Broadband Revolution Possible with Advanced Fiber Optics – EE Times

Events
In the rapidly evolving landscape of U.S. broadband, a promising horizon beckons.
The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic witnessed an unprecedented surge in infrastructure investment in the U.S. and across the world, catalyzed by the surge in remote work and the embrace of transformative digital strategies. Even before these transformative shifts, over 90% of Americans already enjoyed broadband speeds surpassing the FCC’s 25/3 benchmark.
However, beneath this apparent success story lies a deeper narrative: Across the consumer spectrum, there is a significant clamor for ever greater speeds—especially from business consumers. Only through the deployment of advanced fiber networks can this demand for consistently superior performance be met.
The monumental capital investments required for new fiber installations have prompted the Biden administration to unveil the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, committing billions of dollars in support. This initiative aims, notably, to target underserved areas, particularly those high-cost regions where broadband accessibility and adoption among both residential and commercial properties remain notably deficient.
The prevailing broadband coverage across various communities is influenced by a complex interplay of demographic and geographic factors. The rollout of the BEAD program, which will deliver up to $42.5 billion in federal aid to states and their partnering internet providers, underscores the Biden administration’s steadfast dedication to delivering affordable broadband to every corner of the nation, an endeavor aptly named “Internet for All.”
Nevertheless, a challenge looms. Fulfilling the lofty aspirations of “Internet for All” necessitates the right blend of engineering prowess and robust infrastructure. While the popularity of fiber optics surges, a significant portion of the existing broadband infrastructure remains rooted in copper. It’s becoming increasingly apparent that the technological constraints of this legacy infrastructure may hinder sufficient expansion on the timescales needed.
Unlocking the potential of “Internet for All” necessitates a leap beyond conventional boundaries. Operators must harness cutting-edge innovations in premium fiber optics and engineering expertise to realize this vision.
A striking embodiment of this transformative drive is Windstream’s recent announcement of an investment of more than $2 billion in its “kinetic” service. This bold initiative aims to usher gigabit internet access to an expanded array of consumers spanning its footprint, encompassing 18 states, predominantly across the southern and eastern regions of the United States.
This visionary undertaking revolves around the integration of advanced optical technology, marked by groundbreaking designs, such as high-fiber-count Intelligently Bonded Ribbon and Flat Ribbon, complemented by versatile loose-tube optical cables. These products are designed to ensure faster rollout, superior network longevity and high scalability, aligning perfectly with Windstream Wholesale’s requirements for metro, and long-haul optical networks, which currently provide up to 400G wave services to its customers and will support 800G transmission in the future.
One can also cite the example of AT&T. The company continued to invest in fiber and 5G in 2022, registering an overall capex of $24 billion last year and forecasting a similar level of spending this year. The company aims to deliver faster internet speeds to all its customers, including those without broadband. It’s striving to improve internet connections for more than 30 million current customers and businesses by the end of 2025.
It’s not just providers that are investing: Supply chain actors recognize the need too. While the U.S. traditionally has been a net importer of fiber optics, a notable shift is on the horizon. Various industry players are embarking on substantial investments in domestic fiber optics production, and global players are recalibrating their strategies to bolster their presence in American markets.
Embarking on the fiber-to-the-home journey may entail initial expenses, yet the long-term benefits are monumental when communities, both residential and commercial, are better connected.
In this transformative context, the BEAD program emerges as a beacon of promise. As seasoned industry players like Windstream and AT&T seize these transformative opportunities to expand and improve their networks, increased fiber penetration will become a reality for households and businesses. The broader implications of this paradigm shift paint a more equitable future, transcending urban and rural divides.
As this visionary narrative unfolds, operators are entrusted with leveraging the BEAD program as a catalyst for enriching their optical networks. The ambition is to provide “Internet for All” in a way that is compatible with 21st century requirements. As we journey forward, amidst the burgeoning tide of AI and other transformative advancements, the pivotal role of fiber optics in sculpting the future landscape becomes undeniable. The time is ripe for us to harness this technology with precision, ensuring that we forge a path where high-quality, ultra-high–speed connectivity remains the cornerstone of progress.
Paul Atkinson is CEO for optical networking at Sterlite Technologies Ltd.

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