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Fiber's Next Big Wins: Rural, Cities & Data Centers
Tim Axelsson
February 20, 2025
Here’s Tim’s Take on Telecom, Issue 9.
The hard truth about fiber in 2025: Projects don't fail from lack of funding—they get buried in permits, bottlenecked by inefficiencies, and stalled by mismanaged execution.
With broadband dollars moving faster than construction crews can keep up, execution—not capital—will define the winners.
Time for your 3-2-1: three hot opportunities, two market shifts, and one fiber f*ck!
3 Money-Making Opportunities
Rural Fiber's $24.7M Opportunity in Greene County
The county's fiber expansion isn't just one contract—it's an ecosystem of opportunities. While the primary ISP is selected, the real opportunity lies in the extensive network of subcontractors, suppliers, and project managers needed for execution.
Key points:
Grant-funded builds require extensive subcontracting networks
Similar state-level grants are being awarded across the country
Local expertise in funding compliance and reporting is crucial
Action step: Track state broadband grants pre-award and position your firm early with potential recipients.
Municipal Broadband's Private Sector Revolution
New York's $26M municipal broadband investment signals a major shift: cities are taking control of their digital future, but they need private sector expertise to succeed.
Key points:
Cities prioritize reliability and community impact over price competition
Municipal projects create sustained revenue opportunities for private partners
Local governments need expertise in permitting, compliance, and project management
Action step: Develop your municipal project expertise and focus on building relationships with local government decision-makers.
The data center boom is driving unprecedented demand for dark fiber, particularly in tech hubs like Phoenix and Ashburn. These aren't just construction projects—they're long-term revenue opportunities.
Key points:
Data centers require redundant, low-latency connectivity at premium rates
Contracts tend to be long-term with stable revenue
Early movers will control valuable infrastructure agreements
Action step: Secure strategic fiber routes now to position for multi-year, high-value contracts.
2 Market Shifts That Matter
Smart Growth Trumps Land Grabs
Lyte Fiber's focused $10M East Texas investment proves that strategic market selection beats scattered expansion. They're achieving higher customer capture rates and lower costs by deeply penetrating one underserved market instead of spreading thin across many.
Why it matters: Market focus and execution quality are becoming more important than raw geographic coverage.
Process Excellence Drives Profit
With 60-80% of deployment costs going to labor, operational efficiency is becoming the key differentiator. Leading companies are revolutionizing their processes to slash permit times, optimize crew coordination, and turn administrative work into a competitive advantage.
Why it matters: The next wave of industry leaders will win through operational excellence, not just network size.
1 Fiber F*ck
Not all fiber projects go according to plan—some go spectacularly off the rails. Each week, we spotlight one epic fiber fiasco as a cautionary tale.
Execution isn’t just about getting fiber in the ground—it’s about avoiding this.
Seen a fiber disaster worth sharing?
Send us your biggest fiber f*ck-ups—or anything that made you shake your head. If it’s bad enough, we’ll feature it (anonymously, if needed) in an upcoming issue!
What’s New With Us?
Big moves on the team front: Benjamin Aljic is joining as our new CRO! Looking forward to the firepower he’s bringing to our growth.
Also, Pär Cedergren and I will be at Metro Connect next week—if you’re there, let’s connect. Come say hi, and let’s talk about what you’re building.
Market leadership belongs to those who execute precisely, manage efficiently, and adapt strategically. Focus on operational excellence—everything else follows.
Until next week,
Tim
Got a topic you'd like to see us dive into? Reach out! Otherwise, we’ll see you in the next edition.