2025 Showcase
Welcome to our Fiber Connect 2025 Video Showcase! The conference is organized by our friends at Fiber Broadband Association. We captured video snippets from thought leaders here at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Check out their videos and get an in-depth view of the leading optical fiber business technology event.
Watch the videos below, and grab our latest research brief right from this page.
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting our site!
2025 Fiber Connect
Welcome to our Fiber Connect 2025 Video Showcase! The conference is organized by our friends at Fiber Broadband Association. We captured video snippets from thought leaders here at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Check out their videos and get an in-depth view of the leading optical fiber business technology event.
Watch the videos below, and grab our latest research brief right from this page.
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting our site!
Sponsor Spotlight Adtran
From Wi-Fi 7 to 800G Transport
Robert Conger, SVP of Technology and Strategy at Adtran, explains how the company connects optical core to customer premises through solutions ranging from Wi-Fi 7 to 50G PON and 800G transport speeds. He highlights their approach to combining network data from multiple sources to enable intelligent decision-making and simplified management, particularly beneficial for rural broadband providers seeking efficient operations.
Sponsor Spotlight Amphenol
Strategies to Accelerate Fiber Deployment to MDUs
Carlos Peña, Product Manager II at Amphenol, demonstrates the company's turnkey solutions for accelerating fiber deployments through comprehensive offerings like wall-mounted enclosures and connectivity products at Fiber Connect in Nashville. He explains that their solutions help service providers efficiently deliver connectivity to every unit within buildings, going beyond just reaching living units.
Sponsor Spotlight Blitz Broadband
From Fiber Splicing to Full-Scale Network Build
Trey Peppers, Owner of Blitz Broadband, has led the company's expansion from basic fiber services to comprehensive construction and maintenance operations across the southeastern United States. The company's strategic growth includes plans for long-haul fiber deployment and middle mile infrastructure development, with a focus on meeting increasing data center connectivity demands from Georgia to Texas.
Sponsor Spotlight CHR Solutions
Cutting Engineering Time in Half
Dustin Heath, Director of Customer Success at CHR Solutions, showcases the company's comprehensive suite of tools for broadband providers, including engineering operations, feasibility studies, and construction management solutions. The company's advanced technology stack, featuring the Omnia 360 platform, drone fleets, and GIS capabilities, enables faster engineering processes and enhanced cybersecurity protection for service providers nationwide.
Sponsor Spotlight Clearfield
Accelerating Fiber Networks
Anis Khemakhem, Chief Marketing Officer at Clearfield, discusses the company's labor-efficient modular products and new tools at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville. The company's initiatives include training programs and 3D help tools through a partnership with Built, offering installers easy access to product information and installation guidance via mobile devices.
Sponsor Spotlight Collaborative Synergy
Streamlining Is Key to Faster Fiber Deployment
Johannes Maassen, President of Collaborative Synergy, discusses his company's efforts to improve make-ready applications for ISPs and power companies at Fiber Connect 2025. His insights address the challenges of understaffed utility companies and varying application requirements, showing how early planning creates better outcomes in engineering and construction phases.
Sponsor Spotlight Corning
The Big Fiber Expansion
Kara Mullaley, Market Development Manager for Carrier Networks at Corning, outlines the company's $500 million investment in global fiber and cable capacity since 2020 at Fiber Connect in Nashville. Her presentation showcases how Corning's connectivity solutions have helped connect over 100 million homes worldwide while enabling faster, more cost-effective installations.
Sponsor Spotlight Fiber Broadband Association
Why Middle Mile Networks Are Key to Closing the Gap
Sachin Gupta, Chair of the Middle Mile Working Group at Fiber Broadband Association, leads a discussion on the organization's white paper addressing middle mile infrastructure needs in rural America. The analysis shows current last-mile networks are built on outdated bandwidth requirements, highlighting the necessity for new middle mile deployment to support 100 Mbps symmetric connections for modern households.
