Broadband Pulse

In this latest issue of Building Broadband, we’re tracking new broadband deployments from Dobson Fiber, Fidium, Henderson Municipal Power & Light, Metronet Fiber, Omni Fiber, Spectrum, TDS Telecom and Wecom Fiber. About the Podcast   In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com. 

While LightRiver, a network integrator, operates in multiple customer spheres—telecom providers, data centers and the public sector- the one thing they all have in common is that they operate high-reliability communications networks. The company is focused on building networks that they sell services to every fund from the Internet at your house to multi-terabit networks between data centers and enterprises of all sizes in between. Out of its main customer segments, the largest of the networks that it builds is in the service provider sector. As a result, LightRiver keeps a keen eye on what's happening there and what's happening in the other areas so it can bring value to our customers by sharing ideas that it has learned as best practices across different areas. In this episode, we talked to two experts at LightRiver about providing a seamless experience for their provider customers: Walt Paskowski, SVP marketing and sales operations for LightRiver And Matt Briley, Senior VP of global sales for LightRiver Here is a timeline of the episode: 0:03    Opening and introduction of guests 0:26    Customer diversity The unique elements of the three main industries LightRiver serves—service providers, data centers, and the public sector. 2:04   LightRiver’s factory-built networks approach How LightRiver’s approach to building a network in its own facility minimizes disruption for its customers. 4:41    Customer examples LightRiver shares how it helped Gigabit Fiber build a new network for interconnecting about 12 different data centers in Dallas and other markets. 5:56    Integrating network assets How LightRiver can help service providers integrate assets they purchase. 8:02    Cable’s coax and fiber transition Giving cable customers a common view of their assets. 10:59 The evolving data center industry LightRiver’s factory-built network process is finding resonance with data center providers. 12:33 AI’s growing influence How LightRiver has incorporated AI to help its customers track assets, network data, and building agents into its software. 15:16 Light River’s geographic reach The company has personnel in 26 out of the 50 states across the US and 150 team members in North America and the UK to respond to its diverse customer set. 17:46 Final Thoughts/Closing Walt Paskowski and Matt Briley share their final thoughts with Broadband Pulse host Sean Buckley. About our guests Walt Paskowski, SVP marketing and sales operations for LightRiver Walt Paskowski oversees LightRiver’s marketing and sales operations, reporting to the CEO. He originally joined LightRiver in 2013 as Senior Vice President of Sales, focused on Utility, Transit, State & Local Government, Public Safety and Research & Education market verticals. He brings over 20 years of experience driving client-centric, mission-critical technology and business solutions, sales leadership and bottom-line revenue contributions to LightRiver and its customers from best-of-breed transport equipment manufacturers, like Alcatel-Lucent and Harris Corporation. Walt has a background in finance, manufacturing, operations and sales. Walt has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Strayer University and another Bachelor of Science in Finance & Business Administration from the University of Connecticut. Matt Briley, senior VP of global sales for LightRiver Matt Briley is at the helm of LightRiver’s Global Sales and Network Solutions Engineering teams, where he oversees both the business and technology aspects of providing customers and partners with problem-solving technology. His primary focus is empowering companies to automate, modernize, and optimize their communications networks, ensuring they stay ahead in the ever-changing industry. With over two decades of experience, Matt has held crucial roles in the industry, including leading Nokia’s Optical Networking business in North America. He also made significant contributions in sales and engineering management positions at Infinera and Ciena, expanding businesses across multiple geographies and sectors. Matt’s passion for the industry is entwined in his background, holding a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Oklahoma, and beginning his career with the MCI engineering development program. When he’s not shaping the future of telecommunications, Matt enjoys spending quality time with his family in Heath, TX, just outside Dallas. Together, they relish activities such as biking, sporting clays, golf, and Jeeping. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com. 

