A Both/And Future for Broadband
Two decades ago, though it feels like yesterday, I served as a Vice President at SCTE during a time of rapid change and optimism in the broadband industry. One of my favorite events we produced was the Emerging Technologies Conference. I didn’t create the event, but I helped shape its lineup, brand identity, and spirit. That brand was built on a simple yet compelling belief: Like minds. Divergent views. Propelling us forward.
That same spirit guides my work today with Broadband Library as we widen the lens on who and what defines this industry. In this issue, you’ll hear from more CEOs and thought leaders than ever before reflecting the expanding ecosystem of people, companies, technologies, and possibilities shaping broadband’s future.
One of the standout keynote speakers at SCTE’s Emerging Technologies Conference from those earlier days was Daniel Burrus, author of Technotrends. After his session, there was a long line of people waiting to buy his book and many were buying two or three at a time to take back to their teams. His energy was contagious, and so was his message:
“It’s a both/and world—not an either/or one.”
That mindset is more than optimistic. It’s essential. Especially now, as the broadband industry works to serve both densely populated metros and deeply rural regions; to strengthen current networks and build toward the next generation; to elevate traditional players and welcome new innovators.
This Fall, we are proud to feature contributions from across the full broadband ecosystem, voices you might not have seen all in one place before. These include (in alphabetical order):
- ACA Connects, the trusted voice for rural and smaller-market providers who deliver broadband to some of the most underserved areas of the country
- Fiber Broadband Association, leading advocacy for fiber deployment and accelerating digital equity through future-ready networks
- NCTA – The Internet & Television Association serves as the unified voice for Internet and television providers—driving national policy leadership while advocating for innovation, expanded consumer access, and a fair, competitive marketplace
- NCTC – Formerly the National Cable Television Cooperative, NCTC rebranded in 2022 as the National Content & Technology Cooperative to reflect its broader focus on broadband, streaming, and advanced services. The cooperative leverages collective buying power and shared technology solutions to help nearly 700 independent providers compete and thrive in today’s marketplace
- SCTE – As an ANSI-accredited standards body, the organization sets the industry’s technical benchmark for cable telecommunications, supports a globally respected suite of certifications and training programs, and connects professionals through a network of more than 60 local chapters worldwide
- SCTE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that expands access to technical education, training, and mentoring in the broadband industry, equipping those who might not otherwise have these opportunities with the skills to succeed
- TIA – Telecommunications Industry Association, shaping workforce development and the technical standards and trusted frameworks for scalable, secure infrastructure
Each of these organizations plays a unique role, but together, they are helping define a more connected, more inclusive broadband future.
You’ll also hear from one of our industry’s most visionary pioneers: Rouzbeh Yassini-Fard, widely known as the father of the cable modem. In his latest reflections, whose new book, The Accidental Network, chronicles the early development of broadband over residential cable TV systems.Yassini-Fard points out how broadband has become 1,000 times faster over the last 30 years, at the same time that core technology costs have plummeted by 95%. He also calls on innovators to pursue breakthroughs that advance humanity. His vision is clear: it’s not enough to invent. It matters how and why we bring those inventions to the world for better quality of life.This idea, that broadband isn’t just about infrastructure, but about people and purpose, is echoed throughout the issue.
Workforce development remains a central theme, with articles exploring how we attract, train, and retain the diverse talent needed to deliver on broadband’s promise. You’ll also find articles examining the policies that shape our ability to shape to grow, adapt, and serve.
As I reflect on the work we’re doing through Broadband Library, I’m struck by how much the landscape is evolving and how important it is to create space for both legacy wisdom and fresh perspective. This is a moment of transformation across the industry: Long-time leaders are retiring, others are navigating career shifts, and new voices are stepping in. At the same time, many of the same organizations facing economic pressures and restructuring are also investing in growth, expanding rural access, deploying fiber, adopting AI and other technologies, and launching workforce initiatives to meet tomorrow’s needs. And, even amidst uncertainty, the industry’s sense of purpose endures.
What gives me hope is the steady drumbeat of innovation, resilience, and purpose I continue to see, from those who’ve built this industry over decades and those rising to shape its future. It’s a moment that calls for exactly what Daniel Burrus reminded us years ago:
It’s a both/and world—not an either/or one.
That mindset, of honoring what got us here while embracing what’s next—is alive in the articles throughout this issue.
To the CEOs and changemakers joining us in this issue: Welcome.
To the readers and builders shaping what comes next: Let’s keep expanding—together. And to our core community of contributors—engineers, technologists, educators, and operators—your knowledge continues to ground this publication in the rigor, intelligence, and real-world insight that make Broadband Library both trusted and essential.
ASSOCIATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERS
(Listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name)
Gary Bolton
President & CEO,
Fiber Broadband Association
Louis A. Borrelli, Jr.
CEO,
National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC)
Patricia Jo Boyers
Chair, ACA Connects; President/CEO & Co-Founder,
BOYCOM Cablevision, Inc.
Diane Christman
President and CEO,
Syndeo Institute at The Cable Center
Melanie Hannasch
COO,
Vyve Broadband
Ken Klaer
Chair and President,
SCTE Foundation
Elad Nafshi
Chief Network Officer,
Comcast
Maria Popo
President and CEO,
SCTE® (a subsidiary of CableLabs®)
Michael K. Powell
President and CEO,
NCTA – The Internet & Television Association
Michael D. Soileau
CEO,
LFT Fiber
David S. Stehlin
CEO,
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
Rouzbeh Yassini-Fard, Ph.D.
Known as the “Father of the Cable Modem”
VENDOR TECH THOUGHT LEADERS
Mike Brooks
Co-Founder and CEO,
ITG Communications
Colin Howlett
CTO, Vecima
Cesar Ruiz
CEO and Founder,
Learning Alliance Corporation
Joe Sayakumane
Product Manager,
Fiber Products, Amphenol Broadband Solutions
Edouard Tabet
VP, Engineering,
Wirewerks
Sahil Yadav
Senior Director,
Product Management, AOI
RESIDENT AUTHORS AND CONTRIBUTORS
Jeff Finkelstein
Former Chief Access Scientist,
Cox Communications
Steven Harris
SVP, Learning Alliance Corp /
Founder,Harris DigiTech
Ron Hranac
Technical Editor,
Broadband Library; 52-year cable industry veteran
Allen Maharaj
Sr Manager, HFC Network Operations,
Rogers Communications
Kraig Neese
Cable Access Engineer,
Cox Communications
Brady S. Volpe
Chief Product Officer,
OpenVault
The Phantom
You never know when The ‘masked’ Phantom is standing right beside you.
Kimberly Maki,
Strategic Advisor,
Broadband Library
Kimberly Maki is a seasoned executive and veteran communicator of technology with over 35 years in cable, broadband, and ICT. Kimberly has built her career around translating complex technologies into strategic communications, high-impact member engagement, and record-setting events across five continents. She served as Corporate Vice President/Chief Communications Executive at Bright House Networks, Vice President of Public Affairs at Time Warner Cable, and Executive Director of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. She also held Vice President roles at SCTE and BICSI. Earlier in her career, she served as Director of Public Affairs for a statewide cable association and as an account manager and published author at a public policy think tank, advancing legislative understanding of cable technology through strategic communications and technical advocacy. As CEO of Influential Voices, she now leads strategic growth initiatives for technology and member-driven associations worldwide.
Images, Shutterstock