Sponsor Spotlight Fiber Broadband Association, Omdia, Dell'Oro Group
Wrap-Up with the Fiber Broadband Association, Omdia & Dell’Oro
Gary Bolton, President of Fiber Broadband Association, Jaimie Lenderman, Research Manager at Omdia, and Jeff Heynen, Vice President at Dell'Oro Group, led discussions at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, where the event celebrated graduating over 1,000 fiber optic technicians and showcased industry advancements. The conference highlighted the industry's dedication to expansion through AI and quantum networking solutions, while setting the stage for its 2026 edition in Orlando.
Sponsor Spotlight Gaia
How ISPs Can Modernize Customer Experience
Stephen Farnsworth, CRO of GAIA Telecom, outlines the company's approach to modernizing subscriber experiences for fiber network operators at the 2025 Fiber Connect conference. The company has successfully partnered with over 35 ISPs in the past year, focusing on optimizing subscriber acquisition and management through their OSSBSS software solutions.
Sponsor Spotlight Genexis
30-Second CPE Installation for Fiber Installs
Kajsa Arvidsson, Chief Marketing Officer at Genexis, showcases the company's dedication to open networking solutions through interoperability demonstrations with multiple OLT vendors and their rapid Fiber Twist installation system. The Swedish-Dutch company develops network terminations and Wi-Fi gateways with European-based software development, helping to expand connectivity to homes worldwide.
Sponsor Spotlight GoCare
Modernizing Broadband Customer Communications
Kevin Mitchell, Marketing & Partnerships at GoCare, demonstrates how their digital experience platform enables broadband operators to enhance customer communications through multiple digital channels. The platform integrates with service providers' systems to deliver proactive messaging that reduces call volumes while improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Sponsor Spotlight Manning Technology Services
Field Training for Fiber Contractors
Martin Boss, COO of Manning Technology Services, highlights the critical role of continuous field training for contractors handling residential installations and service work. He focuses on community education about installation practices while stressing that ongoing field training, beyond initial employee onboarding, is essential for enhancing service delivery and job performance.
Sponsor Spotlight MCNC
Why America Must Invest in Middle Mile Networks
Tracy Doaks, President and CEO of MCNC, manages 4,500 miles of middle mile fiber infrastructure that connects educational and healthcare facilities throughout North Carolina. Under her leadership, MCNC focuses on protected connectivity through cyber practices while preparing their network for emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.
Sponsor Spotlight Nokia
The Path Forward for Next-Gen Fiber Access
Stefaan Vanhastel, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Nokia, explains that fiber technology delivers the most cost-effective multi-gigabit capacity solution with long-term scalability for subscribers. His insights reveal that Nokia's North American XGS-PON shipments have reached 95%, with 25G solutions gaining market momentum and advanced trials of 50G and 100G technologies showing promising results for both residential and business applications.
Sponsor Spotlight Render Networks
How AI & Real-Time Tracking for Fiber Deployments
Stephen Rose, CEO of Render Networks, explains that fiber network rollouts frequently exceed budgets by 40-60% due to poor project visibility and tracking capabilities. Speaking from Nashville, he outlines how Render Networks solves these issues through real-time deployment monitoring and user-friendly tools that drive field worker adoption.
Sponsor Spotlight RouteThis
Mastering Fiber Customer Experience
Jenni Dettman, VP of Marketing at RouteThis, discusses strategies for enhancing customer experience and support in the fiber industry at Fiber Connect 2025. She highlights how RouteThis enables service providers to optimize whole-home deployments through improved technician tools and self-installation processes, leading to better customer retention.
Sponsor Spotlight Tak Communications
End-to-End Fiber Solutions
Trent Edwards, President of Broadband Solutions at Tak Communications, showcased the company's end-to-end solution capabilities at Fiber Connect. His presentation detailed how Tak Communications functions as a revenue-generating contractor by providing comprehensive services from door-to-door sales to engineering, construction, and fulfillment.
Sponsor Spotlight USI
AI & Fiber Networks: Unlocking Human-Machine Synergy
Peter Cresse, Executive at USI, showcases how artificial intelligence integration with fiber networks enhances performance across data centers, middle mile, and access networks. USI's platform enables collaboration between humans and machines to improve end-to-end quality of experience through intelligent network management.
