Broadband providers are still figuring out what comes next, and so are the organizations supporting the industry. At a Benton Institute panel, execs debated the lessons of BEAD so far and what the program’s latest iteration means for future infrastructure needs—while also weighing the potential role of broadband networks in the data center and AI boom. Meanwhile, The WICT Network and NAMIC Next are putting their own evolution on display as they get ready to kick off a new-look Leadership Development Week.

Be sure to check out the newest edition of CFX: The Magazine’s Top Ops Awards, honoring those charging forward in the modern media and connectivity space—including Tier 1 Operator of the Year Mediacom, Convergence Champion Charter, Fiber Provider of the Year Ripple Fiber and many more.