On November 11, 2025, the Fiber Broadband Association convened regional broadband stakeholders in Kansas City, Missouri, for its latest Regional Fiber Connect workshop—bringing together policymakers, broadband providers, and industry experts to discuss how fibre demand is accelerating and how public funding can deliver maximum impact. Sessions focused on demand drivers reshaping network requirements, including remote work, online education, telehealth, streaming, and cloud-based services—and what these usage shifts mean for future-ready, high-capacity broadband infrastructure.
Featured speakers included U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), Adam Thorp (Missouri Office of Broadband Development), and Gary Bolton (FBA President & CEO). Discussions also highlighted the scale of upcoming deployment opportunity, including Missouri’s BEAD allocation of more than $700 million—expected to connect 200,000+ homes and businesses—alongside rising regional capacity needs tied to major data-centre investments in the Kansas City area.
During the FTTH Council Europe’s 2025 Autumn General Assembly in London (19–20 November 2025), leading European investors. Operators, and industry leaders gathered for the Investor Panel session, “Future-Proof Returns: Why Fibre Remains an Essential Asset Class”, sponsored by CityFibre, to discuss how to sustain fibre investment momentum as roll-outs mature and market conditions evolve. Fibre was unanimously confirmed as a long-life, resilient asset offering essential returns for infrastructure funds.
Vincent Garnier (FTTH Council Europe) provided market context for the next phase of fibre: European coverage continues to rise but is expected to approach a “coverage plateau” (around 90%), while an adoption gap remains between homes passed and active subscriptions. He also framed the discussion around levers to “re-energize” fibre’s value proposition—boosting take-up, maximizing open access, the role of regulation and copper switch-off, consolidation opportunities, and fibre’s position as a green/ESG asset.
Philipp Niederbichler (Macquarie Capital) provided an overview of fibre financing and recent transaction activity across European markets. After a high point in 2022, FTTX financing has seen “less but stable activity,” with lenders increasingly focusing on homes activated (not just homes passed) to validate cashflow generation.
James Ratzer (New Street Research) focused on returns and valuation mechanics underpinning continued fibre investment: modest but sustainable returns (ROCE) remain essential to support future network investment, pointing to the importance of wholesale pricing and market structure in maintaining investability.
Robert Sunderman (öGIG) shared a country case study from Austria, positioning öGIG as a neutral, wholesale-only open-access platform aimed at improving utilisation and customer choice. Greg Mesch (CityFibre) represented the operator perspective alongside the investor and analyst viewpoints, sharing insights on optimising deployment and adoption models to enhance efficiency and accelerate time-to-value.
Across the session, the message was consistent: fibre remains a long-duration infrastructure asset, but sustaining investor appetite in the next phase will depend on closing the adoption gap, maintaining bankable market structures and pricing. Open-access models, better utilisation, and clearer policy signals (including copper switch-off where relevant) will reinforce resilient returns.
The 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition will take place on 2–3 February 2026 at the Grand Millennium Muscat, Oman. Under the theme “Fiber Powered Futures – Connecting Intelligence, Infrastructure & Innovation,” the event will convene regional and global leaders in fibre infrastructure, digital transformation, and advanced connectivity.
Hosting the conference in Oman highlights the Sultanate’s rapid progress in nationwide fibre rollout. The gathering will explore how high-speed fibre networks underpin next-generation technologies, AI-driven economies, and smart, connected societies across the MENA region.
The second day will feature four workshops: a Green Optical LAN workshop on sustainable, energy-efficient networks; a Smart Cities workshop focused on fibre as the backbone of intelligent urban services; a session presented by FTTH Council Europe; and a deep-dive on hollow core and multi-core fibre for data centre applications, highlighting cutting-edge optical innovations.
The two-day programme will combine high-level panels, workshops, exhibition space and networking opportunities, bringing together government representatives, regulators, operators, enterprises, and technology providers. Discussions will cover fibre deployment, digital policy, AI integration, next-generation broadband, and the future of regional connectivity. Details on keynote speakers and special sessions will be announced soon.The 2025 FCGA annual summit will be held in Dubai, UAE, from November 4th to 7th, 2025. This major global gathering of fibre industry leaders, experts, and innovators will bring together stakeholders from across the world to discuss advancements in fibre optic technology and explore strategies for expanding high-speed broadband infrastructure.
