Deep-Sea Cables, Lasers & Muni Revolts

Author

Tim Axelsson
March 06, 2025

The fiber world is getting wild, folks. Meta's laying 31,000 miles of subsea cable, Google's shooting internet through the air with lasers, and small-town America is telling cable giants to take a hike.

While everyone else chases the same old funding opportunities, the smart money is on those who can execute these new tech plays before the competition even figures out what's happening.

Let's dive into this week’s 3-2-1! (three hot opportunities, two market shifts, and one fiber f*ck up!)

Three Money-Making Opportunities

1. Meta's 31,000-Mile Subsea Cable Creates Terrestrial Opportunities

Meta's 'Waterworth' subsea cable project will reshape global connectivity, but the real opportunity lies where these cables reach land. These connection points will drive significant demand for terrestrial fiber extensions.

Key points:

· New middle-mile builds will create strategic contract opportunities

· Smaller ISPs can leverage new backhaul options at competitive rates

· Edge data centers will naturally cluster around these critical connection points

Action step: Identify where these cables hit land—that’s where the money is. Contractors will be needed for middle-mile builds, and ISPs can secure backhaul deals before prices surge.

2. Google's Taara Project: Internet Delivered Via Light Beams

Google's Taara Project is transmitting 20 Gbps internet through light beams across 20km distances. Their new 13mm silicon photonic chip makes this technology increasingly practical for challenging deployment scenarios.

Key points:

  • Deploy in days rather than months, sidestepping lengthy permitting processes

  • Ideal solution for terrain where traditional fiber installation is impractical

  • Delivers fiber-comparable speeds without physical cable installation

Action step: If permitting delays or impossible terrain are killing your fiber expansion plans, Taara lets you bypass the problem entirely. Partner early.

3. Municipal Networks Create Opportunities for Local Partners

Willmar, Minnesota is proceeding with its Connect Willmar Initiative despite Charter Communications' opposition. This represents a growing trend of municipalities taking connectivity into their own hands when incumbent providers fall short.

Key points:

  • Cities are increasingly funding their own networks to ensure adequate service

  • Local contractors have distinct advantages in securing these partnerships

  • This trend is accelerating as successful municipal models demonstrate viability

Action step: Engage with local government officials—they need fiber expertise while you need stable, long-term contracts.

Two Market Shifts

1. Fiber Costs Are Stabilizing—But Efficiency is Key

FBA reports aerial fiber costs are holding steady, while underground deployment costs jumped 12% year-over-year (FBA Report). Labor still accounts for 60-80% of total costs, making operational efficiency critical. Meanwhile, Texas has allocated $700M in BOOT funding for rural fiber expansion.

Why it matters: Companies that optimize labor efficiency and prioritize aerial deployments will protect margins and stay competitive in this shifting cost landscape.

2. Industry Consolidation is Heating Up

The fiber market is growing 5.1% annually, and big players are on a buying spree (Light Reading). Private equity is pouring in, and regional ISPs are prime acquisition targets.

Why it matters: Smaller operators must choose—scale up, sell, or partner. The independent middle ground is shrinking fast.

One Fiber F*ck Up

Six inches deep? That's not a fiber deployment—it's a buried booby trap! One snowplow and $120K later, someone's updating their resume.

Execution isn't just about getting fiber in the ground—it's about keeping it there.

What’s New With Us?

We’re heading to Connected America next week—and we’re not just attending. We’ll be on the keynote stage, pitching for Startup of the Year on Tuesday, the 11th. If you’re there, come watch us make the case for why fiber construction needs a smarter way forward.

Let’s connect in Dallas! Shoot us a message if you’ll be there.

The fiber industry isn’t waiting, and neither should you. Opportunities are opening, deals are closing, and the ground is shifting fast.

Stay ahead and stay sharp,

Tim

Got a topic you'd like me to dive into? Just reply to this email—I read every message! Otherwise, I’ll see you in the next edition.