Build more than networks—build possibilities
Deep dives covering...
Mass-scale infrastructure
Converged IP and Routed Optical Networking (RON) architectures that simplify the transport layer, reduce cost, and scale efficiently for AI-era traffic demands.
Network automation orchestration
AI-driven, cloud-native operations that automate provisioning, enable self-healing networks, and dramatically accelerate service delivery.
Trust and security
End-to-end, embedded security architectures that protect the network from core to edge—ensuring resilience, privacy, and service integrity.
AI-ready infrastructure
Purpose-built networking to support AI workloads—delivering the performance, latency, and scalability required for next-generation applications.
Experience and monetization
Tools and platforms that enable service providers to deliver differentiated experiences, unlock new revenue streams, and maximize network ROI.
Policy and funding landscape
Guidance on navigating U.S. government programs, such as Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) funding, and evolving regulations shaping broadband expansion and investment strategies.
Episode 7
Capitalize on Federal Broadband Initiatives
Date: Wed., Oct. 28, 2026 | Time: 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
Featured speaker: Bill Davenport, Sr. Director Cisco Government Affairs and Evan Viau, Director Cisco Government Affairs.
About the episode
The challenge: As service providers accelerate broadband expansion across the Americas, navigating the complex web of federal policies, funding requirements, and regulatory mandates has never been more critical. With billions allocated through programs like Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program (BEAD) and Digital Equity Capacity grants, operators face the dual challenge of securing public funding while ensuring their infrastructure modernization efforts meet strict new federal cybersecurity and compliance standards.
The solution: Cisco's Government Affairs team is actively engaging with policymakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for pro-technology legislation that supports the service provider community. By aligning your network strategy with the latest federal guidelines—from zero-trust cybersecurity architectures to bridging the digital divide—you can confidently leverage public funding to build resilient, future-proof broadband networks that empower inclusive connectivity.
Tune in to discover:
- Capitol Hill insights: Get the latest updates on policies and regulatory developments directly impacting the broadband industry.
- Funding opportunities: Discover how to navigate and maximize federal investments like BEAD and Digital Equity grants for your network expansion.
- Infrastructure and security mandates: Understand the evolving cybersecurity requirements tied to public funding and how to proactively modernize your aging infrastructure to stay compliant.
Episode 8
Voice of the Customer, Hotwire Communications
Date: Wed., Nov.18, 2026 | Time: 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
Featured speaker: Qais Hassanzada, VP of Technology
About the episode
The challenge: Service providers today face unprecedented pressure to bridge the digital divide while managing the limitations of legacy infrastructure. Subscribers demand exceptional, high-bandwidth experiences, but scaling networks to meet these evolving demands often leads to increased architectural complexity, higher OpEx, and risks to service reliability.
The solution: Join us for this month’s episode of the Beyond the Fiber podcast, where Hotwire Communications will share their firsthand journey to network modernization. Discover how Hotwire Communications is successfully leveraging Cisco’s broadband portfolio to simplify operations, automate their infrastructure, and deliver best-in-class connectivity to their end users.
What you'll learn:
- Network evolution and customer expectations: How Hotwire is responding to growing bandwidth demands and delivering high-quality connectivity experiences.
- Infrastructure modernization and innovation: The role of advanced routing, optical networking, and scalable architectures in improving network capacity and operational efficiency.
- Preparing for what's next: How service providers can position their networks to support emerging applications, AI-driven traffic growth, and evolving customer expectations.
View latest episodes
Episode 1
Tech Talk on X-Haul with Waris Sagheer, Sr. Director, Product Management
Find out how X-Haul consolidates fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul into a single, software-defined transport platform, and enables seamless 5G deployment across diverse topologies.
Episode 2
Voice of the Customer with Lumen Technologies
Francis Ferguson, Distinguished Engineer at Lumen, will pull back the curtain on how they are transforming its metro and long-haul networks using Cisco Routed Optical Networking.
Episode 3
Tech Talk on AI with Jim Grubb (Chief Technology Evangelist, Cisco)
Service providers face rising complexity and costs as AI workloads surge. Jim Grubb discusses shifting networks from reactive to predictive, unlocking business outcomes and reducing overhead.
Episode 4
Voice of the Customer: Real-World Broadband Transformation
Fidium Fiber shares how providers can use AI-ready networks, automation, and real-time visibility to bring fiber to more communities and unlock new revenue.
Episode 5
Tech Talk on Broadband Assurance & Observability w/ Tom Foottit
In the latest Beyond the Fiber episode, Tom Foottit discusses how providers can prepare for AI-driven traffic by evolving network KPIs, observability, and assured services to measure, guarantee, and monetize AI application experiences.
Robin Olds
Robin Olds is a Sales Business Development Manager for the Broadband Program Office in Americas Service Provider at Cisco. He has been in the network industry for over 28 years and has worked within financial, healthcare, manufacturing, public sector, and service provider verticals.
Episodes from our previous series, Tech Talk
September 2025 | Episode 7
Customer/Partner Broadband advisory session
Broadband funding and AI policy shape the future of network resilience. This session provides critical insights into legislative shifts and infrastructure trends impacting the telecom landscape.
August 2025 | Episode 6
Silicon One
Silicon One architecture powers high-performance AI connectivity, offering programmable features to optimize routing. This session details AI infrastructure.
June 2025 | Episode 5
Agile Services Networking and the emergence of AI
Agile services networking and AI integration drive operational efficiency and enhanced network performance. This session covers distributed intelligence and observability.
April 2025 | Episode 4
Network Convergence
Network convergence and Agile Services Networking enable a simplified, scalable architecture. This session explores end-to-end visibility and proactive monitoring.
March 2025 | Episode 3
Provider Network Automation
AI-driven automation transforms provider networks by simplifying operations and enabling efficient service creation. This session highlights Crosswork controllers.
February 2025 | Episode 2
Service Provider Network Assurance
Provider Connectivity Assurance and ThousandEyes offer comprehensive network observability. This session details how AI and machine learning drive proactive service assurance.
