June 2025

Middle-mile networks form the essential link between local broadband services and the global internet. A middle mile network is defined as a network that connects two or more networks together. They are critical to delivering high-speed, reliable connections. Yet, many middle-mile networks today are built using outdated assumptions about household bandwidth needs. While public reports suggest peak-hour usage of 15–20 Mbps, real-world observations show active households often exceeding 100 Mbps.

US fiber deployments continue to press forward and operators remain focused on hitting their buildout goals. However, ongoing uncertainty around potential changes to the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program seemed to loom over the Fiber Connect confab in Nashville, which drew record attendance of 5,000-plus. Meanwhile, tech suppliers came out in droves with new platforms and products designed to help operators support and upgrade broadband platforms for multiple-dwelling units.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here and cementing its place in our communications networks faster than any other developing technology.