With most people being distracted during the holidays, online scammers are ready to pounce on consumers. According to Optimum, the most common online scams identified by Optimum’s cybersecurity team this season include phishing websites, smishing scams, non-delivery schemes, charity fraud and travel scams. The company shared these insights in October during the worldwide Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Today, Optimum’s network blocks thousands of malicious attack attempts daily for our customers, ranging from phishing, smishing, spam, malware and other scams.  Optimum is in an interesting position to help consumers with battling online threats. Consider that over the last three years, the cable MSO has been transforming its business, which includes investing heavily in its network to expand service across its 21-state footprint. This year, the company has surpassed 3 million Fiber passings and has seen 50% fewer network outages. In this episode, we talked to Ben Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Optimum, about the top security threats consumers face and how to avoid potential traps. Here is a timeline of the episode: 0:03    Opening        0:40    Optimum’s celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month       How scam artists and hackers ramp up their attacks on consumers during the holiday season. 6:54    Scammers leveraging AI.             Using AI to conduct phishing to spoof the look and feel of an email that might come directly from a company. 8:09    Optimum’s cybersecurity efforts The service provider is scaling its security controls, visibility and governance. 10:31 Bundling security with broadband   Optimum is developing an advanced security offering that will allow consumers to manage their own Internet security. 12:09 Regulatory compliance and resilience. Optimum continues to hold operational testing of its cybersecurity operations. 14:09 Final thoughts/wrap up About our guest Ben Smith serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Optimum, where he leads the company’s enterprise cybersecurity, governance, and IT risk management strategy. With over 20 years of experience across telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services, he has built and led security and IT risk management programs that align technology with organizational strategy, operational resilience, and regulatory requirements. He serves on the Board of Directors of Hudson Valley Credit Union as Board Secretary and is a member of the Governance and Nominations Committee as well as the Finance Committee. In the past, he has served on multiple not-for-profit and community Boards and Advisory Committees. A seasoned advisor to leading cybersecurity organizations, Ben leverages his executive and board experience to drive product strategy and market expansion within regulated industries. He holds both an MBA and a B.S. in Management Information Systems from Rochester Institute of Technology, along with CISSP and CHCIO certifications.  About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com. 

In this week's episode of Building Broadband, we're tracking new broadband builds from Alabama Fiber Network (AFN), Breezeline, Brightspeed, eX² Technology, Home Telecom, and Ziply Fiber.   These providers are all using a mix of public and private funding for a host of new broadband build-outs across a diverse set of communities. Lightwave is tracking service providers' ongoing efforts to extend broadband to more homes and businesses via our Building Broadband series. If you want to share a new broadband build, contact Lightwave Editor in Chief Sean Buckley at sbuckley@endeavorb2b.com. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com. 

In this special edition of the Broadband Pulse podcast, we're in Dallas, Texas, covering this year’s Mplify (formerly MEF) Global NaaS Event GNE 2025 show. For this episode, we’re taking a look at the key highlights of the first day of the event:  Mplify’s leadership transition Mplify Market Brief Positioning NaaS as Foundation for Agentic AI Mplify’s Carrier Ethernet for AI certification Advancing Mplify's certification efforts in wireless through aligning with the GSMA Addressing standardized automation for enterprises About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.   

In this week's episode of Building Broadband, we're tracking new broadband builds from Brightspeed, Digital C, Ezee Fiber, Fidium, Greenlight Networks, Junction Internet, Lyte Fiber, Metro Communications, Metronet, and Vero Fiber are all using a mix of public and private funding for a host of new broadband build-outs across a diverse set of communities. As part of this mix, we also saw three service providers move to expand their footprints through M&A:  Greenlight Networks to acquire FastBridge Fiber Metro Communications’ Clearwave Fiber Southern Illinois deal bolsters its FTTH plans Vero Fiber extends its Southeast reach with the acquisition of Telephone Electronics Corporation (TEC) acquisition About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com. 