Muscat, Oman
February 2 & 3, 2026
The FTTH Council Europe’s FTTH Congress CEE 2025 took place on 7–8 October in Warsaw, Poland, bringing together 350 attendees from the operator, policymaker, investor, and vendor communities. Across keynotes, panels, and country spotlights (Poland, Czechia, Romania, Ukraine, and the Baltics), speakers focused on funding and regulation for rural build-out, open-access investment models, network resilience, quality of experience, and much more. An accompanying exhibition showcased deployment and operations innovations from regional and European technology leaders.
Now, you can see the closing clip of the FTTH Congress CEE 2025 and a selection of event photos and gain valuable perspectives from the sponsors and speakers who joined the event. During a selection of video interviews, they share their expertise, providing in-depth insights into the key themes and innovations showcased at the event.
Warsaw, Poland
October 7-8, 2025
On October 14, 2025, the Fiber Broadband Association LATAM convened industry leaders in Bogotá for Fiber Connect LATAM – Colombia, a one-day forum dedicated to strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure. Hosted at the Hilton Corferias, the program brought together network operators, ISPs, and data centre stakeholders to explore how next-generation fibre networks underpin economic growth and digital inclusion across Latin America.
Discussions centred on raising the quality and resiliency of fibre networks, building strategic partnerships across the ecosystem, and harnessing the accelerating interplay between artificial intelligence and data centres. Speakers emphasized that robust, open-access fibre—paired with modern IXs and hyperscale capacity—will be decisive for meeting surging bandwidth needs and enabling AI-driven services across public and private sectors.
The Bogotá gathering formed part of the ongoing Fiber Connect LATAM series, which fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and practical deployment insights for the region’s broadband community. For venue, schedule, and organizer details, see the Fiber Broadband Association’s official event listing
The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) has opened its Call for Speakers for Fiber Connect 2026, taking place May 17–20, 2026 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Conference Center in Orlando. The program emphasizes non-commercial, expert-led panels with a preference for including at least one network operator per session.
FBA is looking for individual speakers for predefined panels (strictly non-commercial) and breakout panel participants. Topics of interest include:
• Pre-Conference Workshop (Sun, May 17): marketing metrics, localized messaging, subscriber growth, and churn reduction.
• Breakout Sessions (Mon–Tue, 1:00–2:30 p.m.): deployment best practices, outside plant, service-provider ecosystem, data centers & AI, open access, fiber economics, local/ROW, tribal broadband, network expansion, marketing, MDU, and middle-mile.
• Specialty Programs (Mon–Tue, 3:00–5:00 p.m.): precision agriculture, telehealth, AI/quantum & emerging tech, streaming & gaming.
FCGA members and partners interested in speaking can apply before October 31, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET. via FBA’s “Submit to Speak” form on the Fiber Connect 2026 Call for Speakers page.
The FTTH Council Europe has announced FTTH Congress CEE 2025 will take place 7–8 October at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Warsaw. This new regional event will gather 400+ policymakers, regulators, operators, investors and vendors to accelerate full-fibre rollout across Central & Eastern Europe.
With over 13 million homes still to be passed in countries including Poland, Czechia, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine and the Baltics, the programme will span policy keynotes, technical deep-dives, market panels and country sessions focused on resilient infrastructure, open-access models and inclusive digital growth. Confirmed speakers include Kamila Kloc (EU Commission, DG CNET), Verena Weber (BEREC), Marco Obiso (ITU), Ervín Šimko (MIRRI), Yuriy Kurmaz (Ukrtelecom), Marta Wojciechowska (Fiberhost), Jana Hays (CETIN) and Paula Harrison (Vodafone Group).
Warsaw, Poland
October 7-8, 2025
In a landmark step toward strengthening digital infrastructure across the Pacific, the Fiber Network Council Asia Pacific, Telecom Fiji Limited, and the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association proudly announce the inaugural Pacific Fiber Conference 2025, taking place on 13–14 August 2025 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Denarau Island.
This first-of-its-kind event is dedicated exclusively to fibre connectivity, digital infrastructure, and resilient network strategies in the Pacific Islands region. The conference is expected to draw more than 200 delegates from across Oceania and the globe, including telecom leaders, government representatives, data center operators, investors, and international technology providers.
Nadi, Fiji
August 13 - 14th 2025
The FiberConnect APAC Conference 2025, hosted by the Fiber Network Council APAC, will take place on November 11–12 at the JW Marriott Hotel, Jakarta.