Sponsor Spotlight Utopia Fiber
Open Access Fiber Network Success in Utah
Roger Timmerman, Executive Director of Utopia Fiber, led the early completion of a fiber network in Bountiful City that connects 16,500 households with 10-gigabit services through an open access system supporting 19 competing providers. As a publicly-owned organization, Utopia Fiber continues expanding its community-owned network model through partnerships in Yellowstone Fiber, Boseman, and California's rural areas.
Sponsor Spotlight Zhone
Inside Zhone's Strategic Comeback
Geoff Burke, SVP of Marketing at Zhone, outlines the company's return to the telecommunications market following its acquisition of DZS's assets, bringing with it the complete product portfolio . The revival of the Zhone brand connects back to its original 1999 Oakland roots while maintaining strong customer relationships and building on its 25-year industry presence.
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Highlights from industry thought leaders
Video interviews
From Wi-Fi 7 to 800G Transport
- Adtran's portfolio spans Wi-Fi 7 to 50G PON and 800G transport, linking optical core to customer premises.
- Combines network data from multiple sources for intelligent decision-making and simplified management.
- Targets rural broadband providers seeking efficient operations.
Abstract
Robert Conger, SVP of Technology and Strategy at Adtran, explains how the company connects optical core to customer premises through solutions ranging from Wi-Fi 7 to 50G PON and 800G transport speeds. He highlights their approach to combining network data from multiple sources to enable intelligent decision-making and simplified management, particularly beneficial for rural broadband providers seeking efficient operations.
Strategies to Accelerate Fiber Deployment to MDUs
- Amphenol offers turnkey MDU fiber solutions including wall-mounted enclosures and connectivity products.
- Aims to deliver connectivity to every unit in a building, not just reach the living unit.
Abstract
Carlos Peña, Product Manager II at Amphenol, demonstrates the company's turnkey solutions for accelerating fiber deployments through comprehensive offerings like wall-mounted enclosures and connectivity products at Fiber Connect in Nashville. He explains that their solutions help service providers efficiently deliver connectivity to every unit within buildings, going beyond just reaching living units.
From Fiber Splicing to Full-Scale Network Build
- Blitz Broadband grew from fiber splicing to full construction and maintenance across the southeastern US.
- Plans long-haul fiber and middle mile builds targeting data center demand from Georgia to Texas.
Abstract
Trey Peppers, Owner of Blitz Broadband, has led the company's expansion from basic fiber services to comprehensive construction and maintenance operations across the southeastern United States. The company's strategic growth includes plans for long-haul fiber deployment and middle mile infrastructure development, with a focus on meeting increasing data center connectivity demands from Georgia to Texas.
Cutting Engineering Time in Half
- CHR's Omnia 360 platform, drone fleets, and GIS speed engineering for broadband providers.
- Suite spans engineering operations, feasibility studies, and construction management with added cybersecurity.
Abstract
Dustin Heath, Director of Customer Success at CHR Solutions, showcases the company's comprehensive suite of tools for broadband providers, including engineering operations, feasibility studies, and construction management solutions. The company's advanced technology stack, featuring the Omnia 360 platform, drone fleets, and GIS capabilities, enables faster engineering processes and enhanced cybersecurity protection for service providers nationwide.
Accelerating Fiber Networks
- Clearfield markets labor-efficient modular fiber products and new tools at Fiber Connect 2025.
- Partnership with Built delivers 3D help tools and install guidance to installers' mobile devices.
Abstract
Anis Khemakhem, Chief Marketing Officer at Clearfield, discusses the company's labor-efficient modular products and new tools at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville. The company's initiatives include training programs and 3D help tools through a partnership with Built, offering installers easy access to product information and installation guidance via mobile devices.
Streamlining Is Key to Faster Fiber Deployment
- Collaborative Synergy streamlines make-ready applications between ISPs and power companies.
- Early planning offsets understaffed utilities and varying requirements for better engineering and construction outcomes.
Abstract
Johannes Maassen, President of Collaborative Synergy, discusses his company's efforts to improve make-ready applications for ISPs and power companies at Fiber Connect 2025. His insights address the challenges of understaffed utility companies and varying application requirements, showing how early planning creates better outcomes in engineering and construction phases.