In late August, the Arkansas State Broadband Office released the state’s final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, officially opening the plan for public review and comment. According to the Arkansas State Broadband Office, the state's $1 billion BEAD program represents the largest public broadband investment in Arkansas history. The state's BEAD program garnered a strong response. Arkansas' State Broadband Office received 730 applications from 33 internet service providers (ISPs), and 23 providers were selected by the broadband office for preliminary awards.  During this Broadband Pulse podcast, we talked to Glen Howie, director of the Arkansas State Broadband Office, about how it will apply the BEAD program to bring broadband to its communities. Here is a timeline of the episode: Opening 0:39    Arkansas's Broadband Efforts How state and federal grants like Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) are helping the state expand broadband availability. 2:12    Arkansas's landscape How the state can extend broadband to rural and urban areas. 3:06    Final BEAD proposal for public comment Howie sees BEAD as the true blueprint to achieve universal broadband access across the state. 5:04    BEAD provider diversity Arkansas’s BEAD proposal drew a wide swath of service providers: 29 from Arkansas and 19 from outside the state. 7:55    Navigating BEAD uncertainty Even with the change of the White House administration, Arkansas continued to move with a sense of urgency. 9:26    Sharing BEAD experiences with other states Arkansas continues to talk to other states about its best practices. 9:56    Digital skills training As the state wires more locations with broadband, it is also focusing on helping people acquire digital skills to access and use the service for employment and education opportunities. 14:30 Communicating with communities How the state and the BEAD participants are working with local leaders to provide information on how the BEAD program will impact their communities. 16:55 Final thoughts/wrap up About our guest Glen Howie is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. A proud native of a small town of about 12,000, he understands the sense of pride and "community" that permeates Main Street USA, as well as the concerns and challenges facing rural Arkansas. In his current role as Director of the Arkansas State Broadband Office, he is leading an "all-of-state" effort to provide "all-of-state" solutions for the "all-of-state" issue of broadband. With a once-in-a-century opportunity to transform the Arkansas economy, Glen's vision, and the Arkansas State Broadband Office's mandate, is to be a leader in the South and a Top Ten state in the country, in all things broadband. Glen earned an undergraduate degree in finance and a master’s degree in public administration from LSU. After he completed the MPA program, he was selected as the recipient of the David B. Johnson Award for Academic Excellence, highlighting his academic achievement, critical analysis of public policy issues, and commitment to improving public management. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com. 

In this episode of the Broadband Pulse, we talked to the Ethernet Alliance about the upcoming High-Speed Networking (HSN) Plugfest that will be held from December 8-12, 2025, at Keysight Technologies in Santa Clara, CA. The Plugfest will feature interoperability testing for Ethernet devices ranging from 200GbE to 1.6TbE, covering various interconnects and transceivers. The event supports the transition to 200Gbps per lane, enabling breakthroughs in AI, cloud computing, and high-performance data centers. Besides the Plugfest, the Ethernet Alliance is also hosting the TEF 2025: Ethernet for AI. Taking a page from the TEF 2024: Ethernet in the Age of AI event, held in October 2024, the new event will take a deeper exploration into 400 Gbps electrical and optical signaling in response to the industry’s need to address the growing demands of AI workloads. During the podcast, we talked to two key members of the Ethernet Alliance:  John D’Ambrosia, a Distinguished Engineer with the Datacom Standards Research team at Futurewei and Ethernet Alliance TEF Chair And Sam Johnson, HSN Subcommittee Chair for the Ethernet Alliance and manager of the Link Applications Engineering team within Intel’s Networking Solutions Group Here’s a timeline of the episode: Opening 0:03    Host introduces guests Broadband Pulse host Sean Buckley introduced John D’Ambrosia and Sam Johnson 1:08    Ethernet Alliance Plugfest event The details of the Ethernet Alliance’s High-Speed Networking (HSN) plugfest event in December at Keysight Technologies’ headquarters in Santa Clara, California. 5:16    200 Gbps per lane How 200G is the next building block speed in the evolution of Ethernet. 7:34    Seeing the potential in 1.6 Tbps The HSN interoperability tests will look at Ethernet devices ranging from 200GbE to 1.6TbE. 11:15 Coalescing around the Ethernet standard and the IEEE How vendors and the Ethernet industry are trying to find commonality. 12:14 TEF 2025: Ethernet For AI How the TEF 2025 for AI will address how to help the Ethernet industry address increased bandwidth, faster signaling, power delivery challenges, advanced packaging technologies, next-generation test equipment and methodologies, and new approaches to cooling. 15:05 AI networking based on 400Gbps signaling How the next generation of AI networking, based on 400 Gbps signaling, is likely to diverge significantly from today’s architectures. 19:14 Final Thoughts/Closing John D’Ambrosia and Sam Johnson give their final thoughts about the ongoing evolution of Ethernet. About our guests: John D’Ambrosia, a Distinguished Engineer with the Datacom Standards Research team at Futurewei and Ethernet Alliance TEF Chair John D’Ambrosia is a Distinguished Engineer with the Datacom Standards Research team at Futurewei Technologies, a U.S. subsidiary of Huawei.  John has over 25 years of experience supporting standards development.   John is currently the chair of the IEEE P802.3dj 200 Gbps, 400 Gbps, 800 Gb/s, and 1.6 Tbps Task Force.  Previously, John chaired the IEEE 802.3 Task Forces that developed 40 GbE and 100 GbE, 200 and 400 GbE, and 800 GbE. Additionally, he chaired other IEEE 802.3 task forces, as well as the IEEE 802.3 New Ethernet Applications Ad hoc.  John is also a member of the IEEE 802 LAN / MAN Standards Committee and is an IEEE Senior Member.  In addition to his multiple roles in IEEE 802, John is one of the founders of the Ethernet Alliance and served as Chairman from 2011 to 2019.  John served as an advisor to the European Photonics Industry Consortium from 2019 to 2022c. His previous work experience includes Dell, Force10 Networks, and Tyco Electronics. Sam Johnson, HSN Subcommittee Chair for the Ethernet Alliance and manager of the Link Applications Engineering team within Intel’s Networking Solutions Group Sam Johnson is an Engineering Manager with Intel Corporation, leading the Link Applications Engineering team within the Network and Edge Group. Sam started at Intel in 2010 with a focus on 10G Serial Ethernet debug and has built a career based on High Speed Serial Ethernet PHY and pluggable media behavior, configuration, and interoperability. He and his team work to define and develop the Ethernet hardware control infrastructure and to enable and support Intel customers' Ethernet solutions. Sam holds multiple patents related to Ethernet interoperability and is a co-chair of the High Speed Networking subcommittee within the Ethernet Alliance, with a focus on L1 protocol and interoperability testing. Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking, and all forms of outdoor recreation. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.     

