Publications

The Fiber Broadband Association has released ‘Introduction to Passive Optical Network Splitter Architectures,’ part of its Fiber 101 Series developed by the FBA Technology Committee. This essential guide clarifies terminology, configurations, and best practices for deploying PON splitters, explaining how architecture choices influence fiber counts, splicing, and customer connectivity.
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The publication explores centralized splitter architectures, housed in central offices or Fiber Distribution Hubs, and distributed splitter architectures placed closer to customers. Key technical considerations, such as power split ratios (1×32, 1×64), and emerging practices like unbalanced splits are discussed. Reflecting FBA's commitment to supporting industry stakeholders, the guide equips service providers, utilities, and decision-makers with critical insights needed for cost-effective and scalable fiber broadband deployment strategies.

The FBA and Cartesian have released the 2024 Fiber Deployment Cost Annual Report, which provides a detailed analysis of the evolving US fiber broadband landscape, emphasizing the significant progress made and the challenges faced by the industry. As of 2024,76.5 million U.S. households—over half the nation—are now serviceable by fiber,a remarkable achievement driven by substantial private investments, strategic mergers, and government-backed funding initiatives.

Findings highlight continued fiber expansion to previously underserved communities. Major industry players, such as AT&T and Verizon,have committed to aggressive deployment goals, while smaller operators,municipalities, and cooperatives are also playing a pivotal role in increasing fiber accessibility nationwide.

AI is transforming industries, dramatically increasing the demand for high-speed, low-latency data transmission. Fiber infrastructure has emerged as critical for AI's success, powering data centers, edge computing, and smart homes with seamless data processing, ultra-fast connectivity, and scalable solutions. A new FBA report explores the relationship between fiber and AI, highlighting how AI drives demand for robust fiber networks across DCs, enterprises, and homes. It showcases real-world applications such as AI-optimized networks, predictive maintenance, and smart home technology. Additionally, the report outlines how AI-driven automation and security enhancements are reshaping the fiber industry and enhancing customer experiences.

During in the14th Annual Edition of Fiber Connect Council MENA Annual event the study ‘Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and 5G Panorama’ was presented. This explores key drivers, challenges, and opportunities in accelerating digital transformation. The publication also sheds light on the region's varying FTTH adoption rates, with advanced economies such as the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia leading the way—each boasting over 50% penetration rates. 

The UAE has achieved an incredible 99.4% FTTH/B penetration rate, making it a global leader in advanced connectivity. This demonstrate the nation's commitment to digital transformation, highlighting its role as a pioneer in shaping the future of connectivity and reaffirming its global innovation hub position.

*The study is exclusively available to Members.

RVA, LLC. has developed a report on North American fibre deployment, which outlines the significant advancements and challenges in the industry as of 2024. FTTH deployment reached 76.5 million U.S. homes, marking a 13% growth, with adoption rising to 45.2% and faster ramp rates reported. The market’s strong growth potential is driven by sustained demand and investments from private equity and government programs.

Challenges persist, particularly permitting delays, pole access issues, and labour shortages, with small providers estimating a 7% higher build capacity without workforce constraints.Despite these hurdles, market optimism remains high, fuelled by emerging applications like fibre-to-the-data centres, grid, and quantum computing,ensuring long-term growth.
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In Latin America and the Caribbean, the FTTH market is experiencing significant growth as countries strive to improve their digital infrastructure. Recent investments and government initiatives are driving fibre expansion across the region. FBA LATAM’s latest annual market research looks at the fibre optic market in Latin America in detail, focusing on deployment,challenges, impacts, trends, and future projections. By the end of 2023, Latin America and the Caribbean reached 67 million FTTH subscribers (37% of households) with coverage expanding to 67% of homes. Continued growth is projected, estimating 101 million subscribers and 83% coverage by 2028. The FBA LATAM magazine is an annual publication by Fiber Broadband Association that highlights industry advancements and the most recent developments in advocacy, research and funding put forth by Fiber Broadband Association and its members in Latin America. The most recent edition is available in Spanish and Portuguese.

Since 2007, RVA Market Research and Consulting LLC and the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) have been publishing an annual Consumer Study to gain insights into how households view and use fibre. The survey pool taps into about 3,000 to 4,000 randomly selected consumers in the U.S. and Canada, with this year’s focus on marketing strategies and augmenting fibre.

