In Bridging Together, Utilities and Broadband Partnerships are Shaping the Future of Connectivity

As the world pushes towards greater digitalization and modernization, the intersection of utilities and broadband services has thrusted its way into becoming a main focal point. This collaboration is not just about enhancing infrastructure but also about bridging the digital divide and meeting the evolving demands of modern connectivity. With billions of dollars in federal funding being funneled into broadband expansion, the race is on. 

How can utilities and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) effectively collaborate to build a resilient and efficient future for both energy and connectivity?

For the latest segment of “Wavelengths,” an Amphenol Broadband Solutions podcast, host Daniel Litwin, the voice of B2B, pressed into this issue with Bill Major, CEO of FiberLight. Together, they discussed the dynamic partnerships between utilities and broadband ecosystems, exploring some of the challenges, opportunities, and the future of these collaborations.

Several key points they also discussed were:

• The ongoing integration of utilities and broadband services is creating new opportunities for infrastructure sharing and modernization, but also bringing challenges in terms of governance and coordination.
• How both sectors face the necessity of massive investments in new or revitalized infrastructure, with a focus on how shared resources could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solutions.
• The need for better collaboration and standardization across the industry to maximize the benefits of new technologies, such as 5G and eventually 6G, while avoiding inefficiencies in deployment.

Bill Major is the CEO of FiberLight, LLC, a leading provider of enterprise fiber infrastructure. He has a career spanning over two decades in designing, constructing, and operating fiber networks. Major also has a lot of experience in the telecommunications industry. His expertise lies in enabling partnerships that leverage existing infrastructure to expand broadband access and enhance connectivity.

Article by Alexandra Simon.