As bandwidth demand accelerates and power consumption issues become more acute, the emergence of Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO) has become a welcome technology. LPO is a technology that creates low-power optical modules for ultra-short-reach data center connections by removing the complex DSP (Digital Signal Processor) chip from the module. This design reduces power consumption, cost, and latency, making it ideal for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers.  Industry standards groups have focused on two main developments: electrical interface standards and testing and optical link performance and deployment. The Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) is moving forward with electrical interface standards while the LPO Multi-Source Agreement (LPO MSA) is addressing optical link performance and deployment challenges. In this podcast, we talked with Mark Kimber, the senior principal product definition specialist for Semtech. Here’s a timeline of the episode: Opening 0:05    Host introduces guests Broadband Pulse host Sean Buckley introduced Kimber to the program.  0:38    LPO’s emergence Mark Kimber addresses emergence of LPO and Semtech’s role.   1:54    The LPO Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) How the new LPO MSA is establishing a specification and a methodology to make LPO work. 3:40    LPO standards efforts How the LPO MSA and the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) call for creating optical and electrical standards. 4:56    Semtech’s direct edge portfolio Semtech’s LPO platforms can help data center providers accommodate AI’s new power, latency and size requirements. 6:31    LPO plug and play operations Plug-and-play is key to help simplify large data center operations and management. 11:04 OIF’s Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) role CMIS manages the LPO module's diagnostic capabilities, including monitoring the optical and electrical interfaces. 11:35 200G per lane technology How LPO can save power at higher speeds like 200G per lane. 14:10 Final Thoughts/Closing Mark Kimber offers his final thoughts on LPO. About our guest Mark Kimber is the Principal Product Definition Specialist at Semtech Corporation. Mark received the BE (Elect) degree from the University of Queensland in 1984.  Since then, he has worked on research and product development at GEC Hirst Research Centre, STC Laboratories, Bell Northern Research, Nortel, Bookham, Gennum and Semtech. Mark currently works on product definition for Semtech products and is a contributor to various standards groups. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave+BTR Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.  

