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In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine interviews Jeremy Huhman, Senior Director of Operations at Vyve Broadband, live from SCTE’s Tech Expo 2024 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Bringing over 15 years of broadband industry experience, Jeremy shares insights on the industry’s transition from Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) networks to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and the workforce development needed to sustain this transformation. This episode provides a dive into the operational, technological, and strategic aspects of broadband infrastructure and the challenges associated with digital transformation in today’s world.
The Journey of Network Transition
One of the central themes of the episode is the transition from HFC to fiber networks. For broadband providers, this transformation is about more than upgrading infrastructure—it’s about rethinking how to deliver reliable, high-speed internet to meet the growing needs of consumers. Jeremy explains that for many companies, this shift is as challenging as it is essential.
While HFC has served as a robust broadband technology for years, delivering data through both fiber optics and coaxial cables, the increasing demand for streaming, gaming, and high-bandwidth applications has led broadband providers to consider fiber-only solutions. Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology offers a higher capacity for data transmission and greater reliability, particularly in the era of smart devices and work-from-home setups. However, Jeremy highlights that this transformation does not happen overnight, especially as companies have to balance financial feasibility with consumer expectations.
Lessons from Vyve Broadband’s Transition to Fiber
Vyve Broadband has navigated its own journey from HFC to fiber, and Jeremy offers an inside look at the company’s approach to handling this transition. Initially, Vyve Broadband began its foray into fiber through a gradual migration strategy, using RF-over-Glass (RFOG) technology to deliver HFC-based broadband over fiber networks. Jeremy notes that this approach allowed Vyve to test fiber’s capabilities without completely abandoning HFC infrastructure, especially in areas where fiber deployment was economically challenging.
The lessons learned during this transition were invaluable, from training technicians in fiber splicing and network monitoring to educating the management team on the implications of a fiber network. “A lot of the HFC companies want to delve into the fiber world but don’t know where to start,” Jeremy explains, adding that it’s about building both the technical know-how and organizational mindset to support fiber deployment.
ROI and the Rural Challenge
One of the biggest challenges broadband companies face is determining when and where to invest in fiber. For Vyve Broadband, deploying fiber in densely populated urban areas is more straightforward than extending it to small, rural communities, where the return on investment (ROI) can be prohibitive. Jeremy discusses the financial considerations that go into planning fiber deployments, from equipment and labor costs to customer density. In smaller communities, the costs often outweigh potential profits, making it difficult for providers to justify fiber installations.
While advances in fiber technology, such as Active Ethernet and Passive Optical Networks (PON), have made deployment more affordable in recent years, Jeremy notes that rural broadband expansion still requires strategic planning and sometimes even subsidies or partnerships to make it feasible. Despite these hurdles, Jeremy is optimistic about the future of rural connectivity and hopes that continued technological advancements will bridge the digital divide.
Training Tomorrow’s Broadband Experts
A critical factor in the success of broadband providers like Vyve is building a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also passionate about the industry. Jeremy emphasizes that bringing in competent employees who view broadband as a career rather than just a job is essential to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Vyve’s approach to workforce development includes training new hires on the technical aspects of fiber and HFC, while also equipping them with the communication and problem-solving skills needed to serve customers effectively.
Jeremy reflects on his own journey, from his early days as a technician to his current role as a senior director. Coming from an Army background, he understands the value of hands-on experience and continuous learning, which he says are crucial for anyone looking to build a career in broadband. Vyve encourages employees to pursue certification through organizations like SCTE-ISBE, which provides specialized training in broadband technologies. This commitment to training helps Vyve ensure that its workforce is prepared to tackle the challenges of fiber deployment, from splicing to customer service.
Learning from Industry Mentors and Networks
In addition to formal training, Jeremy stresses the importance of networking and mentorship in the broadband industry. Throughout his career, he has benefited from mentors who have shared their knowledge and guided him through complex challenges. He recalls early lessons from seasoned technicians, known affectionately as the “cable dogs,” who taught him not only the technical skills required for broadband work but also the problem-solving mindset needed to succeed.
This mentorship model is something Jeremy aims to pass on to new technicians at Vyve. He encourages his team to learn from experienced colleagues and to participate in industry events like SCTE’s Tech Expo, where they can see new technologies and learn about industry trends firsthand. Jeremy believes that this blend of formal education and hands-on experience is the key to building a resilient workforce.
Evolving Technologies and Consumer Demands
The rapid evolution of broadband technologies means that providers must constantly adapt to keep up with consumer demands. Jeremy discusses how consumer expectations have shifted over the years, with more households relying on high-speed internet for streaming, remote work, and smart home technology. As demand grows, so does the need for reliable, high-capacity networks that can handle heavy data loads without compromising on speed or quality.
Jeremy recounts the early days of his career, when download speeds of three megabits per second were considered sufficient. Fast forward to today, and customers are demanding speeds that are exponentially higher, putting pressure on broadband providers to upgrade their networks. This shift has made fiber an attractive option, as it offers significantly higher bandwidth than traditional coaxial cables.
Broadband as the “New Railroad”
Drawing a comparison to historical infrastructure projects, Jeremy likens the expansion of broadband to the construction of railroads in the early 1900s. Just as railroads connected distant communities and drove economic growth, fiber networks are becoming a critical part of modern infrastructure, expanding access to information and enabling new forms of economic activity. Jeremy envisions a future where fiber connections are as ubiquitous as railroad crossings once were, bringing high-speed internet to communities across the country.
However, he acknowledges that this vision will take time to achieve, particularly in rural areas where the cost of fiber deployment remains high. For now, providers like Vyve are focused on gradual transitions that make economic sense while keeping pace with evolving technology.
The Future of Broadband and Vyve’s Vision
Looking ahead, Jeremy sees significant opportunities for both Vyve Broadband and the broadband industry as a whole. He anticipates continued growth and consolidation within the industry, as smaller providers merge with larger ones to improve economies of scale. For Vyve, which has already expanded to serve 16–17 states, this growth presents an opportunity to reach more customers and extend its fiber footprint.
As for the future of broadband technology, Jeremy predicts that HFC will remain a part of the broadband landscape, but its role may change. He envisions a gradual shift where HFC is used primarily for internet service, while video and other high-bandwidth applications move to fiber. This approach, he argues, will allow providers to make the most of their existing infrastructure while still meeting the demands of a rapidly digital world.
A Vision for Tomorrow’s Broadband
This episode of The Broadband Bunch provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities facing today’s broadband providers. From workforce development to technological innovation, Jeremy Huhman offers valuable insights into what it takes to build and maintain a competitive broadband company in an industry that is constantly evolving. His experience underscores the importance of training, mentorship, and a commitment to quality service, all of which are essential for success in the broadband world.
For anyone interested in the future of connectivity, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you’re a broadband professional, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone who relies on high-speed internet in your daily life, Jeremy’s insights shed light on the complex and exciting journey of broadband’s evolution. With providers like Vyve leading the way, the future of broadband looks bright and promising.
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