Acentury

A lot is changing in telecommunications - fiber networks are delivering multi-gigabit speeds, wireless technologies are setting the stage for 6G, and AI-powered automation is streamlining operations. Together, these innovations are transforming the way telecom companies operate and compete. To share insights and gain new perspectives, Acentury recently attended two industry events: WISPAPALOOZA in Las Vegas and NetworkX in Paris.

WISPAPALOOZA. Next-Gen Connectivity

Held annually by the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA), WISPAPALOOZA remains one of the most important gatherings for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), equipment vendors, and technology innovators across North America.

Drawing more than 2,500 broadband leaders, WISPAPALOOZA helps organizations stay up to date on the latest technology and industry trends. From hybrid network design and orchestration to spectrum strategy, the event offered a wide range of informative sessions, helping businesses improve operations and drive growth.

This year, Acentury engaged directly with ISPs and network operators eager to strengthen their fiber and wireless network offerings.

Key Takeaways

This year’s WISPAPALOOZA saw an increasing demand for fiber infrastructure. ISPs across Canada and the U.S. could see a rise in bandwidth requirements, driven by AI data center expansion, federal broadband initiatives, such as the $42 billion BEAD program, and the ongoing push to connect underserved and rural communities.

A steady increase in demand, along with reported lead times for fiber cable from domestic suppliers reaching up to 82 weeks, could put a strain on supply chains, leaving providers to seek new vendor relationships or source alternative options.

Some ISPs are implementing more flexible, integrated deployment strategies. Rather than viewing fiber and wireless as competing technologies, operators are combining them to extend reach and improve deployment efficiency. Wireless has historically been used as a last-mile solution, while fiber provides the backbone required to support growing traffic demands.

Several other key trends were seen on the show floor and through industry discussions:

• Spectrum Strategies: Providers are leveraging both licensed and unlicensed spectrum to balance coverage, capacity, and cost. Licensed bands typically include CBRS, while unlicensed options include 2.3GHz and 5GHz (LAA) bands.
• Market Consolidation: Mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the fiber market, such as Bell’s acquisition of Ziply Fiber and AT&T’s purchase of Lumen’s residential fiber business. Movements like these reflect the drive for scale and long-term infrastructure value.
• Investment and Funding Momentum: Funding from both private equity and federal programs like BEAD is helping accelerate broadband expansion. Companies such as IdeaTek and Gigabit Fiber are receiving significant capital infusions to extend their fiber networks, and while BEAD funding is targeted at U.S.-made cables, it also contributes to overall fiber demand in Canada.

Overall, the atmosphere at WISPAPALOOZA was optimistic. With funding increasing and network demand growing faster than supply, ISPs are prioritizing efficient deployments, dependable supply partners, and scalable solutions across both fiber and wireless networks.

Network X Paris: Embracing AI and Automation

In the exact same week, other Acentury team members attended Network X 2025 in Paris. With over 5,400 telecom professionals in attendance, the event was a hub for insights and solutions across the industry.

Artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning were dominant themes, aligning closely with Acentury’s focus on improving efficiency and intelligence in wireless network testing, with LAMTA. As an automation-focused platform for communication service provider labs, LAMTA uses these technologies to streamline testing, reduce manual effort, and make lab processes more efficient.

At the event, many exhibitors showcased Wi-Fi and fiber solutions, similar to what was seen at WISPAPALOOZA. Many solutions focused on hybrid networks that combine fiber with fixed wireless for last-mile delivery. This growing trend could gain traction as more operators look for faster, more flexible ways to reach underserved or hard-to-connect areas.

Aligning Global Trends: Fiber, Wireless, and Intelligent Networks

Both WISPAPALOOZA and NetworkX had a clear theme: the future of telecom networks depends on integration and intelligence. Service providers are no longer focused solely on network expansion; they’re investing in smarter systems, automation, and flexible infrastructure that can adapt to new demands.

It’s an exciting time for the industry as innovation reshapes every layer of the network, from the edge to the core.