Cisco’s first-ever State of Wireless Report found that wireless has evolved to be a “strategic growth engine” that provides benefits across employee productivity, customer engagement, and revenue.

The key takeaway of the report — based on a survey of more than 6,000 wireless professionals worldwide — is that organizations prioritizing wireless achieve “significantly higher” business value than those that don’t.

“The enterprise workforce is evolving into blended teams of humans, AI [artificial intelligence] agents, and automated systems, all operating together at machine speed. Wi-Fi is the foundation that makes that possible, connecting every endpoint, protecting every interaction, and unlocking the operational insights that drive smarter decisions across the business,” Cisco senior vice president and general manager of Enterprise Connectivity & Collaboration said in a press release. “AI is both the biggest opportunity and the biggest test for enterprise networks right now.”

The report says that wireless has become a key enabler of high value applications and services such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI workloads, and high-bandwidth applications, such 4K/8K streaming and artificial reality/virtual reality, are now the primary drivers. It also enables workplace trends such as “hot desking” and bring-your-own-device (BYOD).

Spending is up considerably. Cisco says that 80% of those surveyed have increased spending over the last five years and that 29% increased budgets by half or more during that time. Eighty-two percent forecast continued budget increases over the next four to five years, with 35% expecting to increase budgets by 50% or more over that period.

The report found that these wireless investments are paying off.

• 78% of respondents reported operational efficiency gains
• 75% see employee productivity improvements
• 75% observe enhanced customer engagement
• 68% experience positive revenue impacts from wireless investments

The report said three priorities will make organizations four times more likely to achieve better return on investment: reducing operational complexity, mitigating wireless security risks, and confronting challenges related to wireless personnel shortages.

Wi-Fi is a big part of the wireless future, and developers are taking it seriously: Wi-Fi 8 standards won’t be released until late 2028 or 2029 but early discussions about Wi-Fi 9 already are underway.

Telecompetitor

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber builder focused on empowering more homes and businesses with ultrafast, reliable internet, today announced it has surpassed three million fiber-enabled locations across its 20-state footprint. This marks a major milestone achieved through the company’s second consecutive year of building more than one million fiber passings. Brightspeed remains laser-focused on its mission to expand access to reliable, high-speed internet service in communities that need it most — ultimately reaching more than five million homes and businesses in 20 states.

“Our second straight year of one million passings highlights the strength and predictability of our build engine,” said Brightspeed CEO Michel Combes. “In a short time, we’ve transformed our network and dramatically expanded our reach by bringing next-generation connectivity to three million locations and counting. This puts us firmly on track to reach four million homes by the end of this year and accelerates our goal to exceed five million fiber-enabled locations across our footprint — scaling efficiently to maximize long-term returns.”

Brightspeed crews and technicians are delivering immediate access to fast, dependable connectivity that helps close the digital divide for families, small businesses and entire communities that have long lacked robust broadband options.

“I’m incredibly proud of the teams and partners making this progress possible by delivering this kind of sustained momentum,” said Brightspeed Executive Vice President of Operations Kristy Harrison. “Building at this pace for a second straight year takes coordination, discipline and an unwavering focus on execution. At the same time, we’re not just passing homes; we’re connecting customers faster and delivering the high-quality experience they expect and deserve.”

Brightspeed Fiber Internet leverages WiFi 7 technology coupled with its gig-speed plans to deliver unprecedented speed, reliability and whole-home coverage engineered for ultra-high-bandwidth households that are powering multi-device streaming, gaming, remote work, online learning and smart devices. By combining next-generation WiFi with aggressive fiber expansion, Brightspeed is positioning itself as a leading provider of speed, reliability and long-term value while elevating the customer experience for millions of households and businesses.

In addition to its multi-billion-dollar investment in its fiber build, Brightspeed has been awarded local, state and federal broadband grants and funding totaling more than $860 million. Together with the company’s private investment, these local, state and federal funds will expand the company’s planned network build by more than 338,000.

