In this new Broadband Pulse podcast, we talked to Ryan Young, CEO of Kore-Tek, an optical systems integrator, about how it is shifting its focus to serving service providers directly.

Here’s a timeline of what we addressed during the podcast:

Host introduces guests 0:03

Kore-Tek’s 2025 priorities 0:32

How Kore-Tek is engaging directly with service providers 4:00

Middle mile opportunity 6:35

IP over DWDM 8:50

Benefits of conducting network assessments 11:53

Addressing the labor crisis 15:55

Final Thoughts/closing 19:30

About the Podcast In the Lightwave+BTR Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.

Bandwidth IG recently changed its name to BIG Fiber. The dark provider stated that the name change reflects its growing momentum in providing dark fibrer solutions to meet the demands of AI and cloud computing.

Since officially launching in 2019, BIG Fiber has rapidly expanded its presence in key data center hubs, including the San Francisco Bay Area and the Greater Atlanta area. The company later entered the Greater Portland market. Further, BIG Fiber has also grown existing markets by significantly expanding in the San Francisco Bay Area and launching a project in Greater Atlanta earlier this year that will more than double its network

Lightwave recently caught up with Patton Lochridge, Chief Commercial Officer for BIG Fiber.

During the podcast, we addressed the following topics:

• Rebranding as BIG Fiber
• The dark fiber opportunity for data centers
• How the dark fiber market is shaping up in 2025
• Key data center markets
• New network expansions
• Dark fiber differentiation

About the Podcast In the Lightwave+BTR Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.

George Hughes, who recently took on the role of head of value consulting at IQGeo, is no stranger to implementing IT systems in large companies.

Before coming to IQGeo from 3-GIS, he spent three decades at Verizon. During his tenure at Verizon, he led teams that focused on systems development and project management across telco’s wireline and wireless business units. More recently, he held roles driving Verizon’s ongoing development of AI architecture and strategy.

During an interview with Hughes at the Fiber Connect 2025 show in Nashville, Broadband Pulse spoke with Hughes about his new role and company developments.

Here’s a timeline of the interview:

Opening | 0.00

Host introduction of guests | 0:24

Transition from Verizon to IQGeo | 0:57

Defining value consulting focus| 2:26

IQGeo’s autonomous network management | 3:00

Utility pole attachment reforms influence on broadband deployment | 7:14

Impressions of FiberConnect 2025 | 8:25

Final thoughts/closing | 9:45

About the Podcast In the Lightwave+BTR Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.