Sara Baack

The 2025 overhaul of the BEAD program has reshaped the broadband landscape in ways that are still unfolding. With the introduction of the "Benefit of the Bargain" round and the shift toward a technology-neutral policy, broadband deployment now sits at the intersection of infrastructure, regulatory flexibility, and capital strategy. For investors and operators alike, this moment calls for careful interpretation. The following 90 days will be less about predictions and more about precision. At Stefanov Capital, we advise leaders, investors, and operators on translating these federal shifts into executable capital strategies. Our focus is on: -Where BEAD rules are reshaping M&A dynamics -How regulatory signals are reshaping valuations -What constitutes a bankable strategy amid permitting volatility We are not only participating in the broadband ecosystem but also helping to define the strategy. Reach out and let's discuss further. Micky Stefanov

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Contact Future Technologies Venture, LLC to check out this innovative solution from OneLayer to connect, scale and secure your public network wireless WAN solutions

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Greenlight Networks plans to acquire FastBridge Fiber, pending approvals in mid 2026, terms undisclosed. Oak Hill Capital remains the majority investor in Greenlight and Guggenheim Investments will take an ownership stake at close. This follows Greenlight’s Loop Internet deal announced July 8, 2025 and completed October 1, 2025, underscoring ongoing consolidation and faster fiber builds across the region. Link: https://lnkd.in/g9bMna9e

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As we push broadband projects forward, we often talk about speed and bandwidth first, but one of the biggest risks most operators overlook is the fragility of planning models in the face of change. Market assumptions shift. Costs shift. Permitting timelines stretch. And when that happens, the budget you engineered six months ago isn’t just challenged it becomes obsolete. This is the reality for anyone trying to build infrastructure in today’s environment. What worked on paper in January won’t necessarily work on the ground in June and that’s not a failure of planning. It’s a reminder that our tools and strategies need to be adaptable. We shouldn’t be designing networks around ideal conditions. We should be designing networks for uncertainty, variability, and real-world constraints. That means having deployment options that can pivot, scale, and deliver performance even when the original plan gets disrupted.

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Is the next wave of 5G growth being shaped more by technology or by spectrum policy? 🤔 GSA’s latest report suggests a nuanced answer: mid-band remains central to 5G deployment, but regulatory changes and expanding device ecosystems are giving fresh momentum to both low-band and mmWave. Recent shifts in auction prices signal a market coming of age, where strategic allocation can drive digital inclusion and lay the groundwork for 6G. As spectrum shutdowns, harmonization, and AI-powered allocation gain traction, the industry is closely watching how these trends will influence global network evolution. What is your perspective on the future of spectrum management and connectivity? Share in the comments! 💬 #5G #DigitalInclusion #SpectrumPolicy #Telecom #Trends

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NMHC's 2024 research confirms what our build-to-rent clients already know: reliable connectivity isn't just an amenity. It's the foundation of resident satisfaction and property marketability. GoldOller's Woodridge Apartments saw NOI improvement immediately after Elauwit installed our fiber backbone with property-wide WiFi 6. Residents connect seamlessly from units to amenity spaces without multiple logins or dead zones. Three measurable impacts we're delivering: 1. Campus Advantage saw lease renewals jump 15% at The Spoke after upgrading from "sluggish speeds" to our managed WiFi solution. 2. A Houston build-to-rent community eliminated the majority of their tech support tickets by connecting smart access, EV chargers, and security systems to our Elauwit Connection powered network. 3. Our Dallas and DMV (Virginia, DC and Maryland) regional service hubs ensure rapid response for multifamily clients, supporting the premium positioning that our customers use to differentiate their communities. What NOI improvements would seamless connectivity bring to your multifamily portfolio?

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In my recent blog, State of disaggregation today: do operators need it, I looked at the state of existing telecoms networks and their readiness to deal with future growth, according to new research from 200 senior telecom decision makers across three continents. Now I'm sharing some more of the data from that same survey, which reveals what operators hope to achieve from network disaggregation, and when they expect to deploy it. #telecoms #disaggregation https://lnkd.in/edj_C-Aa

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The Calix Success team and I have consistently underscored that the broadband industry is at an inflection point. The industry is facing a convergence of challenges and opportunities that demand bold vision, strategic agility, and empowered teams. AI is accelerating this transformation, making disruption not just likely—but imminent. That’s why at ConneXions 2025, the Success team will join leaders across the industry to explore how AI is reshaping broadband service providers (BSPs) — from operations to subscriber engagement — and define the steps to meet this challenge head-on. What lessons can BSP leaders learn from companies that have embraced change and led through disruption? How can AI accelerate growth while deepening community connections? And how can leaders bring their teams along on this journey and lead with confidence? The answers start at ConneXions. We’re excited to share the strategies, insights, and workshops that will help BSPs successfully navigate the era of AI and continue their transformation into broadband experience providers (BXPs). #ConneXions2025 #AI #CustomerSuccess #BSPtoBXP

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Strong partnership and one we’re proud to continue building alongside the BeQuick team. One of the biggest challenges MVNOs and connectivity operators face isn’t access to networks, it’s operational complexity. Launching quickly is important, but scaling sustainably requires tight integration between network infrastructure, provisioning, and billing systems. The collaboration between Helix and BeQuick is focused on reducing that friction so operators can spend less time managing systems and more time growing their businesses. Appreciate the partnership and the shared focus on simplifying how connectivity is deployed and managed at scale.

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