Looking Ahead: Executive Predictions for 2025 in Broadband and Cybersecurity

As I look toward 2025, I 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 I expect in the coming year.

Accelerated BEAD Funding Rollout

In 2025, I 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, in order 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 a crucial factor 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 aims to ensure 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. I expect more board of directors to play an active role in ensuring 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 just 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 further enhance customer interactions, 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 placing 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. CHR Solutions remains committed to empowering service providers to navigate these shifts, driving innovation and resilience in an ever-evolving broadband ecosystem.

We’re thrilled that Arun's 2025 predictions were also published by Lightwave+BTR.

The broadband industry is poised for significant change as we move forward into 2025. New technologies and evolving challenges are driving innovation and adaptation with respect to how we expand connectivity, especially in rural and underserved areas. As a result, and based on my three decades of experience in telecommunications and broadband engineering, I thought I’d share some key predictions for the year ahead -- from the rise of satellite solutions, like Starlink, to advancements in engineering tools and the ongoing challenges of permitting.

Starlink’s Expanding Influence on Wireline Broadband

We’re seeing Starlink make more of an impact on the broadband landscape than initially expected, particularly in rural and remote areas. The company’s constellation of low-earth orbit satellites has become a viable alternative to traditional wireline builds which have become cost-prohibitive. Starlink’s reach into underserved regions will not only change the way we think about connectivity but also how federal funding is allocated.

The implications here are profound. As Starlink continues to evolve, government agencies may begin re-evaluating their funding priorities to better support a hybrid broadband model. By blending satellite and wireline solutions, broadband needs can be addressed in a more balanced way, focusing resources where they’re most effective. I anticipate that in 2025, federal funding will increasingly accommodate this hybrid approach, thus reshaping the landscape of rural broadband builds.

Enhanced Imagery: The Next Frontier in Broadband Engineering

The role of imagery in broadband engineering is evolving, with enhanced and high-resolution imagery becoming a crucial tool for efficient project planning and risk mitigation. In the past, we relied on imagery mainly for initial assessments and mapping, but I see it becoming indispensable for real-time decision-making.

Drone technology, in particular, is a game-changer–even in this space. Drones provide high-resolution aerial images that allow engineers to capture data about terrain and vegetation with exceptional precision. With the ability to conduct aerial surveys over hard-to-access or expansive areas, drones eliminate the need for time-intensive, costly ground inspections, speeding up the design process and minimizing risks from changing environmental factors.

This combination of enhanced imagery and drone technology allows us to address challenges more efficiently, as it reduces the need for repeat site visits and cuts down on project costs, all of which accelerates the deployment of broadband infrastructure. In 2025, I anticipate that drones and high-quality imagery needs to be standard tools in broadband engineering, helping us streamline projects and build networks that are resilient to environmental changes.

The Permitting Process: A Rising Challenge

In my view, permitting is now the second biggest roadblock to broadband deployment, right behind funding. Submitting a permit application is usually just the start of a long, complex process. The real challenges come with tracking its status, adjusting designs to accommodate permit requirements, and managing communications with permitting authorities—all of which can drive up costs for providers.

This ongoing permitting process also adds significant overhead, particularly for projects where multiple layers of bureaucracy can lead to delays. In 2025, I believe we’ll see a renewed push to simplify permitting processes at local, state, and federal levels. However, until those reforms take effect, providers should prepare for the increased time and costs associated with permit management and compliance.

Moving Forward

The broadband industry is on the brink of transformative change. Starlink’s expanding role, the rise of enhanced imagery in engineering, and the complex permitting landscape each bring their own challenges and opportunities. By leveraging these insights, broadband providers can make informed decisions, overcome obstacles, and help bridge the digital divide. We’re on a path toward broader, more accessible connectivity, and 2025 promises to be a year where we see meaningful strides in that direction.

Bob's predictions were also feautred by Broadband Communities.

With the recent election behind us, there’s a noticeable shift in sentiment: industry stakeholders are cautiously optimistic now about potential improvements in financing conditions, strategic network expansion, and the evolving competitive landscape. As I look to 2025, several key trends and challenges are emerging in the broadband industry; here are my top predictions.

Interest Rates and Cost of Capital Could Stabilize

With political uncertainty temporarily out of the way, there’s hope for a more stable economic environment. We could see a reduction in interest rates and cost of capital. This would encourage providers to think more strategically about network investments. With financing a significant constraint over the past few years, any decrease in these costs could empower broadband companies to invest more confidently in their infrastructure.

Renewed Focus on Operational Efficiency

During 2024, there were slower network buildouts and a shift toward operationalizing existing networks. Providers turned their attention to converting network passings to paying customers, a trend that’s likely to continue in 2025. While some new builds may resume, the frenetic pace of 2023 will not return. Instead, ISPs are looking at ways to optimize customer acquisition and improve ROI on existing networks. Expect to see targeted buildouts where demand is highest and a continued emphasis on streamlining operations.

Consolidation in the Broadband Space

A significant buzzword for 2025 is consolidation. Industry players and analysts are predicting that we’ll see more mergers and acquisitions this year because the convergence of high infrastructure costs and increased competition is driving many smaller providers to consider alliances or acquisitions as a way to stay competitive. Interestingly, even some co-ops—historically resistant to merging—are discussing consolidation. While co-op mergers may still be unlikely, this growing dialogue indicates that the landscape could shift as companies look for ways to scale efficiently and meet demand.

Starlink’s Growing Influence

In a surprising turn, Starlink’s influence on the broadband sector is growing. Providers are voicing more concern about the competitive threat posed by Starlink’s satellite internet service, especially with recent reports indicating that Starlink wasn’t significantly included in many broadband plans but may soon become a viable part of the ecosystem. While it’s not poised to replace traditional ISPs, Starlink’s coverage and appeal in underserved areas have made it a real competitor. In light of this, ISPs may need to reconsider their strategies, especially in rural regions where Starlink can offer a viable alternative.

Increased Automation in Service Delivery

Indications are that during 2025, we will likely see a push toward greater automation in service delivery. From order processing to scheduling, the demand for seamless customer experiences is fueling automation across the board. Providers want to streamline the entire sales and onboarding process—from self-order systems to door-to-door sales tracking, shortening timelines and improving service reliability. The belief is that enhanced automation will enable ISPs to handle higher customer volumes more efficiently, driving both cost savings and customer satisfaction.

Rising Cybersecurity Threats for ISPs

Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern—it’s a critical risk that ISPs must address. Today’s cyber threats are sophisticated and coordinated, often executed by criminal organizations with ample resources and expertise. Smaller ISPs, especially in rural or underserved areas, are particularly vulnerable, as they may lack the IT infrastructure and security staff to defend against targeted attacks. These risks are significant: a security breach can lead to prolonged service outages, loss of customer data, and lasting damage to a company’s reputation. Therefore, ISPs need to prioritize cybersecurity, incorporating more advanced defenses and, ideally, dedicated teams or partnerships to mitigate these threats.

In summary, the broadband industry will be defined by strategic expansions, a focus on efficiency, competitive pressure from satellite providers, and the urgent need for cybersecurity in 2025. It’s a complex environment, but with the right mix of innovation, automation, and strategic planning, providers can capitalize on opportunities and address the emerging challenges. By staying adaptable and vigilant, ISPs can navigate the evolving landscape and continue to deliver essential connectivity to their customers.

Jason's predictions were also feautred by Broadband Communities.