Fiber Broadband Association Survey Reveals Critical Gaps in Industry AI Readiness

New research finds growing AI adoption across fiber broadband industry, but workforce skills, governance, and strategic planning lag behind

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) today released findings from its FBA Member AI Readiness Survey, revealing a significant gap between growing artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and the industry's readiness to implement the technology at scale. While 90% of respondents report increased organizational interest in AI and 73% have progressed to pilot programs or beyond, 79% identify moderate or critical workforce skills gaps, and 78% remain in the early stages of AI strategic planning.

Conducted by FBA’s Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Working Group, the survey examines how fiber broadband organizations are adopting AI across network operations, fiber deployment, customer service, and infrastructure planning, while assessing workforce readiness, data governance, and investment priorities. As AI-driven applications and data center expansion create new demands on fiber networks, the survey shows that many broadband providers still need guidance on where to invest, how to prepare their workforce and how to put AI to work.

“AI presents a tremendous opportunity for the fiber broadband industry, but our survey shows that many organizations are still figuring out how to put it to work,” said Deborah Kish, VP of Research and Workforce Development at the Fiber Broadband Association. “The challenge isn’t a lack of interest. It’s having the right skills, policies, and plans in place to move beyond pilot projects. These findings give our working group a clearer picture of where members need support and where we can focus our efforts to help them get the most value from AI.”

Despite the growing demand for AI infrastructure, many fiber providers are still determining where opportunities exist. The survey found that 68% are unsure which AI-related transport services they would offer, and 41% cannot predict how much AI-related traffic will grow through 2027. Key findings from the survey include:

• AI adoption is growing but remains fragmented. Organizations are making the most progress with generative AI, but adoption of more advanced applications remains limited. Most are still working to move beyond individual use cases and integrate AI across their operations.
• Workforce readiness remains a major challenge. Training has not kept pace with AI adoption, particularly in areas such as customer experience, finance, and business analysts, IT and network engineering. Nearly half of respondents expect AI to shift employee responsibilities rather than reduce headcount.
• AI governance is lagging. More than half (56%) of respondents operate without a formal AI policy, and 73% have not completed a formal risk review with ongoing monitoring.
• AI is creating operational opportunities. Customer service is the leading AI application, with 58% of respondents using or evaluating the technology, followed by workforce scheduling and marketing at 42% each.
• Infrastructure planning remains uncertain. As AI workloads increase demand for high-capacity connectivity, 44% of respondents are unsure when they will invest in supporting infrastructure, while 42% identify data center interconnect as the network segment most likely to be affected.
• Organizations lack the capacity to execute AI strategies. While 68% prioritize AI for cost reduction and operational efficiency, 42% cite limited organizational bandwidth and competing priorities as their primary investment barriers, compared with just 8% citing limited capital.

The results will help guide FBA’s AI/ML Working Group, including its work to develop educational resources and address workforce training, security, and other challenges identified by members. The survey recommends that organizations focus first on AI applications that improve customer experience, workforce productivity, and operational efficiency, while building the skills, policies, and plans needed for broader adoption. FBA Academy, the Association’s new on-demand training platform, will also help support industry workforce development, with beta access available to FBA Premier Members.

FBA will continue exploring AI’s impact on broadband networks at Fiber Connect 2027, June 13-16 in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will introduce a new AI & Quantum Infrastructure Pavilion, where broadband providers and technology companies can explore AI and quantum technologies, their infrastructure requirements, and the opportunities they present for the fiber industry.

To learn more about the FBA AI Member Readiness Survey, visit: https://fiberbroadband.org/resources/fba-member-ai-readiness-survey-insights-gaps-priorities-for-the-fiber-broadband-industry/. To learn more about FBA and its events, subscribe to FBA’s Fiber Forward Weekly newsletter here.

About the Fiber Broadband Association

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) is the leading voice for fiber infrastructure, uniting the entire ecosystem of network operators, technology innovators, equipment manufacturers, and industry experts building the high-performance fiber networks that power our digital future. As the world’s largest association dedicated to fiber, FBA advances the deployment of future-ready infrastructure through research, education, standards, workforce development, and public policy advocacy. As broadband, artificial intelligence, quantum networks, and next-generation technologies converge, FBA is helping ensure communities, businesses, and economies are built on the reliable, scalable, and energy-efficient foundation that only fiber can provide. Founded in 2001, FBA is a member of the Fibre Council Global Alliance, representing six regional Fibre councils spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and South Africa. Learn more at fiberbroadband.org.