ISE and Corning Honor GoNetspeed’s Chris Brooks with Connect the Unconnected Award
Key Highlights
- Chris Brooks was recognized for expanding fiber broadband access across underserved communities in 11 states through GoNetspeed.
- He helped overcome regulatory and infrastructure challenges to support expansions into Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
- Brooks has advised more than 50 broadband providers on fiber deployment strategies for unserved areas.
The 2026 Connect the Unconnected Award, presented by ISE Magazine in collaboration with Corning Incorporate, was awarded to Chris Brooks, Senior Director of Operations at GoNetspeed. The announcement was made Tuesday, May 19, at the Fiber Connect Conference and Expo at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.
The award recognizes telecommunications leaders who have demonstrated exceptional vision and dedication to expanding reliable internet access through strategic fiber broadband deployment, proactively identifying underserved communities, implementing innovative solutions to overcome infrastructure challenges, and delivering meaningful connectivity to those who need it most.
Brooks has spent his career focused on bringing broadband to communities where reliable service remains limited. Brooks’ deployment strategy has guided GoNetspeed to expanding to serve hundreds of communities across 11 states. While many expansions go seamlessly, others face challenges due to regulatory guidelines, general construction uncertainty, and negotiations. Brooks has been able to support the company through various market entry processes, something nearly every provider faces daily—including pole attachment processes and delays. Recent expansions into Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and soon New Jersey mark measurable success for GoNetspeed, Brooks, and his team.
Brooks has also shared that expertise beyond GoNetspeed, volunteering to consult with more than 50 broadband providers nationwide on fiber deployment strategies that prioritize unserved residents. He is an active contributor to the New York State Telephone Association and a regular speaker on Fiber Broadband Association panels focused on reaching underserved communities.
“Chris Brooks exemplifies what it means to connect the unconnected,” said Bob Whitman, Vice President Market and Product Strategy, Corning Optical Communications. “Through his leadership, vision, and deep commitment to underserved communities, he has helped expand access to reliable fiber broadband in ways that create lasting impact for families, businesses, and local economies.”
About the Connect the Unconnected Award
The Connect the Unconnected Award recognizes telecommunications leaders who have demonstrated exceptional vision and dedication to bridging the digital divide through strategic fiber broadband expansion. These individuals are true Community Champions, proactively identifying underserved areas and implementing innovative solutions to overcome deployment challenges. Their commitment extends beyond mere execution, showcasing a deep understanding of community needs and a relentless pursuit of connecting the unconnected. Through their foresight and execution, they have brought transformative fiber broadband to communities, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
About ISE Magazine
ISE (ICT Solutions & Education) has been connecting broadband and telecom professionals with innovative solutions and education for more than 40 years. Published by EndeavorB2B, ISE covers fiber networks, broadband deployment, telecom infrastructure, and the policy and technology shaping the industry’s future. Visit www.isemag.com.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science, with a 175-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning’s capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning’s markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, solar, semiconductors, and life sciences.
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