Sevier Awarded Dr. Charles Kao Award for His Lifelong Commitment to Advancing Connectivity in Rural America

WASHINGTON, D.C.—(November 4, 2024)—The Fiber Broadband Association awarded the 2024 Dr. Charles Kao Award to Larry Sevier, former CEO and General Manager of Nex-Tech, in recognition of his pioneering work in bringing fiber broadband to rural America. The award celebrates individuals, organizations, and companies that harness innovation to connect communities through broadband. Sevier is being honored for his early and lasting contributions to expanding rural fiber networks and for his ongoing legacy in broadband leadership.

The Dr. Charles Kao Award is presented annually on Gimme Fiber Day, an international event celebrated on November 4th, which commemorates the birthday of the inventor of fiber optics. Established in 2013 by the FTTH Council Global Alliance (FCGA), Gimme Fiber Day highlights the transformative benefits that fiber broadband brings to society and the economy.

Sevier began his career at Nex-Tech in 1986, where he spearheaded the company’s move into fiber broadband, making Nex-Tech the first U.S. service provider to connect a rural community with fiber in 1996. This achievement set a new standard, inspiring rural providers nationwide to pursue fiber connectivity. Under Sevier’s 28-year leadership, Nex-Tech prioritized expanding fiber access across rural Kansas, connecting homes, businesses, and institutions in areas previously underserved. Today, Sevier remains an influential figure in Nex-Tech’s ongoing mission to deliver robust fiber connectivity.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Sevier. “When we first employed fiber, many viewed it as overly ambitious, especially in rural areas. But seeing its transformative impact on communities has been very rewarding. I am grateful to the Fiber Broadband Association for their continued work to make high-quality broadband a reality for all.”

“Larry’s contributions have had a long-lasting influence on the fiber industry, particularly in rural areas,” said Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. “As a visionary leader, Larry paved the way for rural fiber broadband, helping countless communities gain access to the economic and social benefits of fiber. His work continues to guide and inspire us as we work to close the digital divide.”

About the Fiber Broadband Association

The Fiber Broadband Association is the largest and only trade association that represents the complete fiber ecosystem of service providers, manufacturers, industry experts, and deployment specialists dedicated to the advancement of fiber broadband deployment and the pursuit of a world where communications are limitless, advancing quality of life and digital equity anywhere and everywhere. The Fiber Broadband Association helps providers, communities, and policy makers make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better fiber broadband networks. Since 2001, these companies, organizations, and members have worked with communities and consumers in mind to build the critical infrastructure that provides the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver. The Fiber Broadband Association is part of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, which is a platform of six global FTTH Councils in North America, LATAM, Europe, MEA, APAC, and South Africa. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org.

Not only does fiber increase the power and capability of the home, but it also adds to the overall value of the real estate and its ability to be sold more quickly as buyers look for reliable high-speed broadband for work-from-home, telehealth, gaming, streaming, and smart home devices such as security cameras and personal assistance.

According to Adtran, consumer needs for more broadband are growing every year. U.S. Internet adoption has increased to 81% of households, telehealth popularity has doubled year-over-year since 2020, e-commerce is expected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026, and in-home devices have increased to 22 per home in 2024.

“We know trends are growing,” said Amanda Scherer, Director of Solutions Marketing, Adtran. “The adoption per home is increasing. We know people are consuming more, but sometimes seeing it placed like this really emphasizes just how much subscribers, year over year, quarter over quarter, are enhancing what they’re doing in the home.”

Additional research from Adtran shows both business and residential consumption have increased since 2017, with an overall 21.2% CAGR for residents. This is attributed to the influx of 2K/4K security cameras, cloud gaming, smart appliances, home offices, connected kitchens, automobile charging, and streaming in 4K/8K.

By enabling all of these applications to be run on high-speed, low-latency broadband, fiber increases the value of the home, according to platforms such as Doorify MLS. The MLS service, the 33rd largest in the U.S., provides competing real estate and brokers to share information about houses, land, and buildings, such as size, amenities, and internet access.

Once Doorify MLS receives information on a home from a broker, they input the data from sources like FiberHomes, which is a platform that connects fiber broadband providers with the real estate industry. FiberHomes certifies fiber availability to the address provided to help local real estate agents and brokers reach new movers. Seeing where fiber is and where fiber will be deployed in the future is crucial when home shopping. FBA’s 2023 research showed that fiber brought 4.9% in home value, condo value increased by 3.2%, while rent is about 12.8% higher with fiber.

