Broadband Networks & Services

The expansion of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is revolutionizing broadband by offering higher speeds and lower latency compared to previous generations, positioning it as a viable alternative to traditional broadband. Verizon and T-Mobile have fueled its growth by promoting FWA as an affordable home broadband solution, especially in urban areas, leading to a rise in subscribers. Government initiatives like the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, along with private investments, are driving FWA expansion into rural areas. Additionally, FWA is becoming essential for IoT and enterprise applications in industries like agriculture and logistics, providing cost-effective connectivity in hard-to-reach areas. This growth is intensifying competition with traditional ISPs, urging them to reassess pricing and service strategies. We'll explore:

1. Successful FWA Deployment Cases and Customer Service Delivery
2. Assessment of Real-World Scenarios: Optimizing Fiber vs. FWA Solutions Based on Market Needs
3. Strategies for Addressing Fiber Gaps in Hard-to-Reach Areas
4. Bridging FWA and Fiber: Developing Solutions for Futureproof Networks

Record investments in fiber infrastructure are driven by higher bandwidth, lower latency, and government programs like BEAD. New entrants, including Google Fiber and local utilities, are intensifying competition with national providers. Fiber rollouts are expanding in rural and underserved areas to bridge the digital divide. As the backbone for 5G and edge networks, fiber supports high performance, with Next-Gen PON technology improving capacity and cost-efficiency. However, challenges remain in ensuring commercially viable networks and effectively monetizing PON technology. Over focused sessions, panel discussions and fireside chats, we'll explore the following hot topics:

• Successful FWA Deployments and Customer Service Delivery
• Optimizing Fiber vs. FWA: Real-World Scenarios Based on Market Needs
• Strategies for Addressing Fiber Gaps in Hard-to-Reach Areas
• Bridging FWA and Fiber: Solutions for Futureproof Networks

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet in the U.S. over five years, addressing geographic, infrastructure, economic, and educational barriers that contribute to the digital divide. Key initiatives include the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offering discounts to eligible households, and the USDA's ReConnect Program providing loans and grants to improve rural internet access. The Digital Equity Act funds digital literacy, training, and affordable devices. Telecoms must meet requirements and deadlines, with the first deployments expected by 2025. These policies are vital for promoting social inclusion, economic growth, and access to remote education and telehealth, supporting the digital economy. Our experts will shed light on:

• Understanding BEAD Requirements and Deliverables for First Deployments
• Strategies for Telcos to Expand Fiber While Retaining Market Share
• Optimal Use Cases for Fiber, FWA, and LEO Satellite Services
• Role of Neutral Host or Open Access Fiber Providers in Bridging the Digital Divide

Cable operators are losing market share to fiber carriers and FWA providers, prompting a shift toward new revenue streams. By leveraging existing customer bases, cable companies are bundling smart home solutions with broadband services. With the rise of home automation, security becomes a major focus, with cable providers enhancing systems for secure monitoring. Advances in IoT and Wi-Fi improvements are key for stable internet, while voice control and AI integration are added to manage smart home offerings. Cable companies are also offering energy management tools to help users reduce consumption. As competition intensifies, cable operators are transforming into smart home providers, driving adoption and creating new revenue streams while addressing security and sustainability. Dive deep into the most pressing questions including:

• How DOCSIS technology continues to empower cable operators with scalable, reliable, broadband solutions
• Next-Gen DOCSIS for multi-gigabit speeds, what are the latest advancements
• Future of DOCSIS in the fiber-heavy market and its role within hybrid networks
• AI-powered smart homes, what new revenue streams ad cost savings are there for a modern operator
• Discovering how AI and ML and reduce the costs for residential broadband

• How are the initial D4 rollouts proceeding?
• What have operators and vendors learned from the early deployments and trials?
• Where does the industry stand with developing new D4 equipment?
• How much of the industry will actually upgrade to D4?

• How are the rollouts of XGS-PON progressing?
• What’s happening with 25G PON?
• Where do the 50G PON and 100G PON specs stand now?
• What will next-gen PON enable?

• When does it make sense to go the FWA route?
• What are the pros and cons?
• How does FWA stack up against cable and fiber?
• What are the use cases for FWA?