Christopher Sikora

Once-in-a-generation funding initiatives (including the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment - BEAD - program) have created extensive opportunities for unprecedented broadband infrastructure development in underserved and rural communities. While funding programs hold great promise for advancing digital equity, the current broadband workforce is ill-equipped to meet required labor demands. In fact, according to the WEF Future of Jobs report, 61% of workers will require retraining by 2027.      Some present-day challenges include:     A tech talent deficit: Unprecedented demand for install and repair techs, combined with low awareness of the potential for broadband careers among the public and in schools.   Outdated education resources: Technical colleges lack modern broadband education resources which leads to student loss and faculty/employer frustration.      We need new methods to reach high-potential candidates and mentoring to create a scalable, locally sourced workforce.      Calix recognizes that developing effective solutions to bridge the skills gap is vital to customer success. We are tackling these problems head-on with an evidence-based Workforce Transformation program that supports our customers as they find, upskill, retain, and scale teams to meet deployment goals.      Take a look at the program in action through our partnership with Mitchell Technical College and learn how our Workforce Transformation program can help you.    #CalixEducation #WorkforceTransformation #Broadband  https://lnkd.in/eVRemntN 

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Net Neutrality Rules Make No Sense in the Age of 5G Network Slicing An article in the Washington Post points out that the FCC's efforts to reprise Obama-era net neutrality rules doesn't take into account how the internet has changed in the last 15 years, with a growing number of internet-connected devices ranging from robot vacuums to entire factories. AT&T spokesman Alex Byers explained that 5G network slicing, which creates fast lanes for specialized apps, "is the technology that will help unlock the full potential of telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, automated manufacturing and virtual reality." https://lnkd.in/dpCggCAg

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- The factor most affecting the timeline is that NTIA must sign off on each state's BEAD eligible locations - But there are still plenty of things state broadband offices can be working on to prepare for the application process - 75% of the scoring that will determine BEAD sub-grantee winners are factors that have been pre-determined by NTIA

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We love being a part of the pioneers bringing Broadband to areas never touched before with fiber connectivity! 74% of all federally funded U.S. broadband providers rely on the Calix Platform to win and maintain their funding 💰 With billions of dollars from once-in-a-generation funding opportunities on the line, the Calix Platform has enabled broadband service providers to navigate the complexities of performance testing. In just three years, over 2 billion total tests have been performed, helping support customers on their funding journey and simplifying their business while growing value for communities across rural America. John Durocher, chief customer officer, emphasizes the value: “Innovations to the industry’s only end-to-end platform have made testing effortless for our customers, especially those who lack the resources to dedicate time to demanding quarterly mandates when they need to focus on growing their network.” Explore how Calix continues to support customers on their funding journey. 🚀 🔗https://ow.ly/tPLS30sBu9E #PerformanceTesting #Innovation #Broadband

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📈 **Exciting Times in Broadband!** 🚀 The recent offer by private equity firms to acquire WideOpenWest (WOW!) signals a potential wave of consolidation in the broadband industry. With a proposal valuing WOW! at approximately $400 million, this marks a significant move in the tier 2 and tier 3 cable market spaces. This could herald a broader trend as companies adapt to the competitive shifts introduced by technologies like fiber-to-the-home and fixed wireless access. As industry players like WOW! face challenges, including subscriber declines amidst intense competition, the landscape appears ripe for more M&A activity. Bill Major of FiberLight, LLC anticipates increased consolidation, especially among regional providers, which could reshape the broadband market dramatically in the coming years. What does this mean for the industry? Opportunities for growth, investment, and perhaps, a reshuffling of market leaders. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor these developments! 🌐 #Broadband #MergersAndAcquisitions #DigitalTransformation #PrivateEquity #WOW #Telecom [Read more about the evolving broadband landscape](https://lnkd.in/gV25iQDr)

