This week in Kissimmee, Florida, the Fiber Broadband Association gathered for its 25th anniversary awards gala at Fiber Connect 2026. The event brought together leaders from across the fiber broadband industry to reflect on a quarter-century of fiber-driven growth and the work still ahead to expand broadband access across the US.
During the gala, the FBA honored Paul Breakman with the 2026 Photon Award, recognizing outstanding volunteer service and leadership within both the association and the wider broadband community.
For Paul, the award reflects years of work helping align broadband technology, public policy, federal funding initiatives and the real-world challenges facing service providers nationwide.
Leadership where policy meets deployment
As Co-Chair of the FBA Public Policy Committee, Paul has played a key role in helping the industry navigate one of the most transformative periods in US broadband expansion.
Historic funding programs have created new opportunities to extend fiber access, particularly in rural and underserved communities. At the same time, they have introduced new layers of complexity around compliance, eligibility, planning and implementation.
Paul’s work has helped make those challenges easier to navigate, giving providers, partners and community broadband organizations clearer guidance as they plan and deliver fiber projects.
His background in energy and telecommunications law, combined with more than two decades of experience supporting rural electric cooperatives, gives him a practical understanding of both the policy landscape and the operational realities of broadband deployment.
That combination has made his leadership especially valuable at a time when the industry needs more than investment alone. It also needs alignment, clarity and collaboration.
Supporting a stronger fiber ecosystem
Paul’s recognition also reflects a broader truth about broadband expansion. Networks are built with technology, but long-term progress depends on the people who help move the industry forward – those who shape policy discussions, share expertise and turn complex requirements into practical action.
At Fiber Connect 2026, Paul continued that work through an educational session focused on identifying gaps in existing network footprints. The session highlighted his ongoing commitment to helping providers better understand where challenges remain and how to address those gaps collaboratively.
With Ash Brown, last year’s Photon Award recipient, serving as 2026 FBA Board Chair, Paul’s recognition also marks a proud moment for Adtran. It reflects our continued commitment to supporting the fiber broadband ecosystem not only through innovation, but through active industry leadership and long-term engagement.
As the industry enters its next phase of expansion, Paul’s achievement serves as a reminder that meaningful progress depends on shared expertise, clear guidance and strong collaboration across the broadband community.
Congratulations, Paul!