I’m thrilled to sit down with Vladislav Zaimov, a seasoned telecommunications specialist with deep expertise in enterprise telecommunications and risk management of vulnerable networks. With years of experience navigating the complexities of broadband deployment, Vladislav offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in expanding high-speed internet access across diverse communities. In this conversation, we explore the intricacies of recent fiber projects in various regions, the balance between private and public funding, the impact of connectivity on underserved areas, and the future of broadband infrastructure in the United States.
How do you see the significance of completing major fiber projects like the one in Whitewater, Wisconsin, and what factors make a community like this a priority for investment?
Projects like the one in Whitewater are crucial because they bridge the digital divide in smaller or underserved communities that often get overlooked. Whitewater, for instance, with over 5,300 locations now connected through 50 miles of buried fiber, represents a commitment to ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet. Priorities for investment often hinge on a mix of community need, economic potential, and strategic alignment with a company’s broader goals. A community might stand out due to a lack of existing infrastructure, strong local support, or potential for growth that justifies a $5 million privately funded effort like this one.
What are some of the toughest hurdles in deploying fiber over such a large area, and how do you overcome them?
Burying over 50 miles of fiber, as was done in Whitewater, comes with significant challenges—terrain, weather, and permitting delays can slow things down. You’re dealing with physical obstacles like rocky soil or existing underground utilities that need to be navigated carefully. Then there’s the coordination with local authorities to secure rights-of-way. Overcoming these requires detailed planning, robust partnerships with local stakeholders, and sometimes innovative construction techniques to minimize disruption. It’s also about maintaining clear communication with the community to manage expectations during the process.
How do communities typically react to the completion of large-scale broadband projects, and what kind of long-term benefits do you see for them?
The reaction is often overwhelmingly positive. Residents and businesses gain access to reliable, high-speed internet, which transforms daily life—from remote work and online education to telemedicine. In a place like Whitewater, you see immediate excitement, but the long-term benefits are even more impactful. Economic growth kicks in as businesses can compete on a larger scale, and property values often rise with better connectivity. It’s a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community fabric over time.
Turning to rural expansions like the $55 million project in Pulaski County, Virginia, what’s the driving force behind targeting unserved areas like this?
The core driver is closing the connectivity gap. In Pulaski County, reaching about 8,000 locations by mid-2026 addresses a critical need for homes and businesses that have been left behind in the digital age. These projects often stem from a recognition that without intervention, rural areas risk economic stagnation. Partnerships with local governments and initiatives like the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative provide the necessary funding and support to make these ambitious builds feasible, ensuring that even remote areas aren’t left out of the digital economy.
What unique challenges come with building fiber networks in rural settings, and how do you address them?
Rural deployments are tricky due to low population density, which makes the cost per connection much higher compared to urban areas. You’ve got vast distances to cover, often with rugged terrain, and fewer existing utilities to leverage for aerial or underground builds. In Pulaski County, for instance, you’re looking at a timeline stretching to 2026, partly because of these logistical hurdles. Addressing them involves creative funding models, like blending public and private investments, and using technology to optimize routes and reduce costs. Community engagement is also key to ensure buy-in and smooth execution.
How do partnerships between private companies and public initiatives shape the success of broadband projects?
These partnerships are often the backbone of large-scale broadband rollouts. In Pulaski County, the collaboration with the county and state-level programs provides not just funding but also strategic alignment on where the need is greatest. Public initiatives help offset the financial risk for private companies, especially in less profitable rural areas, while companies bring the technical expertise and operational capacity. It’s a symbiotic relationship that accelerates deployment and ensures that the infrastructure meets community needs.
Looking at projects in Eastern Illinois, what considerations go into selecting specific communities for fiber expansion?
Choosing communities like Momence, Grant Park, and Beecher often comes down to a mix of existing infrastructure gaps, community demand, and strategic fit within a broader regional plan. For instance, connecting over 4,200 locations across these areas shows a focus on smaller towns that might lack reliable service. Factors like proximity to existing network assets, potential for quick deployment, and local government support also play a role. It’s about maximizing impact where the need is clear and the rollout can be efficient.
With services already live in some areas like Momence, what kind of feedback have you seen from residents and businesses about the new connectivity?
When services go live, as they have in Momence with over 1,100 locations connected, the feedback is usually a mix of relief and excitement. Residents often talk about how much easier it is to work from home or stream content without buffering. Businesses, on the other hand, appreciate the ability to engage in e-commerce or cloud-based operations more effectively. It’s not just about speed; it’s about reliability and the doors that open when you’re no longer limited by poor internet. That initial response often fuels demand in neighboring areas waiting for their turn.
As companies aim for ambitious targets, like reaching 1.8 million locations with fiber, what do you think are the key strategies to sustain that kind of growth?
Hitting a target like 1.8 million locations requires a multi-pronged approach. First, it’s about securing diverse funding—balancing private capital with federal or state grants to manage the financial load. Second, scalability in operations is critical, from streamlining construction processes to leveraging existing infrastructure where possible. Finally, it’s about building trust with communities and regulators to ensure smooth project execution. Long-term, it’s also about anticipating future demand and designing networks that can evolve with technology.
What is your forecast for the future of broadband deployment in the United States, especially in bridging the digital divide?
I’m optimistic but realistic. The pace of deployment will likely accelerate with continued public-private collaboration and federal funding initiatives. We’re seeing unprecedented investment in broadband, which is fantastic for closing the digital divide, especially in rural and low-income areas. However, challenges like workforce shortages, supply chain issues, and regulatory hurdles could slow progress if not addressed. Over the next decade, I expect we’ll see a more connected nation, but the focus must remain on equity—ensuring that speed and affordability go hand in hand so no one is left behind.
