that keep Kansans rooted where they are or even draw them back home. From ground-breaking last-mile projects bringing high-speed fiber to rural areas, to the launch of the state’s first Internet Exchange (IXP) in Wichita – a milestone that strengthens resilience, redundancy, and cybersecurity – Kansas is building a stronger, more connected future.
Tune into our next episode as Joseph Le, Deputy Director of Broadband Development at Kansas Commerce talks with Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association to discuss how state leaders and innovators are lighting up the heartland with fiber and redefining what’s possible for Kansas communities.
With Special Guest:
Joseph Le, Deputy Director of Broadband Development at Kansas Commerce
As we look ahead to the next chapter of connectivity, it’s worth pausing to consider how far we’ve come. In this week’s Fiber for Breakfast, Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, sits down with Mike Render, CEO of RVA LLC, to explore two decades of industry evolution — how internet performance, user expectations, and daily life have been transformed. Drawing on original FBA/RVA data, they uncover the trends in the 2025 Consumer Study that shaped today’s connected world and highlight the critical role fiber has played in driving progress.
With Special Guest:
Mike Render, CEO of RVA LLC
Today, many technologies can advertise 100/20 “broadband,” but few providers deliver those speeds consistently. Consumers are sold “up to” speeds – yet speed test data shows that while fiber consistently delivers as promised, other technologies fall short most of the time. On today’s Fiber for Breakfast, Jonathan Chambers, co-CEO, Conexon talks with Gary Bolton, FBA’s President & CEO about how the industry must move beyond theoretical definitions to accountability based on actual, verifiable performance. The question is simple: are customers really getting what they paid for?
With Special Guest:
Jonathan Chambers, co-CEO, Conexon
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States