By Arun Pasrija / CHR Solutions
As we look toward 2025, we predict that the broadband industry will undergo significant transformation, with developments driven by government funding and policy, technology advancements, and rising cybersecurity threats. Here’s a closer look at what to expect in the coming year.
Accelerated BEAD funding rollout
In 2025, we anticipate several state broadband offices will continue to advance their goals through the application and approval stages of the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funding program, to advance network development in unserved and underserved areas. This will place immense pressure on service providers to bring networks online swiftly. Time-to-market will be crucial as they make engineering and construction decisions, pushing them to adopt tools and technology that can expedite the transition from funding to delivering broadband services. Additionally, with the anticipated Trump administration and Brendan Carr’s recent appointment as FCC Chairman, there is a growing possibility that LEO satellite services such as Starlink, could play a role within the BEAD framework.
USF program under review
While the Universal Service Fund (USF) program will continue to support broadband connectivity, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to reevaluate it to better align with the evolving needs of the digital landscape. This potential recalibration ensures that the USF remains relevant in bridging the digital divide.
Rising cybersecurity awareness
Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly complex, and service providers are more aware of the risks they face. We expect more board directors to actively ensure that their companies are protected against cyber threats. This trend underscores the growing understanding that cybersecurity isn’t just an IT matter; it’s a critical business issue.
Peer-based cybersecurity initiatives
Cybersecurity is no longer about maintaining a competitive advantage; it’s a shared responsibility. More service providers are likely to join industry-led initiatives like CyberShare, which fosters peer-based education and collaboration. Through these partnerships, providers can enhance their understanding of emerging threats and strategies, enabling them to make informed decisions to protect their infrastructure.
Enhanced customer experience through AI and automation
In 2025, investments in software and tools designed to improve customer experience will remain a priority. This will include self-service options and service delivery automation to meet customer needs swiftly and efficiently. Leading service providers may even start trialing generative AI tools to enhance customer interactions further, providing an advanced level of personalization and responsiveness.
Industry consolidation for improved performance
Industry consolidation is expected to persist, with service providers seeking to leverage scale for better service offerings and financial performance. Through mergers and acquisitions, providers can expand their reach, streamline operations, and achieve efficiencies that would be challenging independently.
New opportunities from generative AI bandwidth demands
With generative AI applications increasing demands on computational and network bandwidth across industries, 2025 presents a promising opportunity for broadband providers to meet these demands by offering regional data centers and expanding backhaul fiber infrastructure to support AI-driven applications and services.
In 2025, broadband providers will face a landscape marked by both opportunities and challenges. As an industry, we must stay agile and forward-thinking, leveraging new tools and technologies to accelerate network deployments, safeguard against cyber threats, and meet rising customer expectations.
Arun Pasrija is the CEO of CHR Solutions. In his career, he has been responsible for several significant business transactions, including start-ups, mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. In 2003, he co-founded Global 1 Source Group (G1SG), which merged with CHR in 2006.
Before G1SG, Arun was the Chief Operating Officer for L-3's Communications fixed wireless spin-off business unit. Before this, at AT&T/Lucent, Arun earned 15 years of experience in various executive-level roles in domestic and international markets.