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
All content for Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton is the property of Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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
FFB Episode 246 - Aging in Place: Powered by Fiber
Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton
33 minutes 59 seconds
3 months ago
FFB Episode 246 - Aging in Place: Powered by Fiber
What does it really take to age in place successfully? Beyond healthcare and housing, it’s about connection—and that’s where fiber broadband comes in. From telehealth and online learning to smart home safety and staying close to family, fiber is redefining what independence looks like for older adults.
This week on Fiber for Breakfast, Tom Kamber, Founder & Executive Director at OATS (Older Adults Technology Services), from AARP a leader in helping older adults thrive with technology talks with Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association and dives into how broadband is transforming aging in America, and why this presents both a responsibility and an opportunity for providers.
With Special Guest:
Tom Kamber, Founder & Executive Director at OATS (Older Adults Technology Services)
Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton
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