For more on how fiber brings value to real estate, listen to the latest Fiber for Breakfast podcast.

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Horizons Communications Selects CHR to Boost Network Security

Optical Network Education becomes a Fiber Broadband Association member to help advance access to reliable broadband and digital equity

Green Bay, WI – (10/26/24) — Today, Optical Network Education announced it has joined the Fiber Broadband Association, an organization that is dedicated to accelerating the deployment of fiber broadband networks to ensure every community can leverage the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver.

“The Fiber Broadband Association welcomes Optical Network Education to its membership. Our association thrives on the knowledge, hard work, and collaboration of our members, and we know that Optical Network Education will be an asset to our organization,” said Gary Bolton, President and CEO at the Fiber Broadband Association. “Together, we will work to provide advocacy, education, and resources for the advancement of fiber broadband technology to close the digital equity gap and create a better quality of life for everyone.”

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Optical Network Education to be affiliated with FBA and its vast community of fiber optic professionals and institutions,” said Joel Mikulsky, Lead Instructor and Owner at Optical Network Education. “We are excited to not only provide top-tier fiber optic training but also actively contribute to FBA’s initiatives through committees, working groups, and conference participation. By connecting our communities, we aim to foster innovation, collaboration, and the advancement of the fiber optic industry as a whole.”

To learn more about the Fiber Broadband Association, please visit fiberbroadband.org.

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About Optical Network Education
We are a professional training and certification program focused on the fiber optic industry. Our program equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to obtain the FBA OpTIC Path certification, a nationally recognized credential. We offer comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, and flexible online learning options to meet the needs of our diverse student population. Our goal is to address the industry’s demand for skilled technicians and help individuals build successful careers in the growing field of fiber optics.

About the Fiber Broadband Association
The Fiber Broadband Association is the largest and only trade association that represents the complete fiber ecosystem of service providers, manufacturers, industry experts, and deployment specialists dedicated to the advancement of fiber broadband deployment and the pursuit of a world where communications are limitless, advancing quality of life and digital equity anywhere and everywhere. The Fiber Broadband Association helps providers, communities, and policy makers make informed decisions about how, where, and why to build better fiber broadband networks. Since 2001, these companies, organizations, and members have worked with communities and consumers in mind to build the critical infrastructure that provides the economic and societal benefits that only fiber can deliver. The Fiber Broadband Association is part of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, which is a platform of six global FTTH Councils in North America, LATAM, Europe, MEA, APAC, and South Africa. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org.

Press Contacts:
Joel Mikulsky – Lead Instructor & Owner
joel@optineted.com
414-300-9955

Ashley Schulte
Connect2 Communications for the Fiber Broadband Association
FBA@connect2comm.com

Leadership transition sets the stage for continued growth and innovation in fiber broadband solutions

MINNEAPOLIS – October 24, 2024 – Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLFD), the leader in community broadband fiber connectivity, today announced a strategic leadership transition, appointing Anis Khemakhem as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) effective January 1, 2025. Khemakhem, who joined Clearfield earlier this year as Vice President of Global Technology Platforms, brings with him over 25 years of industry experience, with diverse leadership skills.

Khemakhem will drive the company’s marketing strategy, spearhead efforts to expand into new markets, and identify new product opportunities to support business growth initiatives both within and beyond the Company’s community broadband marketplace, and global adoption of its technology footprint. In this role, Khemakhem aims to further strengthen Clearfield’s market leadership by enhancing customer engagement and accelerating the development and rollout of innovative fiber solutions, particularly as Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding is being allocated.

Kevin Morgan, who has served as Clearfield’s CMO since 2016, will transition into the newly created role of Executive Advisor to the CEO, continuing to contribute to the company’s growth and industry leadership. In this role, Morgan will maintain Clearfield’s connection with the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), supporting public policy efforts while also representing Clearfield at select industry conferences and authoring articles for industry-leading publications. Leveraging deep industry expertise, Khemakhem and Morgan will help drive Clearfield’s expansion and deployment in support of the BEAD program, facilitating broadband deployment across underserved communities.

“Anis brings a wealth of new market development and marketing experience to Clearfield, and we’re excited to see how his vision will continue to elevate our presence in the market,” said Cheri Beranek, President and CEO of Clearfield. “We are deeply grateful for Kevin’s invaluable contributions as CMO, and we look forward to benefiting from his expertise in his new advisory role.”

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal time for Clearfield as it continues to push the boundaries of fiber management and connectivity solutions with innovations like the recently launched CraftSmart Deploy Reel TAP Box.