The latest edition shares insights into why people switch to fibre, and clearly shows most people were convinced that fibre is the best way to access the internet, with proven performance advantages.  More on the RVA / FBA 2024 Consumer Study. By deploying fiber to the 56 million households that are in tracts unserved by fiber, the United States has the potential to generate at least $3.24 trillion in terms of net present value (NPV) in incremental economic impact. Fiber deployment also has the potential to create at least 380,000 new jobs in the U.S. economy.
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Anew report by the FTTH Council Europe reveals that Portugal, Spain, and Sweden are leading Europe in phasing out legacy copper networks, while countries like Germany and Greece lag behind.

The Copper Switch-Off Tracker, launched in partnership with Cullen International, monitors progress across the EU and UK in transitioning to full-fibre broadband. The report highlights the critical role fibre networks play in achieving the EU’s Digital Decade objectives by reducing energy consumption and operating costs.

Currently, only 12 countries have plans for a complete copper switch-off, with public disclosure in just 8. The tracker will offer regular updates to policy makers, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Read more on the FTTH Council website.

A new whitepaper examines the role of robust infrastructure in the success of digital services and applications in Smart Cities with fiber optic networks providing a foundational, sustainable backbone. Deploying fiber networks comes with challenges, such as significant infrastructure costs, regulatory hurdles, and the need for strategic partnerships to support deployment and long-term maintenance.

This white paper addresses these issues, presenting actionable insights into overcoming these obstacles to ensure a successful fiber rollout. The publication features real-world case studies, examining cities that have successfully implemented fiber networks to become more resilient, adaptable, and responsive to citizens’ needs, and we discusses emerging technologies, such as 5G and advanced IoT solutions.

The white paper concludes with a roadmap for cities considering fiber optic deployment, highlighting key considerations for policymakers, city planners, and private sector partners.

A groundbreaking study conducted by the Brattle Group, initiated by Frontier and the Fiber Broadband Association, shows that fiber deployment has significant incremental economic benefits even in the presence of other high-speed broadband technologies.

By deploying fiber to the 56 million households that are in tracts unserved by fiber, the United States has the potential to generate at least $3.24 trillion in terms of net present value (NPV) in incremental economic impact. Fiber deployment also has the potential to create at least 380,000 new jobs in the U.S. economy.

A strategic paper titled “Permitting Success: Closing the Digital Divide Through Local Broadband Permitting” will help local governments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) navigate broadband network construction challenges and maximize investments in broadband connectivity for all Americans. The Permitting Success paper includes case studies; strategic checklists for ISPs, local governments, and state and federal agencies; and outlines three main categories for permitting success.

The FBA LATAM magazine is an annual publication by Fiber Broadband Association that highlights industry advancements and the most recent developments in advocacy, research and funding put forth by Fiber Broadband Association and its members in Latin America. The most recent edition is available in Spanish and Portuguese.

Our annual report provides an in-depth analysis of the fibre optics industry across the MENA region. It covers key market trends, regional developments, and future forecasts, offering valuable insights into market size, growth, deployment statistics, technological advancements, innovations, and policy and regulatory updates. Download our detailed analysis of MENA’s fibre industry!

Download the latest edition of our newsletter: a resource for industry professionals to stay informed about the ongoing changes and opportunities in the fiber optic landscape in the MENA region. It also promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders to advance fiber adoption and improve connectivity across the region​

Expert Speaker Christopher Geerdts, MD of BMIT, takes a realistic, in-depth look at the country's roadmap to 6G in the context of where the world is heading, including the status of SA's 5G deployments.

The bi-monthly Official Newsletter of the Digital Council Africa aims to let members know what the organisation has been busy with but also provides a platform to let the council know what they are up to. Members are invited to share thought leadership insights, company updates, or product information that may benefit other members.

The Fiber Network Council, dedicated to advancing the fiber industry in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, regularly publishes insightful white papers. These publications provide in-depth analyses on the latest trends, technological advancements, and strategic developments within the fiber optics sector. By offering comprehensive research and expert perspectives, the Council's white papers serve as valuable resources for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and investors. They aim to foster innovation, promote best practices, and support the widespread adoption of fiber networks, ultimately contributing to the region's economic growth and digital transformation.