Vistabeam is another example of a company finding a way to serve the often-overlooked rural market. Matt and Monique Larsen, who co-founded Vistabeam in 2004, believed rural communities deserved better internet and better opportunities. Like other entrepreneurs who rose during the early days of the internet, the Larsens were working at another ISP, but saw an opportunity to leverage new wireless technology with a local hands on focus that a national provider can’t offer.  Vistabeam has continued to grow. Today, its network covers 50,000 square miles and serves more than 100 towns across western Nebraska, northeastern Colorado, and southeastern Wyoming — the region it calls Wyobraskarado. The company maintains that its differentiator is not technology, but rather “its heart.” The company is family-owned, locally operated, and committed to creating good jobs in the communities it serves.  Key Moments in This Episode Opening 0:05 Introduction of our guest 0:28 Vistabeam’s broadband journey Matt Larsen talks about how Vistabeam has evolved since its founding in 2004. 2:36 Fixed wireless and fiber How Vistabeam is leveraging fixed wireless and fiber to bring broadband to rural areas of Nebraska, northeastern Colorado, and southeastern Wyoming.  4:27 Weighing fiber and wireless options Vistabeam sees fiber and wireless as being a tool that fits specific situations.  5:52 The competitive landscape While Vistabeam faces a mix of traditional rural telcos and competitors, the company says its value lies in its local and responsive approach.   7:19 Middle Mile Vistabeam has built its own middle mile networks with microwave and available fiber to backhaul traffic.  9:19 Fiber broadband expansions The service provider has been leveraging state grants to build fiber in Kimball, Mitchell and Oshkosh, Nebraska.  12:18 Business service options Vistabeam is being opportunistic with business services, which are resonating with tractor dealerships and others.  14:27 Final Thoughts/closing About our guest Matt Larsen is the CEO and founder of Vistabeam. Since co-founding the company in 2004, Vistabeam has grown to cover over 50,000 square miles and serve more than 100 towns across western Nebraska, northeastern Colorado, and southeastern Wyoming — the region it calls Wyobraskarado. Vistabeam is a hybrid broadband provider that offers both fixed wireless and fiber-based services. Besides his role at Vistabem, he serves as the chairman of WISPA. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

In this special episode of the Broadband Pulse podcast, we're tracking key trends taking place at SCTE's TechExpo25 show.  As the final installment in this series, we’re tipping our hat to the vendors who showcased new wares that are designed to assist cable MSOs with their ongoing migration to DOCSIS 4.0, fiber broadband, and enhance the reach of their metro and long-haul optical networks. Lightwave is conducting a roundup of the key product releases during the recent SCTE TechExpo25 event in Washington, DC. This roundup highlights innovations from ATX, Go! Foton, Nokia/InCoax, ProLabs, Render, Vecima and VIAVI.   For more on cable innovations, check out our SCTE TechExpo25 coverage page: SCTE TechExpo25 special report. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

In this special episode of the Broadband Pulse podcast, we're tracking key trends taking place at SCTE's TechExpo25 show.  This episode has highlights from the second day of the show, including: DOCSIS 4.0 Evolution: Comcast and Mediacom revealed their progress during the show through their vendor partnerships with CommScope and Harmonic. MDU broadband: As they did with cable TV, cable operators and competitive carriers are capitalizing on the multi-dwelling unit (MDU) broadband opportunity. Parks Associates, in partnership with Cox, released a study that found that nearly one in five multifamily residents with home internet reported receiving gigabit or faster download speeds. Meanwhile, CommScope's Ruckus unit continues to deepen its MDU presence across various verticals, including large apartment complexes, college campuses, retirement communities and federal prisons.  Rural Markets: Bringing broadband to rural areas is becoming a big opportunity for large and smaller cable operators. Comcast  announced that it is deploying Ciena’s 5131 Coherent Access Platform (CAP) to extend the reach of its current fiber deployments more than 100 km and deliver 100 Gbps—capacity to serve residential, small to medium-sized business (SMB), enterprise, and community anchor institutions—to new and existing communities with unserved or underserved connectivity needs. Service convergence and the customer experience: A Lightwave panel called Maintaining a Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Converged Service Offerings leveraged research results to uncover service providers’ plans for building networks that are robust enough to fulfill their business aspirations. The panel included two key fiber and cable industry experts: Barry Walton, Senior Broadband Solutions Advisor for Corning And Lamar Horton, VP, Network Engineering and Operations for Astound Broadband/Astound Business Solutions Among the many themes discussed during the panel was how to create a good customer experience regardless of if a broadband provider is using HFC or fiber. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

