The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by intelegrate and VETRO FiberMap.
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, hosts Brad Hine and Pete Pizzutillo brought together a panel of industry leaders for their annual Year in Review and Buy, Sell, Hold discussion.
The episode features perspectives from Lori Adams (Nokia), Bob Knight (Harry Marketing), Matt Larsen (Vista Beam), and Jade Piros de Carvalho (Socket Fiber). Together they discuss the biggest broadband topics of the past year—and what they mean for providers heading into 2026.
From BEAD funding delays to consolidation, AI, automation, and supply chain concerns, the conversation delivers a clear snapshot of where the industry stands today.
One of the most debated topics of 2025 was the NTIA’s June policy reset that pushed BEAD funding toward a more tech-neutral approach.
The panel’s verdict? Mostly sell.
Many respondents felt the changes caused unnecessary delays, pushing construction timelines out by at least a year. Projects that were ready to begin in early 2025 were stalled, creating uncertainty and increased costs.
The consensus was clear:
Faster builds don’t automatically come from tech neutrality
Delays created labor and supply chain challenges
Political and administrative shifts added confusion
The goal of connecting the hardest-to-reach locations remains valid, but execution suffered
While the intent behind BEAD remains strong, 2025 demonstrated just how difficult large-scale government broadband programs can be to implement smoothly.
Another major trend of 2025 was the accelerating wave of ISP mergers and acquisitions.
When asked whether consolidation is ultimately good for the industry, opinions were mixed:
Buy: Consolidation helps smaller providers access capital and scale
Hold: Benefits depend on culture and execution
Sell: Less competition can mean higher prices and fewer choices
Some panelists pointed out that private investment will play a major role in closing the digital divide, especially as BEAD timelines continue to stretch. Others warned that consolidation can dilute innovation and reduce the agility that smaller ISPs bring to the market.
The takeaway? Consolidation isn’t inherently good or bad—it depends entirely on how it’s done.
Network monetization has been a long-running industry goal. But in 2025, most ISPs still relied heavily on one core revenue model: charging for speed.
When asked whether the industry made real progress beyond that, the panel largely chose hold.
While there was experimentation with new services and customer experience tools, economic pressures and rising costs limited meaningful breakthroughs.
Many agreed that:
True monetization progress depends on automation
AI and analytics may unlock new revenue models
Operational efficiency must come first
In other words, before ISPs can fully monetize advanced services, they must first modernize their backend systems and data strategies.
AI dominated headlines in 2025—but panelists were asked to look beyond the hype and predict the next major focus for 2026.
The answers were wide-ranging:
Supply chain constraints driven by simultaneous BEAD builds
Workforce shortages as projects finally ramp up
Automation at scale rather than pure AI
Alternative technologies like fixed wireless and satellite
Growing reliance on non-terrestrial networks such as Starlink
One common thread emerged: regardless of technology, execution will be the story of 2026. With billions in funding finally beginning to flow, the industry must be ready to deliver.
Looking ahead, Brad and Pete emphasized a theme that runs through nearly every challenge discussed: digital transformation.
Whether the topic is monetization, consolidation, AI, or operations, success increasingly depends on:
System integration
Clean, accessible data
Automated workflows
Modern OSS/BSS ecosystems
As networks grow more complex, the ability to integrate tools and platforms will be a major differentiator between high-performing providers and those that struggle to scale.
The episode wrapped on a lighter note, asking guests to share their favorite industry memories from 2025.
The responses highlighted something technology can’t replace: the relationships that power the broadband community.
From conferences and events to partnerships and friendships, panelists reflected on how the industry continues to feel like an extended family—even during challenging times.
As the conversation turned to the year ahead, a few themes stood out:
BEAD execution will finally begin in earnest
Automation and integration will move from theory to necessity
Workforce development will become a critical priority
Consolidation trends will continue
Providers will focus on operational efficiency more than ever
The panel agreed on one thing: 2026 will be less about new buzzwords and more about real-world delivery.
The Broadband Bunch’s annual Year in Review episode provides a look at the state of the industry. It captures the frustration, optimism, and determination that defined 2025—and sets the stage for a pivotal 2026.
For ISPs, vendors, policymakers, and technology partners, the message is clear:
The future of broadband depends on execution, integration, and collaboration.
© 2026 Enhanced Telecommunications.
