2026: Fiber’s Next Chapter — Smarter, Shared, and Stronger 

As we wrap up another fast-moving year in telecom, one thing is clear: the U.S. fiber market is shifting. After years of aggressive construction, investors flooding in, and networks racing to pass as many homes as possible, the industry is now entering a new phase — one defined not by speed, but by strategy.

Mikael and Ashley break down the key trends shaping 2026 in this video⬇️

1. From Passings to Take Rate

Many operators built more fiber faster than ever before.
But construction proved more complex, costly, and time-consuming than expected.

So in 2026, the focus moves from “How much can we pass?” to “How many customers can we activate?”

2. Consolidation Accelerates

The U.S. has an unusually high number of ISPs per household — and that simply isn’t sustainable.
Expect consolidation at every level: small, mid-size, and large providers alike.

This trend also unlocks something powerful: shared infrastructure within newly merged brands, supported by modern automation platforms that allow each brand to remain distinct while operating on the same network.

3. Shared Networks & Open Access Gain Momentum

With tighter business cases and rising costs, shared capital deployment is becoming not just attractive — but necessary.

In 2026, watch for:

• More wholesale and Open Access models
• New partnerships between fiber and fixed wireless providers
• Standardized APIs that make wholesale operations plug-and-play
• Sharing infrastructure is no longer theoretical. It’s becoming the model that makes fiber viable everywhere.

4. Hybrid Approaches Take Hold

Fiber remains the gold standard — but hybrid strategies are on the rise.

Fixed wireless can:

• Connect the hardest-to-reach homes
• Generate early revenue while fiber is still being constructed
• Reduce cost per passing in challenging areas
• This isn’t fiber vs. wireless. It’s fiber and wireless.

A Bright 2026 — Literally

Despite challenges, the future looks bright.
So bright, as Miguel joked, we might need sunglasses.

And if you want to dive deeper into what’s coming, join us at Open Access Day on May 17, 2026, hosted with Fiber Connect in Orlando.

Here’s to a smart, collaborative, and opportunity-rich year ahead. ✨