“It’s been an incredible journey serving as Clearfield’s CMO, and I look forward to continuing my work with the company in this new capacity,” said Morgan. “I’m eager to see Anis step into this new role and bring fresh energy and ideas to our marketing efforts.”

For more information on Clearfield and its innovative fiber solutions, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

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About Clearfield, Inc.
Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD) designs, manufactures, and distributes fiber optic management, protection, and delivery solutions that play a critical role in enabling broadband operators to close the digital divide. Our labor lite, craft-friendly platform is leveraged by community broadband, MSOs, incumbent service providers, ISPs, data centers, military, municipalities, and coops – from homes passed to homes connected faster and more efficiently. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Clearfield deploys more than a million fiber ports each year. For more information, visit www.SeeClearfield.com.

Media Contact:
Autumn Minnich
Connect2 Communications for Clearfield, Inc.
clearfield@connect2comm.com

Navigating the permitting process requires plenty of advanced planning, but one of the most powerful tools to facilitate the process isn’t software or consulting, but a continued effort to communicate with agencies who own the process to make sure they understand the requirements and needs of construction projects. This requires a low-tech, high touch approach, one that isn’t delivered via email or web portal. 

On this week’s Fiber for Breakfast episode, Ryan Kudera, Manager, Client Services, Finley Engineering, noted, “We’re seeing a lot more electric submissions, a lot more electronic interaction [on permitting]. The one thing we don’t see is your pizza timer [showing when things are done]. You make the order, you watch the timer for when it’s going to get to your house. That just doesn’t exist in permitting. You throw the permit in, it’s in the oven, and most the time it comes out burnt. There is no specific viewpoint of figuring out where the process is, and this is where the relationships come in.” 

Kudera’s experiences in building networks in Wyoming emphasize the need to build relationships with permitting agencies and the people there doing the heavy lifting, not to simply show up when you want an answer. This requires taking the time to sit down with the permitting staff before you begin, once you submit permits, and checking in on a regular basis, preferably by using the power of hospitality. 

“They can’t take donations, but they can accept donuts and coffee,” said Kudera. “Believe me, 20 bucks for donuts and coffee once a month goes a long way when it comes to understanding where your permitting process may be.” 

Kudera outlined four steps for navigating the permitting process successfully. Step 1 is analyzing the fiber route and the permitting requirements needed along it. Step 2 is building the proposed route maps and having the various land ownership and easement records associated with it. 

Step 3 is understanding the regulations that exist around the needed permits and why they are there. “You have to understand the agency, or agencies, responsible for processing the permit,” said Kudera. “You have to understand how they work, what they’re doing. When we have to request meetings with personnel to seek additional information on regulations, process, and unpublished issues, my go to is go in and say, ‘Hey, I’m the stupidest guy here. Can you help me understand this?’ And most people are very helpful and will try and help you get through whatever needs to be done.”  

Step 4 is fostering a community of effort to ease the process for all involved, including the agencies and builders. It requires maintaining the relationships started with permitting agencies and government which (hopefully) started at Step 1 and making sure that permitting is a collaborative effort instead an adversarial one.  

“Once submitted, keep communicating,” said Kudera. “Don’t just set it and forget it. You know what? We all love grandma’s cookies, but even she set the timer.”  

To learn more about the process of permitting and the power of donuts, tune into the latest Fiber For Breakfast.  

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Lenora, KS, October 23, 2024 – Nex-Tech Creative, a leading provider of marketing and consulting services for the broadband industry, is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the prestigious Market Activation Partner Award, presented by Calix. This award celebrates Nex-Tech Creative’s innovative contributions to the broadband industry, recognizing both the creative projects developed independently and in collaboration with clients.

The Market Activation Partner Award acknowledges agencies that deliver groundbreaking support, services, and marketing campaigns that accelerate and expand the go-to-market activities of broadband service providers. Nex-TechCreative was honored for its ability to design marketing strategies that not only drive provider growth but also enhance subscriber engagement across diverse markets.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Dustin Schlaefli, Director of Customer Engagement. “This award is a testament to the Nex-Tech Creative Team, as well as the trust our clients have placed in us to partner with them on innovative projects that make a tangible impact in the broadband space. We’re excited to continue helping providers expand their reach and deliver exceptional service to their communities.”

In addition to the Market Activation Partner Award, Nex-Tech Creative was also one of three finalists for the 2024 Calix Partner Training Achievement Award. This nomination highlights the commitment of the Nex-Tech Creative team to be continuously invested and learning how to provide value to Calix customers.