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This week's Brief is out. In a hat tip to yesterday (May 4), we discuss T-Mobile's Lumos transaction - why it makes a lot of sense. Also, many other items in the market commentary... More inside #sundaybrief

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Laurent Therivel, CEO of UScellular, shared the three key federal actions he thinks are needed to improve U.S. telecommunications: 1. Expand Licensed Spectrum: Increase the availability of licensed, full-power spectrum and restore the FCC's authority to auction this resource to enhance VoIP service reliability. 2. Unified Innovation Strategy: Implement a government-wide approach to innovation to streamline and maximize technological advancements. 3. Strategic Infrastructure Funding: Better align the billions allocated for infrastructure to efficiently bridge the digital divide, enhancing telecommunications and VoIP services across the nation. You can check out the entire interview here: https://lnkd.in/ePB3VfRC

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Exciting times ahead for broadband expansion! With the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program paving the way for widespread connectivity, there’s no better time to ensure you're equipped with the best strategies for deploying broadband efficiently. This roundtable will be packed with practical advice on deploying hybrid fiber solutions and traditional methodologies that are not only cost-effective but also BEAD compliant. If you're involved in broadband projects or planning your next deployment, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to enhance your approach and optimize your outcomes. Let's bring broadband to every corner of the country together! #MyMillennium #BroadbandForAll #BroadbandExpansion #BEADFunding #FiberSolutions #TelecomInnovation

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🌐Calix Customers Delivering Outdoor Wi-Fi in Minutes With The Calix Broadband Platform!📶 Across the United States, broadband service providers are revolutionizing the residential Wi-Fi experience by leveraging outdoor Wi-Fi systems on the Calix Broadband Platform that deliver 1,000+ feet of coverage. As a result, they’re enabling outstanding outdoor experiences for their subscribers. BSPs serving Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, and Texas are leading in residential experiences. ⛱️ALLO Communications, Garden Valley Technologies, and Wave Rural Connect are kicking off summer with Wi-Fi experiences that extend to the pool, porch, or patio. 🚜Green Hills Communications and Adams Fiber are delivering differentiated experiences to farming communities to address high-demand areas such as detached garages and workshops. 🎣 Peoples Telephone Cooperative showcases their quality services at events like a national fishing tournament to drive revenue growth and high subscriber satisfaction in a highly competitive market. Explore how the Calix Broadband Platform enables BSPs to deliver differentiating residential experiences that grow their business. 🔗https://ow.ly/e4rO50So9Un #Calix #Innovation #OutdoorConnectivity

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Today, Calix unveiled groundbreaking capabilities for broadband service providers with the industry’s only on-demand optical network terminal (ONT) speed and latency testing. With the latest updates to the Calix Platform, BSPs can improve the subscriber experience with: ✔️ On-demand ONT-based speed and latency testing to quickly diagnose issues ✔️ Automated subscriber alarm reporting and high-value classification for higher CSAT ✔️ Multi-server capabilities enabling speed testing up to 10 Gbps for geo-diverse markets “Our platform enables BSPs to conduct every test needed- be it to secure funding, comply with FCC regulations, or now pinpoint and diagnose subscriber issues at the ONT with just one click,” emphasizes Shane Eleniak, chief product officer at Calix. Learn more about the full set of broadband service testing capabilities only available on the Calix Broadband Platform. 🔗https://ow.ly/f3vA30sE6J4 #Broadband #Innovation

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There's no bigger vote of confidence for T-Mobile's network than an enterprise-level organization placing their trust in us for mission critical work. That's why I'm so excited the US Navy chose T-Mobile For Business as part of the $2.67 billion Spiral 4 contract! This new contract will give all Department of Defense agencies the ability to place orders for wireless services and equipment from T-Mobile for the next ten years. With Spiral 4, the Department of Defense will have the opportunity to leverage T-Mobile’s leading 5G network for state-of-the-art wireless solutions for voice, data, fixed wireless solutions, Internet of Things and mobility management solutions. It will help ensure robust and reliable connectivity for government activities — from mission critical communications to network solutions that serve military personnel and federal civilian agencies. It's an honor to serve those who serve our Nation! Learn more about the announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gK7bMRsE