Families and businesses are seeing more Brightspeed trucks in their local neighborhoods as technicians bring residents online with Brightspeed Fiber Internet. Customers can check for fiber availability in their area by visiting www.brightspeed.com.

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LEHIGH VALLEY, PENNSYLVANIA – March 31, 2026 – Empire Fiber Internet, a leading provider of 100% fiber optic internet across Pennsylvania and New York, today announced its expansion into the Lehigh Valley, bringing ultra-fast, reliable connectivity to more than 35,000 homes and businesses.

Construction is now underway, and residents are encouraged to sign up today for priority access and updates as service becomes available in their neighborhood. Early registration ensures customers are among the first to know—and first to connect—when Empire Fiber Internet goes live in their neighborhood.

Empire Fiber Internet delivers an exceptional experience powered by a 100% fiber network, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds for seamless streaming, gaming, and remote work. Customers can expect transparent, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees and no long-term contracts, providing flexibility without compromise as well as locally-based, 24/7 customer support you can count on.

“Lehigh Valley residents deserve internet that works as hard as they do,” said Kevin Dickens, CEO of Empire Fiber Internet. “We’re not just expanding our network—we’re giving customers a superior choice. By signing up now, residents can secure early access to faster speeds, better reliability, and a customer experience built for them.”

Empire Fiber Internet currently serves homes and businesses across Pennsylvania, in communities like Scranton-Wilkes Barre, Williamsport, Hazelton, Bloomsburg, and Erie, and continues to expand rapidly to meet growing demand for high-quality broadband. Through partnerships with local organizations and community leaders, the company is committed to driving economic growth and closing the digital divide with future-ready infrastructure.

“Continued investment in high-speed internet infrastructure across the Lehigh Valley is a positive step for both our residents and our growing business community,” said Jessica O’Donnell, Executive Vice President of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Strong, reliable connectivity is essential to economic growth, and efforts like these help ensure our region remains competitive, connected, and positioned for the future.”

Residents and businesses can sign up for priority access and construction updates by visiting www.empireaccess.com/lehigh-valley-pa.

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VTel Wireless said that Ericsson will provide the 5G Core platform and Radio Access Network (RAN) elements of its 5G standalone network in Vermont. 

The press release claimed that the deployment will make VTel the first rural carrier to deploy fully native 5G standalone voice over new radio (VoNR) roaming capabilities with nationwide communications service providers (CSPs).

The press release also said that the partnership will enable national CSPs to maintain 5G standalone quality connectivity in the rural areas served by VTel. Until now, services in such areas generally depend upon 4G LTE VoLTE. 

“VTel has long been a pioneer in rural wireless innovation, and the transition to a 5G Standalone architecture further strengthens our leadership while keeping Vermonters at the forefront of connectivity, performance, and reliability,” said Dr. Michel Guité, Chairman and CEO of VTel Wireless.

“Our 5G Standalone and VoNR deployment with Ericsson is VTel’s way of turning that vision into reality for some of the most rural communities in America, so that Vermonters and visitors alike can count on world class connectivity wherever they live, work, or roam.”

Deployment of 5G standalone networks is one area in which rural areas are trying to evolve, according to a February 2024 study by equipment vendor Spirent. The study said that such networks were relatively uncommon in 2023 but were expected to increase in 2024.

Voice services are consistently growing more sophisticated. In February, Ericsson and Ookla demonstrated a methodology that would enable the measurement and validation of 5G network slices. Ookla, which is in the process of being acquired by Accenture, said that capabilities demonstrated will enable quality of experience (QoE) profiles of new applications and use cases.