The Big Fiber Expansion
- Corning has invested $500 million in global fiber and cable capacity since 2020.
- Corning connectivity solutions have helped connect over 100 million homes worldwide.
Abstract
Kara Mullaley, Market Development Manager for Carrier Networks at Corning, outlines the company's $500 million investment in global fiber and cable capacity since 2020 at Fiber Connect in Nashville. Her presentation showcases how Corning's connectivity solutions have helped connect over 100 million homes worldwide while enabling faster, more cost-effective installations.
Why Middle Mile Networks Are Key to Closing the Gap
- FBA white paper flags rural last-mile networks built on outdated bandwidth requirements.
- New middle mile deployment is needed to support 100 Mbps symmetric connections for modern households.
Abstract
Sachin Gupta, Chair of the Middle Mile Working Group at Fiber Broadband Association, leads a discussion on the organization's white paper addressing middle mile infrastructure needs in rural America. The analysis shows current last-mile networks are built on outdated bandwidth requirements, highlighting the necessity for new middle mile deployment to support 100 Mbps symmetric connections for modern households.
Wrap-Up with the Fiber Broadband Association, Omdia & Dell’Oro
- Fiber Connect 2025 celebrated graduating over 1,000 fiber optic technicians.
- Discussions emphasized industry expansion through AI and quantum networking.
- Fiber Connect 2026 moves to Orlando.
Abstract
Gary Bolton, President of Fiber Broadband Association, Jaimie Lenderman, Research Manager at Omdia, and Jeff Heynen, Vice President at Dell'Oro Group, led discussions at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, where the event celebrated graduating over 1,000 fiber optic technicians and showcased industry advancements. The conference highlighted the industry's dedication to expansion through AI and quantum networking solutions, while setting the stage for its 2026 edition in Orlando.
How ISPs Can Modernize Customer Experience
- GAIA Telecom partnered with over 35 ISPs in the past year.
- Its OSS/BSS software optimizes subscriber acquisition and management for fiber operators.
Abstract
Stephen Farnsworth, CRO of GAIA Telecom, outlines the company's approach to modernizing subscriber experiences for fiber network operators at the 2025 Fiber Connect conference. The company has successfully partnered with over 35 ISPs in the past year, focusing on optimizing subscriber acquisition and management through their OSSBSS software solutions.
30-Second CPE Installation for Fiber Installs
- Genexis demonstrates interoperability with multiple OLT vendors for open networking.
- Its Fiber Twist system enables rapid CPE installation.
- The Swedish-Dutch firm builds network terminations and Wi-Fi gateways with European-based software.
Abstract
Kajsa Arvidsson, Chief Marketing Officer at Genexis, showcases the company's dedication to open networking solutions through interoperability demonstrations with multiple OLT vendors and their rapid Fiber Twist installation system. The Swedish-Dutch company develops network terminations and Wi-Fi gateways with European-based software development, helping to expand connectivity to homes worldwide.
Modernizing Broadband Customer Communications
- GoCare's digital experience platform reaches broadband customers across multiple digital channels.
- Proactive messaging reduces call volumes while improving operational efficiency and satisfaction.
Abstract
Kevin Mitchell, Marketing & Partnerships at GoCare, demonstrates how their digital experience platform enables broadband operators to enhance customer communications through multiple digital channels. The platform integrates with service providers' systems to deliver proactive messaging that reduces call volumes while improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Field Training for Fiber Contractors
- Manning Technology Services stresses continuous field training beyond initial onboarding.
- Emphasizes community education on residential installation practices to improve service delivery.
Abstract
Martin Boss, COO of Manning Technology Services, highlights the critical role of continuous field training for contractors handling residential installations and service work. He focuses on community education about installation practices while stressing that ongoing field training, beyond initial employee onboarding, is essential for enhancing service delivery and job performance.
Why America Must Invest in Middle Mile Networks
- MCNC manages 4,500 miles of middle mile fiber across North Carolina.
- Network connects educational and healthcare facilities with a focus on cyber protection.
