.svg){kind=small}
New Orleans was buzzing at the end of July—not just with jazz and jambalaya, but with the energy of thousands of telecom professionals gathered for ISE EXPO 2025. From July 29 to 31, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center became ground zero for conversations about the future of network infrastructure, fiber deployment, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI). In case you missed it, here’s what stood out—and why it matters.
What Does Responsible AI Look Like in Telecom Infrastructure?
In the Automation/AI track, Kristi Dent of Verizon presented a forward-looking case study on how the company is leveraging AI and automation to build secure, reliable, and scalable networks. Verizon’s strategic approach centers around three pillars: Activate, Reimagine, and Innovate. By integrating AI tools into frontline operations, Verizon is enhancing everything from ticket screening and fiber risk scoring to anomaly detection and fiber sensing—helping predict and prevent issues like fiber cuts before they happen.
Dent also emphasized the transformative impact of AI on customer experience, noting how contextual intelligence can personalize interactions, reduce cognitive load, and streamline support. Verizon’s new app, launched in June, reflects this shift toward proactive, AI-driven engagement. On the infrastructure side, Verizon is investing in cloud-native architecture and supporting hyperscalers, while also analyzing energy consumption data to optimize network efficiency. Dent underscored Verizon’s commitment to responsible AI, positioning it as a co-pilot—not a replacement—for human decision-making, backed by published guidelines and an internal AI council. The takeaway? AI is moving from the lab to the field, and it’s reshaping how networks are built, managed, and scaled.
How is BEAD Progressing at the State Level?
In a research panel titled “A Look at BEAD from the State Broadband Office Perspective,” ISE Magazine Editor Hayden Beeson moderated a dynamic discussion centered on Endeavor Business Media’s recent survey of broadband officials across U.S. states and territories. The panel explored key themes shaping the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, including deployment strategies, technology priorities, execution challenges, workforce readiness, and public sentiment.
Survey responses from 32 state broadband leaders revealed a mixed outlook on achieving 100% coverage in their state. While nearly half expressed confidence—47% were “Mostly Confident” and 3% “Very Confident”—a notable portion (22%) were either “Not Very” or “Not at All” confident, with the remainder unsure. Technology preferences were more unified: 91% of respondents agreed that fiber should be prioritized in BEAD-funded deployments. When asked which technology would receive the largest share of BEAD funding, 78% selected Fiber First, followed by Fixed Wireless (9%), Cable/HFC (6%), and LEO satellite (6%). Fixed Wireless was also the top pick for the second largest share of funding.
As the BEAD program advances under a new administration, states and territories are actively planning their broadband buildouts. Each has appointed a lead broadband officer, but progress varies widely—some regions have finalized ISP selections, while others remain in early planning stages. There’s momentum, but also complexity. The message? Collaboration between public and private sectors will be key to turning funding into functional infrastructure.
What are Some Best Practices for FTTx?
The FTTx Networks (Fixed & Mobile) track at ISE EXPO 2025 offered a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of network deployment and how fiber and wireless connectivity can complement one another. Sessions covered practical techniques like ribbon splicing, emphasizing the importance of mastering fiber configurations and mass fusion splicing to improve efficiency and reduce installation time. Another session addressed the growing technician shortage, offering insights into training pathways and certification programs aimed at preparing the next generation of fiber professionals. Additional talks explored how automation and data intelligence can streamline telecom project management, highlighting the benefits of real-time analytics and structured workflows. In a forward-looking discussion on Fiber-to-the-Room (FTTR), solutions designed to enhance in-home network performance and customer satisfaction by extending fiber deeper into living spaces were presented.
In “Overcoming Brownfield MDU Complex Cabling Challenges," Belden Applications Engineer Peter Beard tackled the unique challenges of deploying fiber in brownfield multi-dwelling units (MDUs), where structural inconsistencies, tenant occupancy, and aesthetic concerns often complicate installations. Emphasizing that no two MDUs are alike, Beard encouraged attendees to expand their design thinking and leverage a broader toolkit of solutions. He explored various cable routing strategies—from on-building and crown molding concealment to leveraging existing coax infrastructure with G.hn and MoCA technologies. He also noted that alternate solutions, such as managed Wi-Fi, can minimize disruption and other MDU installation challenges. Beard encouraged attendees not to get hung up on a brownfield building’s current cable pathways, main distribution frames (MDFs), or intermediate distribution frames (IDFs), as some of these original paths and equipment may no longer be accessible or useable. With the right design approach and an exploration of tools and options available, even the most complex brownfield MDU projects can be executed efficiently and cost-effectively.
The track concluded with a session exploring how to build a modular, open-access network architecture that supports long-term scalability and flexibility. It focused on designing systems that are vendor-neutral and adaptable to evolving network goals, offering guidance on how to align infrastructure with strategic milestones. Together, these sessions reflected the industry's focus on precision, workforce development, operational efficiency, and improved end-user experience.
Looking Ahead: What’s in Store for Next Gen Networks?
The 2025 ISE Network Innovator awards recognize a diverse array of breakthroughs that tackle key challenges faced by broadband service providers across both fixed and mobile networks. Belden was recognized as a silver-level honoree for our PPC Hybrid Fiber/Power OVP Terminal. Designed to distribute power and fiber connectivity for outdoor wireless networks while providing equipment protection from lightning strikes, this product underscores Belden’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of network design, flexibility and implementation.
An Executive Panel moderated by Janice Oliva of Endeavor Business Media delved into topics including key network growth drivers and headwinds, fiber capacity questions, converged/hybrid networks and bridging the digital divide with creative network solutions and BEAD realities. The panelists reflected a cautiously optimistic industry with a forward-looking focus on:
- Enabling AI and automation
- Building scalable, hybrid infrastructure
- Partnering to overcome labor, rural access, and funding challenges
- Keeping fiber as the backbone, while integrating wireless and satellite strategically
ISE EXPO 2025 wasn’t just about what’s next—it was about what’s now. From AI-powered deployments to workforce transformation, the telecom industry is in motion. And if this year’s expo proved anything, it’s that the field—whether rural, urban, or somewhere in between—is where the future of connectivity will be built.