VTel was a provisional grant award winner for $126,543 in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

Telecompetitor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — March 31, 2026 — Today, Ripple Fiber®, a leading 100-percent fiber-optic internet provider and network operator, officially introduces the expansion of its residential and business packages with the addition of the 5 Gig and 8 Gig options. With Ripple Fiber also being the first to include free Wi-Fi backup with all Gig plans, customers who need greater bandwidth in their home or business now have access to enhanced reliability, increased speeds, and scalability for the future. A recent soft launch to existing customers generated strong engagement, with upgrade opportunities well received.

“Following the recent announcement of our collaboration with eero, the evolution of our service options demonstrates our immense focus on the customer experience and our intentionality from a technology standpoint as we scale our network,” said Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Ripple Fiber. “Ripple Fiber is proud to provide our residential and business customers with flexible options that fit their needs, from guest network management and security systems to large file backups and content production.”

For homeowners, each Gig package includes a comprehensive set of premium features designed to enhance performance, reliability, and security, including:

• eero Wi-Fi Pro 7 Router – Designed to deliver powerful multi-gig connectivity, the eero Pro 7 is a tri-band mesh Wi-Fi 7 system that brings next-generation speed and reliability.
• 3-Year Price Lock – Offered with all Gig plans, this price guarantee provides customers with peace of mind knowing their monthly rate will not increase for at least three years from their installation date.
• eero Signal – Included in all Gig plans for free, eero Signal provides Wi-Fi backup that automatically adjusts the internet connection to maintain a strong signal if a disruption occurs.
• eero Secure – This upgrade in digital security and smart home management keeps households safe from viruses, malware, phishing, and unsafe websites, while also providing control of the in-home network and connected devices.
• White Glove Installation – From start to finish, expert technicians provide a seamless setup experience to ensure all in-home equipment performs at its best.
• Service Promise – If a service issue arises within 30 days of installation, a customer is guaranteed to receive double their money back if the issue is unable to be resolved to their satisfaction.

Boasting symmetrical upload and download speeds and transparent pricing without contracts or hidden fees, residential packages now start at $40 and offer up to 8 Gbps. Recently teaming up with eero, an Amazon company, Ripple Fiber has also introduced the eero Wi-Fi Pro 7 router, eero Signal, and eero Secure as new staples in its impressive product portfolio.

For businesses, Ripple Fiber’s packages start at $95 and also include the eero Wi-Fi Pro 7 router and eero Signal. Added benefits for 5 Gig and 8 Gig business customers include VIP technical support and one business phone line.

For those interested in signing up for Ripple Fiber service or upgrading their current package, they are encouraged to call 800-359-5767 or visit ripplefiber.com.

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The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced yesterday that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has signed a deal with AT&T that will add value of $2 billion to public safety efforts via the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) Nationwide Public Safey Broadband Network (NPSBN) contract.

According to the NTIA announcement, AT&T will reduce costs borne by FirstNet by roughly $1 billion, unlocking that amount for further investments to the NPSBN. This framework will help promote the accelerated buildout of the Dedicated Public Safety 5G Core.

The company will also invest about $1 billion in network and coverage enhancements. The FirstNet Authority Board will advise on those investments to ensure they meet first responders’ communications needs.

“I am proud to have secured $2 billion in improved value for our nation’s first responders by renegotiating the framework for AT&T’s FirstNet contract,” Lutnick said in the NTIA press release. “This is a great example of Commerce delivering the Benefit of the Bargain for public safety.”

AT&T signed a long-term contract with FirstNet in 2017. Last year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted AST SpaceMobile permission to test direct-to-cellular connectivity on the Band 14 spectrum for FirstNet, a request made in coordination with AT&T.

AT&T is familiar with government work. In 2024, it was awarded a 10-year contract to provide the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) and Wireless Priority Service (WPS). The contract, initially awarded in March 2024 and valued at $146 million, was expanded in August to extend these services into next generation 5G networks. That contract marked the latest in a more than 30-year relationship between AT&T and DHS.

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Late last week, Maryland Representative April McClain Delaney (D-06) and Pennsylvania Representative Rob Bresnahan (R-08) introduced four bills designed to expand broadband while lowering the cost for the technology in the rural U.S.

