Fiber Broadband: The Critical Infrastructure for AI and Quantum Computing

As AI and quantum computing move from emerging concepts to real-world deployment, they are placing unprecedented demands on communications networks that only fiber broadband can meet.

TL;DR
• Fiber broadband is the critical infrastructure for AI and quantum computing.
• It enables precise, high-speed data movement and long-term scalability.
• The AI and Emerging Tech Infrastructure Summit at Fiber Connect 2026 will explore the role of fiber in supporting AI and quantum computing.

Summary
The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) has released a paper titled Infrastructure Foundations for AI and Quantum Computing, highlighting the crucial role of fiber broadband in supporting emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

Fiber broadband is essential for AI applications, hyperscale data centers, and quantum systems due to its virtually unlimited capacity, ultra-low latency, symmetry, and reliability. These characteristics enable precise, high-speed data movement and long-term scalability.

Key points include:
• Fiber broadband is critical for AI and quantum computing deployment.
• 75% of fiber subscribers use AI daily, compared to lower percentages on other broadband types.
• Fiber users leverage AI for strategic tasks like analysis and content creation.
• The FBA's paper emphasizes fiber's role in innovation, security, and economic growth.

The Fiber Connect 2026 event will discuss AI and quantum computing, featuring experts like Dr. Michio Kaku and Nathan Austin. The event will cover topics such as fiber's transition to a strategic national asset and the connectivity requirements of AI applications.

The FBA's research underscores the importance of long-term investment in fiber for US innovation, security, and economic competitiveness. Deborah Kish, Vice President of Research and Workforce Development at FBA, emphasizes that fiber broadband is foundational for emerging technologies.

Roger Entner's research highlights the strong correlation between AI usage and broadband quality, with fiber users engaging in more strategic AI tasks.

As we move forward in the digital transformation era, it is essential to recognize the critical role of fiber broadband in supporting AI and quantum computing, and to invest in its development and deployment.