Nex-Tech Creative has a strong track record of driving success through various creative projects, including those developed in-house and in collaboration with leading broadband providers. With a focus on market activation, Nex-TechCreative’s efforts have enabled providers to better connect with their communities, create excitement among subscribers, and position themselves for sustained growth.

About Nex-Tech Creative
Nex-Tech Creative is a full-service marketing and consulting agency that specializes in helping broadband service providers achieve their business goals through innovative marketing strategies and comprehensive support services. With a deep understanding of the broadband industry, Nex-Tech Creative delivers solutions designed to enhance go-to-market strategies, engage subscribers, and drive long-term success.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dustin Schlaefli at Nex-Tech
785.625.7070   Fax: 785.625.4479

JONESBORO, Ark. (October 23, 2024) – Many Texarkana neighborhoods are set to gain access to cutting-edge, high-quality fiber optic internet, as construction has begun on a $7 million infrastructure investment by Ritter Communications. RightFiber, the company’s fiber–to-the-home service, will deliver multi-gig speeds and future-proof connectivity, transforming the community’s digital landscape.

“Ritter Communications has proudly served the Texarkana business community for over four years, providing fiber broadband, telecom, video, and data center services to meet the growing needs of businesses,” said Ritter Communications CEO Heath Simpson. “This RightFiberexpansion deepens our commitment to Texarkana, connecting residential neighborhoods with advanced fiber internet with speeds up to 5 Gig.”

Ritter Communications launched its RightFiber-branded residential fiber offerings in 2021, joining the elite ranks of the fastest residential internetproviders, delivering 5 Gig internet, TV and phone options to homes across Arkansas and West Tennessee.

Visit RightFiber.com to check availability and learn more about the internet service options offered in your neighborhood. RightFiber’s initial construction areas will be notified when services are available by door tags, mail, yard signs and door-to-door team members.

As part of their Right by You pledge, Ritter Communications is committed to being a good neighbor while their construction teams bring 100%fiber internet to your home. Any property disturbed by construction will be repaired to its original form before the work concludes.

Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ritter Communications is proud to serve homes, schools and businesses in the Mid-South with advanced communications technology. For over 115 years, their formula for success has been the relentless pursuit of delivering best-in-class technology paired with a world-class customer-focused experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the RightFiberConstruction Hotline at 833.565.1994.

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RightFiber, the latest fiber–to-the-home internet service from Ritter Communications, offers the most reliable, highest performing, symmetrical multi-gigabit-speeds available in Arkansas and West Tennessee. This service ranks among the elite, fastest internet providers in the country with speeds up to 5 Gig that are ideal for streaming, gaming, video conferencing and homes with multiple smart devices. RightFiber brings over 115 years of telecom experience from Ritter Communications to your neighborhood and is committed to doing Right by You^®. For more information, visit RightFiber.com.

Ritter Communications is the largest privately held telecommunications provider serving exclusively the Mid-South, offering world-class broadband fiber, telecom, video, cloud and data center services. The company has grown rapidly over the years, investing millions recently in technology infrastructure and is now serving 155 communities and more than 57,000 customers in Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee. Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ritter Communications invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer-focused experience. For more information visit RitterCommunications.com.

Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

INFO
Ritter Communications is commemorating the expansion of its new RightFiber fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A special program marking the launch of this new offer will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the presentation of a special donation, light refreshments, and remarks from project leaders on the impact that bringing 100% fiber technology will have on the local community.

FEATURED SPEAKERS:    
Heath Simpson, Ritter Communications, CEO
Tonya Sarlls, Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, VP Operations
Eddie Lee Herndon, Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, Board President
Roger Meek, Boys and Girls Club of Fort Smith, Board President

WHEN: 
Thursday, October 24, 2024
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club
Jeffrey-Glidewell Unit
4905 North ‘O’ Street
Fort Smith, AR 72903

CONTACT:    
Carson Horn, APR
The Communications Group
501.515.0849
chorn@comgroup.com

Jessica Odom
Ritter Communications
870.897.1028

Jessica.odom@rittercommunications.com

RSVP by October 23^rd by emailing Jessica Odom at Jessica.odom@rittercommunications.com.

To schedule personal interviews with any of the featured guests, email chorn@comgroup.com.

