Viewpoints
The industry has spent years preparing for the next stage, says Arun Pasrija, the CEO of CHR Solutions. Now, in 2026, it will finally arrive.
By Arun Pasrija, CEO, CHR Solutions
Two big things will shape 2026 for broadband: BEAD and AI.
We have been talking about BEAD for more than four years now, and it finally feels real. Awards are being announced, states are getting ready, and even if there are a few slowdowns, the momentum is unmistakable.
This year, the industry gets a lift, and we will see more fiber passings than usual as the projects start moving from plans to construction.
AI is here to stay
The other major shift is artificial intelligence. AI is being adopted across every industry, and broadband is no exception. Companies are starting to use AI to improve how they work, automate processes, and make better decisions. At the end of the day, the goals haven’t changed: better customer experience, along with stronger operations and efficiency. AI will just help get us there faster.
While we’re integrating AI capabilities into our OSS/BSS software and engineering design services such auto recognition of drone imagery, we will also see a wave of new companies emerge that build AI tools just for broadband. Some will focus on improving workflows, some on analytics, and some on customer support. 2026 will be a year where we start seeing what those tools can really do.
AI is also driving something else: data center expansion. To run these large AI models, companies like Microsoft, Google, and Oracle are investing billions in new data centers. All those centers must be connected to each other, and that means more fiber. There will be enormous opportunity for additional fiber going to those data centers. It is not the same kind of build as residential broadband, but it represents real, long-term demand. You’ll see the opportunity in how those connections are made and how that traffic moves between facilities.
Cybersecurity will keep growing in importance
AI is creating new efficiencies, but it is also changing the security landscape. The more advanced the technology becomes, the more inventive bad actors get. Businesses of every size are realizing that cybersecurity cannot be an afterthought.
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Companies are adding 24-hour monitoring and training their employees more frequently. Most breaches still happen because someone clicks on a phishing link or gives away a password, and that part has not changed. Awareness is getting better, though, and more companies are making cybersecurity a daily priority.
We rely on partners like Kaseya who are investing in new detection algorithms to find and stop AI-driven threats. The tools are getting smarter, but so are the attackers. Staying protected will take constant investment and attention.
Managing the workforce
People often ask about workforce capacity. Will there be enough people to handle the BEAD projects once construction starts? Right now, I believe we’re in a good position. In 2026, much of the work will be in design and engineering. The larger builds will come later.
Could we see labor shortages down the road? Possibly. But the companies in this space know what is coming. They are planning ahead, training new people, and finding ways to make less experienced teams productive with the help of better tools. 2026 should be manageable.
Customer experience still defines success
One thing that has not changed is the importance of customer experience. Even the big carriers are talking about it, and for good reason. Smaller providers have known this all along. Competing against national brands means you must deliver more than speed. You have to make it easy for customers to work with you.
AI will play a role here too. It will predict when customers might leave, show which ones are most loyal, and identify ways to serve them better. Many customers also prefer to manage things themselves, so providing simple self-service options will be important. The companies that use AI to strengthen their customer relationships will be the ones that grow.
Technology and consolidation
Private equity will continue to play a big part in the industry. Investors usually look at a three to five-year window. They buy, improve, and then move on. Some will want to finish new passings before selling because that adds value. Others will focus on consolidating assets they already have.
For broadband providers, this means it is time to modernize. Companies running on older systems will have to catch up. Whether it is operations, billing, or cybersecurity, moving to modern tools is essential. Legacy systems will not keep up with what is coming.
Looking ahead
2026 is not going to be quiet. BEAD funding will accelerate engineering and design. AI will reshape how companies operate. Cybersecurity will stay a daily focus. The ones who plan ahead, invest in the right tools, and adapt quickly will be in the best position to succeed.
We have spent years preparing for this next stage. Now it is time to execute.
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