- Preparing infrastructure for emerging AI and quantum computing.
Abstract
Tracy Doaks, President and CEO of MCNC, manages 4,500 miles of middle mile fiber infrastructure that connects educational and healthcare facilities throughout North Carolina. Under her leadership, MCNC focuses on protected connectivity through cyber practices while preparing their network for emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.
The Path Forward for Next-Gen Fiber Access
- Nokia's North American XGS-PON shipments have reached 95%.
- Fiber cited as the most cost-effective multi-gigabit capacity solution with long-term scalability.
- 25G PON is gaining momentum, with 50G and 100G in advanced trials.
Abstract
Stefaan Vanhastel, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Nokia, explains that fiber technology delivers the most cost-effective multi-gigabit capacity solution with long-term scalability for subscribers. His insights reveal that Nokia's North American XGS-PON shipments have reached 95%, with 25G solutions gaining market momentum and advanced trials of 50G and 100G technologies showing promising results for both residential and business applications.
How AI & Real-Time Tracking for Fiber Deployments
- Render Networks says fiber rollouts often exceed budgets by 40-60% due to poor project visibility.
- Real-time deployment monitoring and user-friendly tools drive field worker adoption.
Abstract
Stephen Rose, CEO of Render Networks, explains that fiber network rollouts frequently exceed budgets by 40-60% due to poor project visibility and tracking capabilities. Speaking from Nashville, he outlines how Render Networks solves these issues through real-time deployment monitoring and user-friendly tools that drive field worker adoption.
Mastering Fiber Customer Experience
- RouteThis optimizes whole-home fiber deployments via improved technician tools and self-installation.
- Better support processes lead to stronger customer retention.
Abstract
Jenni Dettman, VP of Marketing at RouteThis, discusses strategies for enhancing customer experience and support in the fiber industry at Fiber Connect 2025. She highlights how RouteThis enables service providers to optimize whole-home deployments through improved technician tools and self-installation processes, leading to better customer retention.
End-to-End Fiber Solutions
- Tak Communications delivers end-to-end fiber services from door-to-door sales to fulfillment.
- Positions itself as a revenue-generating contractor spanning sales, engineering, and construction.
Abstract
Trent Edwards, President of Broadband Solutions at Tak Communications, showcased the company's end-to-end solution capabilities at Fiber Connect. His presentation detailed how Tak Communications functions as a revenue-generating contractor by providing comprehensive services from door-to-door sales to engineering, construction, and fulfillment.
AI & Fiber Networks: Unlocking Human-Machine Synergy
- USI integrates AI with fiber across data centers, middle mile, and access networks.
- Platform enables human-machine collaboration to improve end-to-end quality of experience.
Abstract
Peter Cresse, Executive at USI, showcases how artificial intelligence integration with fiber networks enhances performance across data centers, middle mile, and access networks. USI's platform enables collaboration between humans and machines to improve end-to-end quality of experience through intelligent network management.
Open Access Fiber Network Success in Utah
- Utopia Fiber's Bountiful City network connects 16,500 households with 10-gigabit service.
- Open access model supports 19 competing providers on the publicly-owned network.
- Expanding via Yellowstone Fiber, Bozeman, and rural California partnerships.
Abstract
Roger Timmerman, Executive Director of Utopia Fiber, led the early completion of a fiber network in Bountiful City that connects 16,500 households with 10-gigabit services through an open access system supporting 19 competing providers. As a publicly-owned organization, Utopia Fiber continues expanding its community-owned network model through partnerships in Yellowstone Fiber, Boseman, and California's rural areas.
Inside Zhone's Strategic Comeback
- Zhone returns to market after acquiring DZS's assets and complete product portfolio.
- Brand revival traces back to its 1999 Oakland roots and 25-year industry presence.
Abstract
Geoff Burke, SVP of Marketing at Zhone, outlines the company's return to the telecommunications market following its acquisition of DZS's assets, bringing with it the complete product portfolio . The revival of the Zhone brand connects back to its original 1999 Oakland roots while maintaining strong customer relationships and building on its 25-year industry presence.
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