Fiber Connect 2026 Growing in Scope and Influence
At Fiber Connect 2026, the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) yesterday announced record membership, adding 40 net new member companies in 2026 to date, as momentum behind fiber broadband infrastructure continues to accelerate across North America. The association says that over the past five and a half years, FBA membership has more than tripled, now representing a community of more than 8,000 broadband professionals. Membership increased 16 percent year-over-year, FBA says, with balanced growth across both network operators and fiber solution providers, reinforcing the association’s role as the industry’s leading collaborative forum for the fiber broadband ecosystem.
FBA says it supports more than 1,900 delegates from member companies that actively contribute to FBA committees, working groups, and standards-related activities focused on deployment strategies, operational excellence, workforce development, and business innovation.
“Fiber has become the critical infrastructure enabling the next generation of economic growth and innovation,” said Jennifer Vassil, Vice President of Membership at Fiber Broadband Association. “Our members are driving that transformation through collaboration, technical leadership, and a shared commitment to expanding high-performance connectivity. The continued growth of our Association reflects both the strength of the fiber industry and the increasing importance of fiber in powering AI, cloud applications, smart infrastructure, healthcare, education, and beyond.”
FBA also announced at Fiber Connect 2026, a strategic initiative with Older Adults Technology Services from AARP, which powers their flagship Senior Planet program, to expand high-speed fiber connectivity and digital skills training to older Americans across the country. By combining infrastructure investment with education and engagement, the initiative helps address both access and adoption, two critical components of digital equity.
The program will be promoted throughout the year via Fiber Broadband Association events, including regional workshops, Fiber Day on the Hill, and the Policy Summit, with ongoing opportunities for additional providers to participate.
In addition, yesterday FBA announced the launch of FBA Academy, an on-demand training program designed by industry experts for broadband technicians and industry professionals to expand access to advanced education. The Academy is intended to be the fiber industry’s workforce development platform, designed to help organizations build, strengthen, and futureproof their teams, directly addressing the fiber ecosystem needs to onboard new and upskill existing employees. A full launch is planned for Q3 2026.