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🚀 SCTelcom Earns an Incredible 79 Net Promoter Score by Transforming Rural Living With Calix SmartLife Managed Services! 🚀 SCTelcom uses the Calix Platform and SmartLife managed services to connect homes, public spaces, and small businesses across their Kansas and Oklahoma communities. Six months after expanding their services, they've achieved a 3% ARPU increase and boosted subscriber loyalty. By growing their offerings to address digital equity and strengthen community ties, SCTelcom has achieved an impressive Net Promoter Score℠ (NPS®) of 79, more than double the industry average, and continues to maintain a CSAT in the 90s. They are also improving life in the communities they serve by: 🛜 Delivering unmatched residential subscriber experiences. 🎒 Providing students, teachers, and parents with a reliable community network to stream school sports events and to ensure secure, uninterrupted emergency communications. 👩‍💻 Stimulating the local economy by enabling small business success Carla Shearer, CEO and GM at SCTelcom shares: “We are deeply committed to continue reshaping rural connectivity across our network footprint, proving that no region is too remote for high-quality, reliable broadband services. Our almost two-decade-long collaboration with Calix has been instrumental in this community transformation.” Learn more about SCTelcom’s 18-year partnership with Calix. 🔗https://ow.ly/eZeu50Sciqp #innovation #broadband #Calix

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With the immense volume of AI training data that is distributed across locations for processing, it’s no surprise that we are preparing for a boom in submarine capacity growth. Geoff Bennett looks at the impact of AI on submarine networks on the Infinera blog: #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #SubmarineNetworks #SubseaNetworks #OpticalNetworking

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PODCAST ALERT | I had the honor of being interviewed by John Celentano, Inside Towers Business Editor, as we discussed the #fiber market's opportunities and challenges. Tune in for critical industry insights! #FiberLight #IndustryTalks #FiberOptics #Podcast

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Delivering a great customer experience goes well beyond delivering great customer support. One of the best ways to delight customers and create loyalty is to offer them a service they didn't know they needed - but once they have it, they can't live without it. That's exactly what our outdoor Wi-Fi systems do for broadband service providers (BSPs) and their subscribers.     With the official start of summer on Thursday, I can’t think of a more ideal time for BSPs to provide new possibilities for enjoying and enhancing subscribers’ outdoor spaces, whether it's for work, play, or relaxation. For example:     ·   A family in Tennessee can watch their favorite movies on a projector screen in their backyard, thanks to the reliable and fast Wi-Fi coverage from their BSP. With our outdoor Wi-Fi systems, they can enjoy their outdoor space like never before, without worrying about buffering or interruptions. ·    A couple in Iowa can host a virtual barbecue with their friends across the country, using their outdoor speakers and smart devices to stream music and video chat. Our outdoor Wi-Fi systems enable them to extend their Wi-Fi service to any outdoor area they want, all powered by their BSP. ·   A freelancer in Colorado can work from his patio, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, while staying connected to his clients and colleagues. Our outdoor Wi-Fi systems provide him with a secure and stable Wi-Fi network, thanks to the cloud-based platform that connects him to his BSP's support.     Outdoor Wi-Fi is sure to increase customer satisfaction and retention, as subscribers appreciate the value-added service that sets their BSP apart from the competition.     Look below to see how some BSPs are amplifying the outdoor experience beyond the bricks and doing so in record time – sometimes in as little as 15 minutes – as all Calix managed Wi-Fi systems exist on the industry’s singular end-to-end, cloud- and software-enabled platform.    What are you doing to deliver a game-changing customer experience?    #OutdoorWiFi #Broadband #CustomerExperience https://lnkd.in/euynMavC 

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