In February 2026, the United States’ largest digital infrastructure initiative—the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program—finally moved from policy to implementation, turning $42.45 billion into real contracts. At the same time, the rules changed at the starting line: to accelerate deployment, the federal government allowed states to use wireless and satellite technologies alongside fiber. Yet providers immediately faced challenges ranging from hurricanes to workforce shortages. We spoke with Bohdan Kulchytskyi, owner of Florida-based BIMY LLC, a contractor for major U.S. telecommunications operators, Senior Member of IEEE, and Editorial Board Member of the Universal Library of Engineering Technology, about how to build resilient networks under these conditions.
Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing U.S. telecommunications infrastructure in 2026
A: The problem is not a lack of technology. We already have high-speed fixed wireless access (FWA), advanced telemetry systems, and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH). The real challenge is resilience and coordination. Based on my experience in Florida, the greatest risks arise not during network design but during project execution—because of weather, logistics, and coordination among multiple agencies. Telecommunications is critical infrastructure. Our priority should be creating a systematically managed, adaptive ecosystem rather than simply accelerating construction.
Q: Your proprietary geospatial methodology for network deployment earned you the “Innovator of the Year” award at Cases & Faces 2025. How can this approach benefit U.S. operators?
A: Geospatial data enables decisions based on real-world conditions instead of assumptions. Projects are often delayed because of inaccurate coverage maps or underestimated terrain complexity. When operators evaluate topography, power availability, population density, and climate risks before construction begins, they dramatically reduce costly mistakes.
Q: You have extensive experience building telecommunications networks. In Ukraine alone, you supervised the deployment of more than 3,200 kilometers of communication lines, including under extreme conditions. What lessons could the U.S. industry learn from that experience?
A: One lesson is the importance of redundancy. Networks should never depend on a single cable. If the primary route fails, traffic must automatically switch to a backup path. Another critical factor is autonomous power. During any crisis, electricity is often the first service to disappear. Without generators and backup batteries, communication networks quickly become inoperative. As climate-related disasters become more frequent in the United States, the conclusion is clear: networks must be designed for extreme events from day one.
Q: There is an ongoing debate in the United States about technology neutrality. For last-mile connectivity, what matters more—technology or deployment strategy?
A: The key to the success of the BEAD program is a flexible deployment model where technology matches geography. Fiber is an excellent solution, but in remote areas it is often not economically viable. Hybrid architectures and fixed wireless access are frequently more practical. The most expensive mistakes occur at the planning stage, when operators misjudge population density and local demand. It is also important to remember that broadband is now part of essential social infrastructure. When providers maintain open communication with local communities and government authorities, permitting and implementation become significantly faster.
Q: As an Editorial Board Member of an international engineering journal, which innovation do you believe will transform the industry over the next two to three years?
A: The most exciting development is the practical application of artificial intelligence. Today, AI is already being used to predict equipment failures before they occur and to optimize traffic distribution when networks become congested. In the past, operators repaired networks after outages. Now AI allows them to prevent many problems before they happen. Over the next two to three years, predictive AI will become one of the industry’s most effective tools for reducing maintenance costs while improving network reliability.
