As networks evolve, fiber is transforming from passive transport to active infrastructure, supporting AI workloads, Industry 4.0 use cases, and bridging the digital divide.
Part II of James Blackman’s AI-ready fiber series explores this transformation in depth, showing how the underlying network is becoming critical as enterprises scale data-intensive workloads — not just for moving data, but for doing so intelligently, sustainably, and at scale. The piece highlights how programmable infrastructure, sustainable edge integration, and strong governance will define the next generation of connectivity.
The shift is already visible worldwide. In North America, Zayo’s new 400G backbone linking Monterrey’s manufacturing corridor to the U.S. underscores fiber’s role in powering AI-driven industry. High-capacity, low-latency routes are now the foundation for automation, digital twins, and predictive maintenance.
Meanwhile in Italy, Open Fiber’s partnership with the Union of Italian Provinces shows how public-private collaboration can accelerate broadband modernization, ensuring the intelligence we build isn’t limited by uneven access or outdated governance.
Bonus fiber story for you! KeyCorp’s banking arm, KeyBanc, says AT&T’s latest fiber and spectrum investments are cementing its convergence strategy. Analysts estimate AT&T will reach about 6.2 million converged locations by 2025 — nearly doubling to 12 million by 2030, outpacing competitors. Make sure to check out the full analysis.
The future of AI, automation, and industrial connectivity will hinge on who can make fiber do more than deliver bandwidth — who can make it intelligent, sustainable, and programmable enough to carry the weight of tomorrow’s digital economy.
Catherine Sbeglia Nin
Managing Editor
RCR Wireless News
RCR Top Stories
AI-ready fiber: The second part of our 20-point guide to AI-ready fiber explores subtler dimensions: programmable infrastructure, sustainable integration, governance and openness.
Big tech’s big problem: TPG is to buy Kepware and ThingWorx from PTC for up to $725 million. It marks a final shift in PTC’s Industry 4.0 strategy, and revives old questions about why big tech firms fail with IoT.
SoftBank’s Nvidia exit pays off: SoftBank’s $5.8B Nvidia sale helped fund a massive AI push, boosting quarterly profits to record highs as Arm rebounded and Vision Funds delivered six-fold investment gains amid accelerating AI bets.
Samsung, SaskTel boost 5G: SaskTel has deployed Samsung’s cloud-native 4G and 5G Core across Saskatchewan as part of its ongoing 5G expansion covering nearly 90% of the province.
Ookla drops Speedtest Pulse: Ookla has launched Speedtest Pulse, a pocket-size dual-mode Wi-Fi analyzer for ISPs, offering real-time diagnostics, continuous monitoring, and performance optimization in homes and offices.
AI-Powered Telecom Infrastructure
Supermicro, in collaboration with NVIDIA, delivers AI-powered infrastructure tailored for telcos, enhancing operational efficiency, network management, and customer experiences. Explore now
Beyond the Headlines
CoreWeave backlog doubles again: CoreWeave’s Q3 results show explosive revenue growth and a doubling of backlog to $55.6B, even as a delayed data center forces a capex reshuffle and construction spending surge.
Sponsored Boundaries set you free: Wi-Fi promises connection without limits — yet proprietary systems can tether broadband providers to closed ecosystems, restricting innovation, operational agility, and growth.
Sponsored The power of standardization: Technology standards are the unheralded backbone powering the next era of connectivity. Learn how standardization drives innovation, security and ecosystem growth.
The age of embodied AI: The global economy is shifting from software intelligence to embodied AI. This article looks at how tech companies, from Tesla to Boston Dynamics to Sanctuary AI, are competing.
What We're Reading
Zayo powers Mexico-U.S. corridor: Zayo has launched its first Zayo-owned 400G PoP in Monterrey, tying Mexico’s booming manufacturing hub into a high-capacity U.S.–Mexico backbone.
Europe’s 5G-satellite hub: Sateliot has opened Europe’s first 5G satellite development center in Barcelona, signalling a shift to IoT-enabled connectivity from space and anchoring Europe’s sovereignty in new telecom infrastructure.
AT&T cements convergence lead: AT&T Inc. is positioned as the convergence leader, says KeyCorp’s banking arm KeyBanc, thanks to its fiber expansion and major spectrum acquisitions.
Vodacom, Starlink sign deal: Vodacom Group has signed a deal with Starlink to deploy low-earth orbit satellite broadband across Africa, enabling high-speed connectivity in previously underserved regions and boosting enterprise reach.
Singtel delivers strong results: Singtel has reported a H1 FY26 underlying profit of S$1.35 billion (up 14%), net profit S$3.40 billion, raised dividend 17%, and revised OpCo EBIT growth outlook to high single- to low double-digits.
1&1 reports steady Q3 revenue: 1&1 AG has reported Q3 2025 results: Revenue held steady while free cash flow rose, but EBITDA declined due to fierce competition and high network-investment costs.
“Ultra-broadband” in Italy: Open Fiber and Italy’s Union of Italian Provinces have reached an ultra-broadband infrastructure agreement to fast-track fiber rollout along provincial roads — improving coordination and boosting regional connectivity.
Upcoming Events
Join MWC Las Vegas, in partnership with CTIA, North America’s leading event for industrial-grade connectivity—where enterprises evolve through CIO-led insights on transformation using 5G-enabled and AI-powered technologies.
Industry Resources
Webinar, September 18th
The journey to a fully autonomous network – The evolution of network automation and how Amdocs is leading the way
