The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click . This episode is sponsored by and .
As the U.S. works toward the goal of delivering high-speed broadband to every home and business, the complexity of network buildouts has become increasingly apparent. In an episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine is joined by Sebastian Sassi, Vice President of Sales at Atlantic Vision, to discuss the critical—but often overlooked—role of fiber passives and how innovation in pre-connectorized fiber solutions is helping providers deploy networks faster, cheaper, and more reliably.
Sassi brings over 25 years of experience in the telecom and fiber optic industry, having previously held key roles at industry giants like Corning before taking on his current leadership position at Atlantic Vision. In this episode, he shares how his company is shaking up the fiber optics market and why pre-connectorized solutions are becoming essential to the future of broadband deployment.
Atlantic Vision: The “Wizard Behind the Curtain” of Fiber Passives
Atlantic Vision might not be a household name, but its products are essential components of many broadband networks across the U.S. As Sassi explains, Atlantic Vision specializes in manufacturing connectorized fiber products—patch cords, trunk cables, drop cables, MSTs (multi-port service terminals), and other last-mile fiber assemblies.
Much of the company’s business involves private labeling and white labeling products for larger, more recognizable brands. While companies like Corning and Commscope dominate the bulk fiber production market, Atlantic Vision focuses on pre-connectorized solutions that bridge the gap between the fiber backbone and individual homes and businesses.
“We manufacture millions of fiber connections every week,” Sassi notes. “We do it efficiently, cost-effectively, and with quality that field splicing simply can’t match.”
The Case for Pre-Connectorization: Labor, Time, and Cost Savings
One of the biggest challenges facing broadband providers today isn’t just the availability of materials—it’s the availability of skilled labor. Splicing fiber in the field requires specialized training, time, and precision. In many rural areas, there simply aren’t enough trained splicers available to meet the demand for new connections.
Pre-connectorized fiber solves this problem by shifting much of the labor from the field to the factory. Instead of requiring field teams to splice cables by hand, Atlantic Vision’s solutions arrive ready for quick, reliable connections.
“The labor shortage is the biggest bottleneck in broadband deployment,” Sassi emphasizes. “By pre-connectorizing fiber in a clean-room environment, we reduce the need for splicing, speed up deployments, and lower overall project costs.”
Pre-connectorization also improves the quality of connections. Factory-installed connectors offer more reliable performance than field splices, reducing maintenance costs and improving network longevity.
Why the Market Needs Disruption
The passive fiber market has long been dominated by a few major players, making it difficult for smaller, innovative companies to gain traction. But Atlantic Vision aims to change that.
“We see ourselves as disruptors,” says Sassi. “We’re challenging the status quo in a market where small voices often go unheard.”
Atlantic Vision’s approach offers broadband providers an alternative to the traditional model, which often involves long lead times, high prices, and rigid product offerings. By offering customized, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions, Atlantic Vision helps providers stay on budget and meet tight deployment schedules.
Broadband as a Utility: A Necessary Shift in Mindset
During the conversation, Sassi draws a powerful parallel between today’s broadband buildout and the electrification of America during the Great Depression. Just as rural electrification brought power to underserved areas in the 1930s, modern broadband expansion aims to connect the last 15% of Americans who still lack reliable internet access.
“We’ve resisted viewing broadband as a utility for too long,” Sassi argues. “But the reality is that internet connectivity is just as essential as electricity or clean water in today’s world.”
This shift in mindset has paved the way for public investment programs like the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program, which provides funding to help close the digital divide. While Sassi acknowledges that Atlantic Vision’s overseas manufacturing disqualifies it from BEAD-funded projects under current rules, he supports the program’s goals and recognizes its importance to the industry.
“Even though we can’t sell to BEAD-funded projects, we know the program is driving demand for fiber products and encouraging much-needed investment in broadband infrastructure.”
The Global Perspective: Pre-Connectorization Around the World
While Atlantic Vision focuses primarily on the North American market, Sassi notes that the benefits of pre-connectorized fiber are recognized worldwide. Labor shortages, cost pressures, and the need for faster deployments are universal challenges.
“The business case for pre-connectorization exists everywhere,” he says. “Whether you’re building networks in the U.S., Europe, or Asia, reducing labor and improving installation speed just makes sense.”
Looking Ahead: The Next 10 Years of Fiber Deployment
When asked to predict the future of the fiber industry, Sassi sees no signs of slowing down. He anticipates a significant increase in data center construction, continued growth in last-mile broadband deployment, and a surge in low-latency, high-speed connectivity to support emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), generative AI, virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“We’re going to see trillions of IP-enabled devices coming online in the next decade,” he explains. “All of them will require reliable, low-latency connections, and that means more fiber—especially in the last mile.”
Sassi also highlights the importance of preparing for the next wave of wireless connectivity. As autonomous vehicles and smart cities become a reality, the need for fiber-fed radio heads and other backhaul solutions will only grow.
“The future is bright. I don’t see any chance that this industry will be done building in my working career.”
A Passion for Fiber—and for Progress
Throughout the conversation, Sassi’s passion for fiber optics and its role in shaping the future is unmistakable. While he readily acknowledges that fiber passives aren’t the most glamorous part of the broadband ecosystem, he believes they are among the most important.
“The people who are going to cure diseases, build smarter cities, and create the technologies of tomorrow are going to use the fiber networks we’re building today,” he says. “We’re not just selling cable. We’re helping build a better world.”
Conclusion: Building Smarter, Faster, and for the Future
As the broadband industry faces the dual challenges of rising demand and constrained labor, solutions like pre-connectorized fiber offer a path forward. Atlantic Vision’s commitment to quality, cost-effectiveness, and innovation positions it as a key player in the next phase of broadband deployment.
“We like saving people money,” Sassi concludes. “But more importantly, we like helping them build networks that will stand the test of time.”
© 2025 Enhanced Telecommunications.
