New FBA Report Urges Fiber-First Approach to Strengthen U.S. Broadband Policy
Key Highlights
- The report positions fiber broadband as the only scalable, reliable solution capable of meeting long-term U.S. connectivity and performance demands.
- Key recommendations include streamlining permitting, investing in middle-mile capacity, improving broadband mapping, and aligning affordability with adoption.
- Emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and data centers are redefining “adequate broadband,” increasing the need for high-capacity, low-latency fiber networks.
The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) has released a new policy paper, U.S. Broadband Policy’s North Star: Fiber is the Key to Closing the Digital Divide, outlining a forward-looking framework aimed at helping policymakers and industry leaders strengthen the nation’s position in an increasingly digital, data-driven economy.
As the broadband sector transitions from large-scale federal funding initiatives to on-the-ground deployment and long-term network planning, the paper underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure built to last. It argues that future-ready networks must be capable of supporting rapid technological advancement, economic growth, and rising connectivity demands—and positions fiber broadband as the only technology equipped to meet those needs at scale.
Beyond performance, the report highlights the broader economic benefits of fiber deployment. High-quality broadband infrastructure plays a critical role in workforce development, enables innovation in rural communities, and helps attract investment across high-growth sectors. In this context, fiber is framed not simply as a connectivity solution, but as a foundation for full participation in today’s economy.
“The decisions being made today will define the performance, resilience, and competitiveness of our networks for decades to come,” said Marissa Mitrovich, VP of Public Policy at the Fiber Broadband Association. “This paper is a call to action for policymakers to focus beyond short-term deployment metrics and prioritize infrastructure that can truly support the next generation of innovation.”
The paper outlines several key priorities for U.S. broadband policy, including:
- Shifting program design toward long-term network performance rather than short-term benchmarks.
- Streamlining permitting and deployment through standardized, technology-driven processes.
- Expanding middle-mile and backhaul capacity to support data centers, AI applications, and regional growth.
- Pairing infrastructure investment with affordability initiatives and digital skills development.
- Improving data accuracy and mapping to better target funding and close connectivity gaps.
FBA’s analysis also examines how emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data center expansion—are redefining what qualifies as “adequate broadband.” These use cases demand ultra-low latency and high-capacity networks, reinforcing the need for fiber as critical infrastructure.
These themes will be explored further during the Broadband Policy Upload program at Fiber Connect 2026, taking place May 19. The event will focus on policy considerations shaping fiber-dependent industries such as data centers, smart cities, telehealth, precision agriculture, and cybersecurity.
Source: Fiber Broadband Association
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