Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton

• 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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• FFB Episode 252 - Signals of Change: How Fiber is Continuing to Transform Kansas

  Kansas is proving that the buck doesn’t stop with BEAD. Across the state, new broadband initiatives are laying the groundwork for a digital renaissance – connecting communities, revitalizing local economies, and creating opportunities that keep Kansans rooted where they are or even draw them back home. From ground-breaking last-mile projects bringing high-speed fiber to rural areas, to the launch of the state’s first Internet Exchange (IXP) in Wichita – a milestone that strengthens resilience, redundancy, and cybersecurity – Kansas is building a stronger, more connected future. Tune into our next episode as Joseph Le, Deputy Director of Broadband Development at Kansas Commerce talks with Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association to discuss how state leaders and innovators are lighting up the heartland with fiber and redefining what’s possible for Kansas communities. With Special Guest: Joseph Le, Deputy Director of Broadband Development at Kansas Commerce

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• FFB Episode 251 - Reviewing the Dramatic Changes to Our Lives from the Internet… and Fiber

  As we look ahead to the next chapter of connectivity, it’s worth pausing to consider how far we’ve come. In this week’s Fiber for Breakfast, Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, sits down with Mike Render, CEO of RVA LLC, to explore two decades of industry evolution — how internet performance, user expectations, and daily life have been transformed. Drawing on original FBA/RVA data, they uncover the trends in the 2025 Consumer Study that shaped today’s connected world and highlight the critical role fiber has played in driving progress. With Special Guest: Mike Render, CEO of RVA LLC

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