Fiber Deployment Costs May See Slight Slowdown

The cost of deploying fiber broadband continues to rise, but the latest report from the Fiber Broadband Association and Cartesian suggests price increases may moderate in the coming year. While underground fiber deployment costs surged by 12 percent in 2024, aerial deployments saw only minor cost increases, and industry experts believe the worst of the inflationary squeeze on fiber projects may be over, according to the 2024 Fiber Deployment Cost Annual Report. The study was presented as underscoring the role of state and federal broadband funding programs in expanding fiber access. Despite economic challenges, 57% of U.S. households were now serviceable by fiber.