The proposed bills are:

The Rural Utilities Service Modernization Act: This bill is designed to streamline the permitting process for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Rural Utilities Service, which administers programs for rural utilities like broadband, water, and electricity that people in rural areas depend on.

The proposed legislation would require the USDA to develop and manage digital platforms to streamline permits and applications, establish a permitting preplanning grant program, and mandate a progress report to Congress every two years.

The Prioritizing Rural Broadband Affordability Act: This legislation would require the Secretary of Agriculture to take broadband affordability into account when defining underserved households or service areas for grant awards. However, “taking affordability into account” was not further defined in the press release issued by Representative Delaney’s office.

The Quality Broadband for Connected Communities Act: This legislation would amend the USDA’s Community Connect Program and the program’s speed requirements.

The Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act: This legislation is designed to modernize the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program. It would broaden eligibility to support investments in telemedicine delivery, cybersecurity infrastructure, workforce development, job training, and distance learning technologies for rural communities.

“The affordability crisis is hitting rural America hard. Across the country, broadband, electricity, and clean water remain out of reach for far too many families. All communities — regardless of ZIP code — must have the tools, access, and connectivity they need to prosper, innovate, and thrive in our 21^st Century global economy,” said Delaney in a prepared statement.

The Senate is also looking to strengthen broadband. A bill introduced in November aims to strengthen the ReConnect rural broadband program administered by the USDA. The bill was introduced by Republican Senator Roger Marshall of South Dakota and Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont.

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Quantum technology poses both a threat and an opportunity when it comes to network security. The threat is that powerful quantum computers will be able to crack encryption algorithms. But quantum technology is also the basis for quantum key distribution (QKD) — a more powerful alternative to traditional methods of securing network traffic.

Telecompetitor talked recently with Ryan Lafler, president and chief technology officer for Quantum Corridor, which offers what Lafler believes is the first commercial QKD service in the U.S. We discussed how QKD works and why Lafler sees QKD as the first step in bigger plans for quantum networking.

Quantum Corridor’s network connects Chicago with key locations in Indiana. Lafler is hopeful that the network will help support a burgeoning high-tech community in the area.

Quantum entanglement

The secret sauce underlying QKD is quantum entanglement, in which subatomic particles in separate locations are linked with one another. The entanglement can happen over an appropriately designed fiber network, although there is a distance limitation of about 35 to 45 miles.

What’s important about QKD is that it overcomes a flaw inherent in traditional network encryption methods. Traditionally, end users at opposite ends of the connection use the same algorithm-based digital “keys.” The sender’s key converts the data into an unrecognizable form as it traverses the network, thereby preventing eavesdropping. The recipient’s key then decrypts the information.

The problem is that as computers — particularly quantum computers — become more powerful, they can rapidly try different combinations of bits to essentially guess the correct key.

As Lafler put it, “The problem is that you could continue to fire up at that algorithm until you have success, and then when you have success, you have a breach because you gain access to the transmissions by just being a really good guesser or a rapid guesser.”

Guessing is not possible with an entanglement-based this solution because, as Lafler explained, “You have one attempt to create the session. You have an entangled match or you don’t.”

Any attempt to listen in breaks the entanglement, which breaks the connection.

Importantly, the data exchange that QKD is securing goes over separate fiber connections from those used to establish the entanglement. Traditional data communication methods are used for data exchange. Quantum Corridor’s service logically links the two types of connections.

Eventually, developers envision the data itself to be sent using quantum entanglement, at which point there would be no need for QKD.

Quantum Corridor’s offering

It’s worth noting that QKD isn’t the only option for those who want to secure network communications. Post-quantum cryptography works over conventional communications networks but, like QKD, is designed to withstand eavesdropping from powerful computers expected to be operational within eight years.

So, who’s interested in QKD?

