Open Access Fiber Networks: Many Models, One Goal

The CBAN/IAMU 2025 Spring Summit is a can't miss event for midwestern broadband providers and community leaders. In the next few issues of Broadband Bytes we'll be focusing on some of the amazing sessions we have planned for the Summit on April 22-23, 2025 at Gateway Hotel in Ames, Iowa.

The panel discussion "Open Access Fiber Networks—Many Models, One Goal" brings together key innovators and implementers in the municipal broadband space to explore diverse approaches to creating accessible, community-focused internet infrastructure. 

Our moderator is Kim McKinley of TAK Communications, long-time marketing manager for Utopia Fiber, America's largest community-owned open access networks. She's a nationally-recognized broadband expert and frequent presenter/panelist at events across America.

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Our panel represents communities and operators who have built (or are planning to build) open access networks.

Kyle Box is City Operations Director for the City of Willmar, Minnesota. This week, the WIllmar City Council voted to decline an offer from Charter to build fiber in their industrial park and instead to continue their plans to build an open access network. Kyle will discuss Willmar's long journey to a key decision point.

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Josh Orlowitz is Director of Strategy and Planning for Bonfire Fiber, which is building open access fiber networks in several areas. They are looking to work with additional communities who want to bring the consumer choice advantages of open access to their residents.

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Dan Tracy, the Technology Director for the City of Ammon, Idaho will talk about his project-one of the very first open access networks in the nation, it's financing model, and how it has changed the broadband landscape in their community. Dan will be joining us virtually through the magic of FIBER OPTIC BROADBAND!

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What are you waiting for? Register today!

It's time to lock in your plans to join us for the Spring Summit! CLICK HERE to read more about the Summit, Including our full Spring Summit schedule, and to get registered. You'll also want to reserve your room at Gateway Hotel before the end of March so you can take advantage of our group rate. We'll see you in Ames!