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About Ritter Communications
Ritter Communications is the largest privately held telecommunications provider serving exclusively the Mid-South, offering world-class broadband fiber, telecom, video and data center services. The company has grown rapidly over the years, investing millions recently in technology infrastructure and is now serving 155 communities and more than 57,000 customers in Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee. Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ritter Communications invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer-focused experience. For more information visit RitterBusiness.com.

RightFiber, the latest fiber-to-the-home internet service from Ritter Communications, offers the most reliable, highest performing, symmetrical multi-gigabit-speeds available in Arkansas and West Tennessee. This service ranks among the elite, fastest internet providers in the country with speeds up to 5 Gig that are ideal for streaming, gaming, video conferencing and for homes with multiple smart devices. RightFiber brings over 115 years of telecom experience from Ritter Communications to your neighborhood and is committed to doing Right by You^®. For more information, visit RightFiber.com.

WHITEWATER, Wisconsin – TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) surprised a Whitewater High School teacher with its Wisconsin Most Valuable Educator award, which honors a person working in schools and making a difference in the lives of students and their community.

Laura Masbruch was presented with the award and a Green Bay Packers prize package that includes two tickets to the Jan. 5 game against Chicago, as well as the opportunity to take a group of students to Lambeau Field to tour the stadium and meet with a Packers alum.

Masbruch was chosen as TDS’ Most Valuable Educator from more than 40 nominations from throughout the state. She was honored Wednesday in front of students and staff at a school assembly.

“We’re proud to honor our educators who work tirelessly every single day to help students achieve and make our communities a better place. Laura is an incredible teacher who for years has made a deep impact on students and her fellow educators. We were excited to shine a spotlight on her with the Wisconsin Most Valuable Educator Award,” said Anna Jensen, TDS associate manager of Field Marketing, who presented her with the award.

Masbruch, who began in Whitewater in 1993, teaches computer science, math, and robotics. In her nomination, she was noted for her innovative approaches for students, her special focus on helping students who are bilingual, and the personal time she has devoted to the growth of the robotics team, which earlier this year qualified for the national championships in Houston.

Madison-based TDS has served Wisconsin for 55 years. The company is continuing construction on high-speed, all-fiber internet network in Whitewater, with work ongoing to expand to more neighborhoods. TDS is also building in several other Wisconsin communities including Janesville, Eau Claire, Appleton, and Green Bay. For more information, visit TDSFiber.com.

Media Contact: Mark Schaaf | Manager of Communications | TDS Telecom | 414-326-3588 | mark.schaaf@tdstelecom.com

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS^®) has completed its fiber infrastructure build, connecting homes and businesses to the latest fiber-to-the-home technology and delivering up to 8 Gig internet.

“Expanding access to high-speed internet connections is one of TDS’ top priorities and we’re proud to partner with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin on the Potosi project,” said Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Drew Petersen. “This Fiber-Fast Community award signifies that Potosi now has world-class internet which benefits area residents, businesses, and visitors, too.”

In October of 2021, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission awarded TDS a Wisconsin Broadband Access Grant to help fund fiber-optic connections. The original project plans called for TDS to install infrastructure to deliver up to 1 Gig internet, but the Madison-based company installed upgraded technology to bring faster speeds. Internet options up to 8 Gig are available for residents and businesses, and commercial customers can also choose dedicated connections of up to 10 Gig.

The new network is available to all addresses included in the build. The upgraded network will also increase availability of TDS’ TV product called TDS TV®+. The service option integrates with popular streaming, includes a cloud DVR, On Demand programming, and a voice remote with Google Assistant. TDS TV+ is available to both residents and businesses.

In celebration of the build, TDS representatives presented Village of Potosi an Official Fiber-Fast Community designation to Village of Potosi Board President Mick Whitaker. TDS also marked the milestone with a $1K donation to the Potosi Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad accepted by Fire Chief Ryne Emler.

“Infrastructure projects like this take the efforts of many to bring across the finish line,” said Petersen. “We certainly thank the Village of Potosi, the commission, and local legislators Senator Howard Marklein  and Representative Travis Tranel for their support.”

This project is being supported in part by federal award number 416821 awarded to Farmer’s Telephone Company DBA TDS Telecommunications LLC by the U.S. Department of Treasury. These federal funds were made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and the State of Wisconsin, acting by and through the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

TDS has served customers in Wisconsin for over 55 years and in the Potosi area for more than 20 years. Residents interested in learning more about TDS services can visit tds.com.

Media Contact: Missy Kellor | Manager – Communications | TDS Telecom | 608-664-4836 | missy.kellor@tdstelecom.com