Among others, Lafler said, “We have applications in defense. We have applications for drug synthesis. We have applications for climate modeling systems. We have applications for energy companies.”

To use Quantum Corridor’s QKD service, customers need an edge router, coherent optics and Quantum Corridor’s QKD platform.

Moving forward

Importantly, Quantum Corridor and other companies are working hard to enable quantum entanglement to support more than just QKD. Cisco, for example, wants to interconnect quantum computers using the same approach.

The thinking is that if quantum computers are powerful, multiple quantum computers acting as one would be even more powerful.

Updated to clarify how Quantum Corridor’s QKD offering works

Telecompetitor

Today, AT&T introduced a plan that it says will simplify and reduce the total cost of connectivity for those with both home internet and wireless devices.

AT&T’s OneConnect offers a single subscription for one flat monthly fee, something the company claimed other carriers don’t provide.

The company said AT&T OneConnect service offers a five-minute signup for AT&T wireless + 1 Gig fiber internet, which run on the country’s largest wireless and fiber networks.

According to the company, more than two-thirds (72%) of customers prefer a single bill for connectivity across their devices, wherever they are, for a flat, predictable price.

The AT&T OneConnect service is offered in three wireless + internet plans:

• $90 Individual: one person, one wireless line, up to four total devices, 1 Gig home internet
• $120 Duo: two people, two wireless lines, up to eight total devices, 1 Gig home internet
• $225 Family: unlimited people, up to 10 voice lines, up to 20 total devices, 1 Gig home internet

The AT&T wireless + internet service is not yet available across the country. Additionally, the company said it may temporarily slow wireless data speeds if the network is busy.

“There’s only one internet, why buy it twice?” said Jenifer Robertson, AT&T’s EVP and GM for mass markets, in a prepared statement. “AT&T OneConnect is what our customer-first approach looks like in practice. In three simple steps, we’re delivering a seamless and reliable connectivity experience, at home and on the go.”

Recently, AT&T used the 150th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell’s first phone call as a jumping off point to detail its planned investment of more than $250 billion during the next five years. The investment is divided into three elements: developing always-on connectivity for internet and wireless technology, benefiting people and the communities in which they live, and “secur[ing] America’s connected economy.”

Telecompetitor

Simplicity for entrepreneurs and growing companies are the keys to Comcast Business’ new Total Solutions Advantage and Buy More Save More services, according to the company.

The Total Solutions Advantage offer combines high-speed connectivity and built in cyber security. It includes the provider’s Business Internet and Security Edge which is designed to guard against phishing, malware and other threats. All that is needed is a modem from Comcast Business.

The new Comcast Business services start at $60 per month and carry a 30-day money-back guarantee. Rates can be locked in for one or five years. The modems are free to businesses opting for 1.2 Gbps and 2 Gbps service. 

“Total Solutions Advantage simplifies connectivity and security into a single, reliable experience with predictable pricing — so business owners can spend less time managing technology and more time growing their business,” Comcast Business Chief Marketing Officer Eileen Diskin said in a press release about the new services.

The Comcast Business Buy More Save More plan provides savings of as much as $30 per month when complementary services are added: The three services being offered:

• Wireless Connect ($35/month): A fully managed LTE backup solution that helps keep businesses online despite the primary connection going down.
• Security Edge: Preferred (starting at $40/month): Enhanced cybersecurity protection featuring expanded threat detection and advanced filtering capabilities.
• Comcast Business Mobile: Unlimited data options on as many as 20 lines. 

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is changing things for organizations of all sizes. New partnerships are a big part of that change. Earlier this month, Comcast and NVIDIA said that they would partner to test the performance of the vendors’ graphics process units (GPUs) at Comcast regional facilities that are milliseconds away from customers.

A few weeks earlier — in mid-February — Comcast, quantum computing software firm Classiq and chipmaker AMD said they had completed a trial in which quantum algorithms would useful in finding independent backup paths if a second network site fails once the primary one is taken offline for maintenance.

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