In this special episode of the Broadband Pulse podcast, we're tracking key trends taking place at SCTE's TechExpo25 show.  This episode has highlights from the first day of the show.  In this SCTE TechExpo25 podcast, we’re tracking several key news items: · FCC commissioners’ perspective: Anna Gomez and Olivia Trusty, gave their views on broadband, the BEAD program, affordability and efforts to streamline permitting processes to expand broadband. · State broadband office perspectives: Leaders of the broadband offices of Georgia, Kentucky, and Minnesota shared key insights into how they are adapting to NTIA’s changes to the BEAD program. · Cable industry trends: NCTA, in a new study conducted in partnership with Chumra and S&P Global, found that cable’s broadband and video drives are creating new economic opportunities in terms of job growth across multiple segments. In 2024, the cable industry delivered 59% of all fixed internet connections, serving 80 million broadband subscribers nationwide. · Case Studies: Wyandotte, Michigan’s Wyandotte Municipal Services (WMS), a community-owned provider in Wyandotte, Michigan, finds orchestration balance across legacy and next-generation devices through its partnership with Synamedia. Finally, if you want to get a bigger picture of how Lightwave is covering the TechExpo25 show, you can check out our coverage page: SCTE TechExpo25 special report. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

As the cable industry considers new methods to address competition with fiber and converged wireless/wireline service sets, it’s clear the industry is looking towards its next elements of growth. Nowhere will this be highlighted than at the SCTE TechExpo25. During this year’s TechExpo25 show, attendees will be able to view new technologies like AI, automation, and advanced planning, while tackling challenges in security, operations, and construction. Broadband Pulse recently caught up with Maria Popo, President and CEO, SCTE, and Janelle Morse, VP of engagement and strategy, SCTE, to discuss their expectations for this year’s show in Washington, DC. Key Moments in This Episode Opening 0:04 Introduction of our guests 0:31 Guests provide background Maria Popo and Janelle Morse talk about their roles at SCTE. 1:37 SCTE CableTech25 expectations Janelle Morse shares highlights about the TechExpo25 show 4:43 Workforce readiness and policy Maria Popo addresses how the show will highlight workforce issues shaped by AI and communications regulations. 5:58 Cable’s convergence story Maria Popo looks at how cable operators are looking to create seamless experiences across their assets--HFC, fiber, mobile and Wi-Fi. 8:58 Differentiated services Janelle Morse highlights the cable industry’s move to offer more than just speeds. 9:26 Cable’s last mile evolution How cable operators are expanding fiber strategically while squeezing value out of the existing HFC network. 13:25 Regional cable operators Janelle Morse discusses how small cable operators can learn and gain inspiration from Tier 1 providers. 14:41 BEAD Evolution How the cable industry is grappling with the new administration’s changes to the BEAD program. 16:38 Building the next-gen workforce How the cable industry can use AI to train and apply it in the field. 20:52 Final Thoughts/closing Maria Popo and Janelle Morse give their final closing thoughts. About our guests Maria Popo, President and CEO, SCTE As president and CEO of SCTE, a CableLabs subsidiary, Popo is dedicated to enhancing the broadband industry by aligning corporate goals with transformative learning solutions, fostering workforce technology skills and innovation, while leveraging its global network of over 60 chapters for industry engagement and insights. Popo’s journey from trade school to academia and boardrooms has been shaped by tenacity, adaptability, and lifelong learning. During her tenure in the networking and cable industries, she held senior roles at various companies, including Global Fortune 50 Foxconn, CEO/president of Ubee Interactive Americas, and 3Com(HP)/Ambit Microsystems/3M. Janelle Morse, VP of engagement and strategy, SCTE As SCTE’s Vice President of Engagement and Strategy, Janelle Morse leads strategy and engagement initiatives across the SCTE membership community and drives global participation for TechExpo, North America’s premier broadband technology event. Before joining SCTE in 2023, she served as VP of Research, Events & Media at TM Forum, where she led initiatives to showcase the Forum and industry achievements across multiple platforms, fostering opportunities for learning, collaboration, exploration, and connection. In 2020, she successfully led her team through the rapid transformation of TM Forum’s flagship event, Digital Transformation World, into a completely virtual 6-week magazine-style event. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

