US Fiber Shortage Threatens Broadband Goals Amid Rising Demand from Data Centers

The US is facing a significant fiber shortage that could impede broadband deployment, as highlighted by Incab America, which reported lead times for fiber-optic cables have extended to a year, matching levels seen in 2000. This issue is exacerbated by a surge in investment in data centers, particularly for AI applications, which has heavily consumed supplies of glass and other materials essential for fiber production.

Corning, a leading glass manufacturer, has reportedly halted sales to other manufacturers due to this shortage. Research from CRU forecasts increasing demand for fiber-optic products from US data centers until 2030, resulting in supply constraints.

Furthermore, the Build America, Buy America Act complicates sourcing materials, potentially hindering projects funded by the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program, which aims to provide high-speed internet to underserved communities. AT&T and other fiber builders have ambitious targets, but supply chain challenges could hinder these goals.