Celebrating 20 years of fiber innovation across Asia-Pacific, the event will gather over 250 industry leaders, regulators, hyperscalers, and policymakers. Attendees will explore the future of AI-powered fiber networks, 5G/6G, cloud integration, and digital infrastructure.
Keynotes, panels, and investment discussions will shape insights into smart cities and digital policy. With a focus on regional collaboration, the event is a must-attend for telecom operators, data center leaders, and infrastructure investors driving Asia-Pacific’s digital economy forward. The full agenda will be released soon.
The first ever Pacific Fiber Conference will highlight the region’s growing role in digital infrastructure. The event is Hosted by Telecom Fiji Ltd (TFL) and Organized by the Fiber Network Council APAC and PITA. Set for August 13–14, 2025, at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, PFC25 will gather over 200 leaders from telecom, data centers, and government.
Key topics include FTTH/B deployment, submarine cables, fiber-satellite convergence, 5G, and digital inclusion. With over 12 million mobile users and expanding subsea links,Oceania is emerging as a strategic investment hub.
The event also features a hands-on training stream for engineers, exploring fiber fault detection, 5G slicing, and AIOps. Full agenda and speaker lineup to be announced soon.
Fiji event is Hosted by Telecom Fiji Ltd (TFL) and Organized by FNCAP and PITA.
Fiber Connect Council MENA participated in the SAMENA Leaders’ Summit 2025 on May 26 in Dubai, under the theme “Intelligent & Sustainable Transformation of Digital Economies.” Represented by Dr. Ala Mousa, Kholoud Al-Dorgham, and Nader Mohamed, the Council contributed to high-level discussions shaping the region’s digital future.
Kholoud Al-Dorgham chaired a round-table on “Digital Enablement: Scaling Success,” joined by UNDP’s Stephanie Boustany. The session addressed key issues including IoT, open tech, fiber infrastructure, AI, and digital inclusion.
The Council’s presence underscored its commitment to fostering innovation, policy development, and sustainable connectivity across MENA, reinforcing its role in advancing digital transformation and resilience in the region.
Fiber Connect 2025 is scheduled for June 1–4, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Organized by the Fibre Broadband Association (FBA), this premier event is expected to gather over 5,000 professionals from across the fibre ecosystem, including network operators, infrastructure providers, technology innovators, policymakers, and investors. Reflecting industry momentum in deploying fibre networks, especially with the initiation of BEAD-funded projects, the conference emphasizes the transformative impact of fibre broadband.
The conference offers specialized forums and over 100 breakout sessions covering topics such as fibre deployment strategies, digital equity, workforce development, and advancements in fibre technology. Confirmed speakers include CEOs from C Spire and SaskTel, and executives from Alta Fibre, Cityside Fibre, and Ting Internet.
Early bird registration is currently open.
The FBA has announced seven cities across the USA selected for its expanded 2025 Regional Fiber Connect Workshops. As BEAD funding becomes available for broadband expansion in 2025, these workshops will help regional leaders and broadband operators gain critical insights on effective network rollouts, community engagement, and the economic and societal impacts of fibre broadband. Our 2025 workshops address the challenges that network operators, state broadband offices, and local leaders care about the most,equipping them to meet demand, tackle unique challenges, and fully leverage this critical year for broadband expansion,” said Evann Freeman, EPB Vice President of Government & Community Relations and FBA Conference Chair.
Learn more about the Regional Fiber Connect Workshops and register below.
Complete 2025 Regional Fiber Connect Workshops Schedule
Fiber Connect Council MENA participated in the SAMENA Leaders’ Summit 2025 on May 26 in Dubai, under the theme “Intelligent & Sustainable Transformation of Digital Economies.” Represented by Dr. Ala Mousa, Kholoud Al-Dorgham, and Nader Mohamed, the Council contributed to high-level discussions shaping the region’s digital future.
Kholoud Al-Dorgham chaired a round-table on “Digital Enablement: Scaling Success,” joined by UNDP’s Stephanie Boustany. The session addressed key issues including IoT, open tech, fiber infrastructure, AI, and digital inclusion.
The Council’s presence underscored its commitment to fostering innovation, policy development, and sustainable connectivity across MENA, reinforcing its role in advancing digital transformation and resilience in the region.