Broadband Nation Expo 2025 continued its exploration of the industry’s hottest topics on day two, moving from AI’s impact to the crucial subject of broadband access and bridging the digital divide. From the progress of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to discussions about broadband as a utility, the expo offered a deep dive into the future of connectivity. Here’s a recap of the key takeaways.
## BEAD’s Progress and Broadband as a Utility
With the NTIA’s initial approval of state BEAD proposals, broadband leaders from Arizona and Nevada shared their insights on the program’s progress and the next steps toward deployment. A central theme emerged: the importance of treating broadband as a utility. Angela Bennink from Kitsap Public Utility District emphasized the need for public ownership to ensure community voices are heard, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Jamar Davis from Charlotte’s Smart City initiative highlighted that access is just the beginning, and supporting resident services is the next vital step.
## AI’s Surprising Broadband Impact
Comcast’s Chief Network Officer, Elad Nafshi, shed light on the escalating impact of AI on broadband networks. Since the start of 2025, Comcast has seen a staggering “three-fold increase” in traffic to ChatGPT. Interestingly, Nafshi noted that even with 89% of AI traffic still being text-based, the launch of OpenAI’s Sora app for AI-generated videos caused an even bigger traffic surge, surpassing Xbox Live’s consumption on their network.
## LEO Satellites and Take Rates
Mike Lubin from ViaSat presented the potential of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to complement fixed wireless access (FWA) in rural areas, potentially serving as FWA backhaul until fiber or other optical technologies become more accessible. He sees a combination of satellite and FWA as the key to connecting the 2.6 billion unconnected people globally. The discussion then shifted to the crucial aspect of take rates for successful broadband deployments. WISPA President David Zumwalt pointed out that projects often falter when take rate assumptions are off, especially in competitive markets. Paul Hubbard from CommScope added that adaptability is key, as broadband networks are constantly evolving assets.