Mike Vermeer’s telecom career took hold right out of college when he joined Panduit. During his 20 years with the company, he has tackled various missions related to product design, technology, innovation, and looking at customer challenges.  One of his key passions is helping improve network deployments for the company’s array of service provider customers. Today, he serves as the Manager of Broadband Solutions at Panduit. We spoke to Vermeer about how Panduit’s broadband division can help its service customers adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics they are facing in technology, regulations, and the workforce. Key Moments in This Episode Opening 0:03 Introduction of our guest 0:16 Vermeer’s Panduit journey Mike Vermeer talks about his 20-year career with the company. 1:46 Network service philosophy Vermeer talks about his passion for helping improve network deployments 4:33 State of the broadband market How broadband has become an expected amenity. 6:29 The cable industry’s network journey Cable will continue to consider fiber as competition threats rise. 8:41 New fiber competition How Panduit can serve smaller providers that need a broadband supplier ecosystem. 10:48 Broadband provider consolidation The way the market will shift with new and existing players. 11:59 The BEAD opportunity While there have been delays, Vermeer and Panduit are preparing to address needs as funding gets rolled out. 14:44 Supply chain issues Vermeer notes that broadband customers should maintain a resilient supply chain with options. 16:09 Broadband workforce issues Panduit is working to make the broadband construction ecosystem larger. 19:17 The AI factor How internet service providers can leverage AI inference models to deliver insights to customers. 21:21 Final Thoughts Mike Vermeer shares his final thoughts about the state of broadband. About our guest Mike Vermeer is Manager of Broadband Solutions at Panduit. He has a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University and a Master's degree from DePaul University. Mike has 20 years of experience in new product and business development, holds multiple patents and is a Certified Fiber to the Home Professional. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

Brightspeed, Comcast, Conexon Connect, C Spire, DigitalC, Ezee Fiber, Gateway Fiber, Lumos, Sprocket Networks and TDS Telecom are all expanding broadband in various communities through a mix of venture capital and state funding sources.  About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

Zayo had a productive second quarter that will provide a runway for future growth. The service provider announced that its North American core network is now 400G-enabled. This update aligns with the findings from Zayo’s recent Bandwidth Report, which found 400G wavelengths accounted for the largest total terabits purchased in 2024. It also made progress with dark fiber, expanding IP network services and its Quick Connect Data Center offering.   The service provider broke ground on the first three long-haul dark fiber routes that were announced in January--Chicago to Columbus, Chicago to Minneapolis, and Phoenix to Tucson. On the IP network front, it expanded its presence with seven new IP Points of Presence (PoPs), including two new 400G-enabled PoPs in Montreal and Chicago. Wavelength services have become a key service for the service provider. In particular, 400G wavelengths represented the largest share of total terabits purchased, outpacing both 10G and 100G solutions. Finally, it opened 27 new Quick Connect Data Centers, bringing its total to over 100 Quick Connect facilities. These centers allow the turn-up of IP and Ethernet services within just 10 days.  In this latest podcast, we caught up with Bill Long, chief product and strategy officer at Zayo, about the service provider's ongoing IP service and dark fiber push to carriers, data centers and enterprises.   Key Moments in This Episode Opening 0:03 Introduction of our guest 0:30 Zayo’s network progress Long talks about how Zayo is expanding long-haul fiber, metro fiber, IP and wavelength services. 2:04 Dark fiber opportunities How emerging AI demands are driving requests for over 144 fibers. 4:09 The 400G opportunity Long maintains that 400G success requires a large fiber network inventory. 6:11 Zayo’s private wave network service A service that offers dark fiber economics without having the technical expertise to operate it. 7:18 New service developments and trends How Zayo is easing the service ordering process. 9:33 Zayo’s Quick-Connect Data Centers A service that allows rapid turn of IP and Ethernet services at select data center locations. 11:02 Data center connectivity sweet spots Zayo is serving a diversity of data center locations with different needs. 12:37 The AI opportunity How Zayo is seeing new demands but is vigilant about its approach.   14:05 Middle Mile Zayo has positioned itself as a middle-mile partner to smaller broadband providers in Arizona and other regions. 16:22 Integrating Crown Castle’s assets The service provider sees the acquisition as providing a complementary network footprint. 18:17 Final thoughts Bill Long shares his final thoughts about what lies ahead for Zayo throughout the rest of 2025 and into 2026. About our guest:  Bill Long, chief product and strategy officer at Zayo Bill Long is an experienced telecommunications and technology leader. As Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Zayo, he leads the company’s overall product strategy, financials, and roadmap. He has nearly two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry with expertise in interconnection and infrastructure services, enterprise and wholesale voice, and business and product development. Before joining Zayo, Bill served as senior vice president of product management and was responsible for the overall growth and profitability of Equinix Interconnection and Data Center Products globally. Earlier, he held several roles at Level 3 Communications, including VP of Voice Services, Senior Director of Voice Product Development and Director of Emerging Opportunities. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

