In this episode of the Broadband Pulse podcast, we talked to Scott Mispagel, Senior Vice President, Network Engineering and Operations at Frontier Communications. During this episode, we talked about the ongoing progress Frontier has made in expanding its fiber broadband reach and customer base.

Frontier, which is being acquired by Verizon, has continued to enhance its standing in the fiber broadband market. As of the end of the second quarter, Frontier added 334,000 fiber passings to reach 8.5 million total locations passed with fiber.

As Mispagel sees it, “it has been a great highlight of my career to be a part of the company’s turnaround and bringing the life-changing technology that we bring to our customers.”

Key Moments in This Episode

Opening

0:07 Introduction of our guest

1:33 The 2025 Connect the Unconnected Award Scott Mispagel talks about being this year’s honoree.

2:39 Frontier's fiber broadband gains momentum How Frontier’s leadership has made fiber a key part of its strategy.

4:12 Permitting and supply chain challenges Frontier took a proactive approach as it scaled its fiber network.

6:39 Local community partnerships Frontier communicates the value of building out fiber.

8:26 Prioritizing fiber builds The service provider weighs factors such as population density and labor availability.

9:42 Frontier’s “Broadband for Good” Program How Frontier contributes fiber broadband service to community-led organizations like the Boys & Girls Club.

11:25 Frontier’s fiber technology vision The service provider participates in industry organizations like the ITU to drive new standards.

13:04 AI’s growing influence How AI is changing business trajectories.

15:16 Frontier’s middle mile vision Frontier sees the middle mile as the highways between every community.

17:21 Final Thoughts/closing Scott Mispagel shares his final thoughts and vision for Frontier’s fiber build program.

Meet our guest:

Scott Mispagel, Senior Vice President, Network Engineering and Operations at Frontier Communications Since July 2013, Scott Mispagel has served as Senior Vice President of Network Engineering and Operations at Frontier Communications. With a proven track record in strategic and technical leadership within the telecommunications sector, Mispagel has held several senior roles, including VP of Network Planning and Engineering, overseeing a large team of engineers responsible for nationwide voice and data network infrastructure. Earlier, Mispagel held several roles at Windstream Communications, advancing from Director of Data Engineering to Vice President of Network Technology Planning and Engineering. Mispagel also served on the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together North Texas from January 2019 to December 2021. Mispage holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Arkansas.

About the Podcast In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.