Network
Navigating the Shift from Wireless to Fiber in 2025
FBA Presents - The Fiber Resurgence: Navigating the Shift from Wireless to Fiber in 2025 Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT
Filed by Sonar, member
January 1, 2025 · 2 MIN · UPD JUN 16, 2026
Audio version
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The Fiber Resurgence: Navigating the Shift from Wireless to Fiber in 2025
Fiber is back on the rise—are you ready to capitalize? Let’s explore the fiber opportunity, understand where hybrid wireless fits, and learn how to stay ahead.
With funding and government initiatives fueling large-scale fiber buildouts, ISPs are shifting their focus from wireless to fiber infrastructure. In this session, moderator Rick Seemann from Sonar, Tim Luttman from Sonar, Nolan Sarlo from NETSPECTRUM, and Jason Mocca from Core Fiber unpack the key trends in fiber deployments and explain why fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) is gaining momentum—even in previously wireless-dominated markets. Expect candid insight on major vendors like Calix and Adtran, the evolving role of Ubiquiti, and where fixed wireless still delivers critical reach. We will also examine the operational and community impacts of closing the digital divide, and how SaaS platforms such as Sonar are adapting to support new verticals and higher-speed networks.
Key Takeaways:
- How BEAD and Buy America rules are accelerating domestic fiber deployments
- Evolution of fiber gear: XGS-PON, 25 G/50 G PON, and vendor moves (Calix, Adtran, Cambium, Ubiquiti)
- Where wireless still works—and how hybrid deployments maximize ROI in challenging terrain
- Planning for the last mile and beyond: permits, pole access, workforce, sustainability
- Closing the digital divide and its economic impact on rural communities
- Operational trade-offs: cost, performance, security, and energy efficiency
- SaaS demands of the modern telco and how Sonar is adapting across ISP, MVNO, and utility markets
How BEAD and Buy America rules are accelerating domestic fiber deployments
Evolution of fiber gear: XGS-PON, 25 G/50 G PON, and vendor moves (Calix, Adtran, Cambium, Ubiquiti)
Where wireless still works—and how hybrid deployments maximize ROI in challenging terrain
Planning for the last mile and beyond: permits, pole access, workforce, sustainability
Closing the digital divide and its economic impact on rural communities
Operational trade-offs: cost, performance, security, and energy efficiency
SaaS demands of the modern telco and how Sonar is adapting across ISP, MVNO, and utility markets
Questions, answered.
Why are ISPs shifting their focus from wireless to fiber?
With BEAD funding and government initiatives fueling large-scale fiber buildouts, ISPs are shifting their focus from wireless to fiber infrastructure, with fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) gaining momentum even in previously wireless-dominated markets.
How do BEAD and Buy America rules affect fiber deployment?
BEAD funding and Buy America rules are accelerating domestic fiber deployments, helping drive the large-scale fiber buildouts that are pushing ISPs toward fiber infrastructure.
Does fixed wireless still have a role as fiber expands?
Yes. Fixed wireless still delivers critical reach, and hybrid deployments can maximize ROI in challenging terrain where wireless continues to work.
What fiber technologies and vendors does the Fiber Resurgence webinar cover?
The session covers the evolution of fiber gear including XGS-PON and 25G/50G PON, along with vendor moves from major players such as Calix, Adtran, Cambium, and Ubiquiti.
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