Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton

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