PODCAST: Show Daily 2 Fiber Connect 2026 news roundup

In the second episode of the Fiber Connect 2026 show daily podcast, we're tracking key trends during the show. 

Here’s a breakdown of the episode’s key moments:

0:00    Opening/Introduction

0:50    Florida’s broadband promise
Leo Garcia, Director of the Florida Commerce Office of Broadband, opened the second day of Fiber Connect, highlighting Florida’s progress in connecting underserved and unserved communities.

1:16    Editor’s panels
Our colleague Matt Vincent, editor of Data Center Frontier, hosted “A Data Center Without Connectivity is an Expensive Warehouse” with DC BLOX CTO Jeff Wabik.

1:36    FBA’s Fiber Feud
FBA’s Fiber Feud finalists then competed for the championship title, and the Guardians of Connectivity Team proved that instant communication and quick response are advantages both on the broadband network and in game-show teamwork. 

2:15    Broadband Forum’s QoE effort
Craig Thomas, CEO of the Broadband Forum, on developing standard mechanisms to ensure Quality of Experience in broadband.

3:01    MCNC's telehealth and data center focus
We talked to MCNC's president and CEO, Tracy Doaks, about how broadband is essential for telehealth and for connecting research institutions to data centers in rural areas.

4:06    Fiber Broadband Association’s (FBA) annual awards program
This year’s winners were celebrated at the 25th Anniversary Awards Gala on Tuesday evening at Fiber Connect 2026. 

4:48    ISE’s Connect the Unconnected Award
Presented by Lightwave’s colleagues at ISE Magazine in collaboration with Corning, the award was presented to Chris Brooks, Senior Director of Operations at GoNetspeed.

6:29    Closing

About the Podcast 
In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address key issues affecting the optical and broadband industries. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com/.