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
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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 255 - Why AI's Future Depends on Fiber
Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton
32 minutes 52 seconds
1 month ago
FFB Episode 255 - Why AI's Future Depends on Fiber
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
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
