Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton

• FFB Episode 257 - What's Next After BEAD

  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

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• FFB Episode 256 - Defining Digital Readiness: What Broadband Leaders Need to Know Now

  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

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• 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

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• FFB Episode 254 - Leading a Transformation - Brightspeed’s First Six Months Under New Leadership_EDITED.mov

  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

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• FFB Episode 253 - A Practitioner’s Guide to Rural Digital Inclusion

  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

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