The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click . This episode is sponsored by and .
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, host Brad Hine sits down with Anis Khemakhem, Chief Marketing Officer of Clearfield, for a conversation that explores the landscape of broadband deployment. With over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications and technology sectors, Anis brings a holistic perspective to the challenges and opportunities facing ISPs, manufacturers, and communities nationwide.
From workforce transformation to BABA compliance and AI-ready network design, this episode covers a wide range of topics, all anchored in Clearfield’s mission to deliver broadband for everyone—especially in underserved areas.
Listening First: The Heart of Product Innovation
At the core of Clearfield’s success is its commitment to listening. Anis shares a guiding principle that has shaped his approach to product strategy: Start by understanding the customer’s problem, not by pushing a prebuilt solution. This customer-first mindset has enabled Clearfield to design products that are not only technically sound but also aligned with real-world deployment needs.
Whether it’s simplifying installation or reducing maintenance overhead, Clearfield believes that the best innovations emerge from collaboration with the broadband providers in the field.
Labor-Light, Plug-and-Play Fiber for Faster Deployments
One of the major challenges facing the industry today is the shortage of skilled labor. As broadband builds accelerate across the country—driven by funding programs like BEAD—service providers are grappling with how to scale their deployments without overburdening limited resources.
Clearfield’s response? A “labor-light” design philosophy that centers on plug-and-play components, modular architecture, and intuitive installation processes.
“We want to help our customers deploy faster, with fewer truck rolls and minimal rework,” Anis explains. “That’s why we focus on scalable solutions that reduce complexity and increase operational efficiency.”
Clearfield’s fiber enclosures and management systems are designed to be intuitive for new installers, reducing the need for intensive training and enabling crews to ramp up quickly in the field.
Building a Workforce for Tomorrow
Anis also highlights a critical generational shift in the broadband workforce. Today’s technicians and fiber installers learn and work differently. They expect information to be mobile-friendly, interactive, and instantly accessible—a far cry from bulky manuals and classroom training.
To meet these expectations, Clearfield developed the Clearfield Built App, a mobile tool that allows users to interact with 3D product models, watch installation tutorials, and learn in real time. They’ve also integrated virtual reality (VR) into their training environments, offering hands-on simulations that boost understanding and confidence.
And it doesn’t stop at tools—Clearfield also supports FOA certification and educational partnerships to ensure the next wave of broadband professionals is equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
BABA Compliance and U.S. Manufacturing
In a world where funding and compliance go hand in hand, Clearfield is ahead of the curve. Anis emphasizes the importance of Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance, especially as federal and state governments roll out historic broadband investments.
With manufacturing facilities in Minnesota and across the U.S., Clearfield is positioned to meet both regulatory and logistical requirements. This domestic footprint ensures that customers can source products quickly and meet the compliance criteria tied to federal funding.
“Being BABA-compliant isn’t just about checking a box,” Anis notes. “It’s about being ready to serve our customers when funding is released—and helping them succeed in the long term.”
Designing Networks for AI, IoT, and the Edge
The number of connected devices per home continues to skyrocket as digital transformation accelerates. From VR headsets and home automation systems to autonomous vehicles and agriculture sensors, broadband networks must evolve to meet high-density, low-latency demands.
Anis shares that Clearfield is already preparing for this shift by investing in modular, high-density fiber solutions that are adaptable across environments—central offices, data centers, switching stations, and rural deployments.
Their approach also includes cable management, modular scalability, and space-optimized designs. One example is their new TetherSmart solution, which offers a cost-effective, flexible deployment model for long distances in low-density rural markets.
Meeting Customers Where They Are—In Culture and Design
What makes this conversation stand out is how Anis links product innovation with cultural awareness. From his bright blue Nike Air Force sneakers (approved by his teenage son) to the embrace of mobile-first tools, Anis understands that fiber infrastructure isn’t just about cables—it’s about the people who build, manage, and rely on it.
“Our customers’ customers are changing. That means our tools, training, and technology have to evolve too,” he says.
In today’s world, where the smartphone is a technician’s primary device and networks must support immersive applications like AR and machine learning, Clearfield is focused on building infrastructure that’s ready for the next generation.
Final Thoughts: Listening, Partnering, Delivering
The episode wraps with a strong message: Partnership and listening lead to better outcomes. Clearfield doesn’t just manufacture fiber components—they collaborate with broadband providers to co-create solutions that work in the real world.
As Anis says, “Our customers are our greatest product managers. They give us the checklists—it’s our job to check the boxes.”
Whether it’s training a new installer, designing a VR-ready cabinet, or delivering BABA-compliant gear on time, Clearfield is proving that innovation starts with listening—and succeeds through execution.
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