In this latest issue of Building Broadband, we're tracking new broadband deployments from CentraCom, C Spire Fiber, Ezee Fiber, Gigapower, GCI, GoNetspeed, IIG, New York's ConnectALL, Spectrum and Syntrio.   About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

Led by Tier 1 telcos AT&T and Verizon, a new M&A wave in the fiber broadband market is rising. AT&T is moving to acquire Lumen’s FTTH business, while Verizon is going to acquire Frontier. Each of these deals will significantly expand these Tier 1 How to understand the changes and the role of fiber and other technologies.  However, Tier 1 providers aren’t the only ones making acquisition moves. Consolidation in the regional fiber broadband market is expected to continue accelerating over the next year. According to a survey conducted by AlixPartners  last fall, more than 400 small fiber providers in the U.S. “are ripe for picking by investors or larger fiber companies when the inevitable major fiber consolidation wave occurs.” In this podcast, we talked with Andrej Danis, partner and managing director for AlixPartners, about the ongoing consolidation of the broadband market and how providers are positioning themselves as either buyers or sellers. Key Moments in This Episode Opening 0:04 Introduction of our guest 0:27 Broadband service provider M&A Andrej Danis sees the telecom industry at the forefront of a more consolidated roll-up of properties. 3:04 M&A drivers How service providers are positioning themselves as either buyers or sellers. 5:45 New customer approaches How Verizon/Frontier and AT&T/Lumen megadeals will drive new customer service approaches. 7:36 Acquisition dynamics Smaller providers could be rolled up to sell to larger providers. 11:23 Permitting challenges The need for the current administration to address the issue. 13:18 Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) uncertainty How to understand the changes and the role of fiber and other technologies.  17:26 Public-private broadband partnerships How underserved communities need to be creative to get connected. 20:12 Final Thoughts/Closing About our guest: Andrej Danis, partner and managing director for AlixPartners Andrej leads the Americas Telecommunication practice at AlixPartners with experience in helping companies solve operational and strategic challenges, both as an internal manager and as a consultant in different functions across America and Europe. His focus is on large-scale transformation projects in the telecommunications space, and he has experience leveraging new technologies and platforms to accelerate transformations and improve operational and organizational metrics. He also helps companies address upcoming investment challenges such as 5G deployment, fiber roll-out, and fixed mobile convergence. Andrej has also acted as a consultant for different telecommunication areas, including cloud-based communication, sub-sea fiber, wireless network strategy, and CLEC transformation. Before joining AlixPartners, he held roles at Deutsche Telekom and T-Systems, where he was involved in transformational programs for nationally affiliated telcos. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

In this latest issue of Building Broadband, we’re tracking new broadband deployments from AeroNet Wireless, Astound, Brightspeed, Comcast, Fidium, Home Telecom, Shentel and TDS Telecom. About the Podcast  In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.