The NTIA’s recent update to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has caught the industry’s attention for good reason.

Released on June 10, 2025, the revised framework gives states more flexibility, encourages new deployment models, and raises the bar on permitting, compliance, workforce development, and Buy America standards. In short, the path to broadband just became more complex and more promising.

At SQUAN, we don’t wait for clarity; we build with it.

As a turnkey partner operating in 22 states and expanding into new markets like the Pacific Northwest, we specialize in delivering infrastructure that adapts to policy shifts, scales with demand, and stays ahead of industry change.

Our teams provide real-time permitting visibility, giving customers a clear view of where permits stand so they can plan builds more effectively and stay on track to meet critical deadlines.

With BEAD funding unlikely to be released until 2026, now is the time to develop strategic plans. SQUAN is ready to support partners as they adjust their approach and prepare for what’s ahead. From engineering to construction, we bring the tools, talent, and foresight needed to keep broadband builds moving forward.

The infrastructure world moves fast. At SQUAN, we move faster.

With over 2.3 million passings designed and counting, SQUAN’s engineering team is making a significant impact on network infrastructure across the United States. From urban centers to rural landscapes, their work spans every type of architecture, geography, and platform, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complexities involved in modern network deployment.

What sets SQUAN apart is its ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each project. Whether a client requires design-only support or a full turnkey approach, the engineering team provides scalable, efficient designs that help accelerate deployment timelines without compromising quality.

This flexibility ensures that SQUAN’s solutions are not only smart and effective but also future-ready, capable of supporting evolving technologies and growing customer demands.

By combining technical expertise with a client-focused approach, SQUAN continues to build networks that are reliable, scalable, and built for what’s next.

At SQUAN, safety is the foundation of every project and the highest priority for every team member. This week, SQUAN proudly took part in OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down, an important initiative focused on raising awareness about fall prevention, a leading cause of injury and fatalities on construction sites.

During the Safety Stand-Down, SQUAN crews paused their work to engage in toolbox talks, jobsite discussions, and safety refresher training. These activities provided valuable opportunities for reflection and renewed commitment to best practices that protect the well-being of every individual on the job.

By standing down today, SQUAN reinforces its dedication to standing stronger together tomorrow, fostering a culture where safety is embedded in every task and decision.

SQUAN remains committed to upholding its core values and promoting a safe work environment for all employees and partners.

SQUAN is proud to announce the official launch of operations in Washington State, marking a significant milestone in the company’s coast-to-coast expansion. This week, the team broke ground on its first Fiber to the Home (FTTH) project on the West Coast, signaling a new chapter in delivering future-ready network infrastructure.

Guided by SQUAN’s core values of Safety, Quality, Urgency, Accountability, and Nimbleness, the Washington team is moving swiftly and efficiently. Their work will lay the foundation for hundreds of miles of fiber optic network designed to meet the growing connectivity needs of communities across the region.

This project represents the beginning of SQUAN’s broader commitment to expanding its geographic footprint and enhancing infrastructure capabilities nationwide. The company looks forward to continuing to build reliable, high-performance networks that connect people and businesses from coast to coast.

Stay tuned as SQUAN advances this exciting West Coast initiative and explores new opportunities for growth.

At SQUAN, the strength of network infrastructure is built on more than just technology. It rests on trust, accountability, and enduring partnerships that stand the test of time. This philosophy was recently shared by Marc Dyman, SQUAN’s Chief Development Officer, during his appearance on the All Day Digital podcast.

Marc emphasized a fundamental truth that shapes SQUAN’s approach: “Relationships are made in the long term.” As a turnkey provider, SQUAN not only designs and constructs networks but also cultivates lasting connections with clients and partners by upholding the highest standards of reliability and accountability.

Marc’s perspective offers a glimpse into the leadership mindset that drives SQUAN’s teams across the country—from field operations to strategic planning for the future of connectivity. His insights highlight how fostering trust and long-term collaboration is essential for success in the dynamic broadband industry.

For those interested in exploring topics such as broadband expansion, leadership, and the evolving role of a dependable partner, the full podcast episode provides valuable knowledge and inspiration.

Watch the full episode here:
https://www.cobank.com/knowledge-exchange/all-day-digital/all-day-digital-s4e04?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social

At SQUAN, the foundation of success lies in unwavering commitment to core values that guide every project and interaction. These values—Safety, Quality, Urgency, Accountability, and Nimbleness—are not simply principles on paper but lived ideals that shape the company’s culture and drive its achievements.

Recently, SQUAN held its annual Core Values Awards ceremony, a special event dedicated to recognizing the team members who best exemplify these guiding principles. The ceremony celebrated individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and excellence across all facets of their work, whether on job sites or behind the scenes.

The recipients honored at the event represent the very best of SQUAN’s workforce:

• Safety Award: Presented to Shaun Hollister and Nicolas Hernandez for their steadfast focus on creating and maintaining a safe work environment, ensuring the well-being of all team members. 
• Quality Award: Awarded to Isai Hernandez-Rojas and Taylor West Campbell for consistently delivering superior workmanship and raising the standard of excellence across projects. 
• Urgency Award: Recognizing Theodore Vincent and Christopher Cluess, whose ability to respond rapidly and effectively to challenges ensures timely and precise solutions for clients. 
• Accountability Award: Given to Jon McCracken and Eduardo Perez for leading by example, taking responsibility, and consistently delivering on their commitments. 
• Nimbleness Award: Honoring Ben Bartlett and Randolph Conner for their adaptability and innovative thinking that keep SQUAN agile in a fast-evolving industry. 

Beyond the awards themselves, the event underscored the importance of leadership and teamwork in reinforcing SQUAN’s mission and values. These employees exemplify the qualities that propel the company forward, foster a culture of trust, and inspire colleagues to strive for excellence.

SQUAN congratulates all award recipients and expresses gratitude for their ongoing contributions, which play a critical role in the company’s continued success and reputation for quality and reliability.

In 2025, SQUAN is set to broaden its geographic reach through the establishment of new Deployment Centers in key markets across North America. This expansion strengthens the company’s core capabilities in engineering, fiber construction, wireless, and power services, positioning SQUAN to better meet the increasing demands of the evolving network infrastructure landscape.

By increasing its operational footprint, SQUAN aims to enhance service delivery, reduce project timelines, and offer comprehensive, turnkey solutions to its clients. The expansion reflects the company’s commitment to building resilient and future-ready networks that support connectivity growth and technological innovation.

As SQUAN continues to grow, these new centers will play a vital role in advancing the company’s mission to deliver high-quality infrastructure solutions across diverse markets.

Further updates on SQUAN’s expansion plans will be shared as the company moves forward with its growth strategy.

SQUAN has announced the promotion of Dave Rundella to Senior Vice President, recognizing his significant contributions to the company’s growth and industry presence. With years of experience in business development, Dave has been instrumental in expanding SQUAN’s wireless division and fostering strong partnerships across the telecommunications sector.

In his new position, Dave will oversee the continued development of the wireless division and take a leadership role in advancing the company’s power division. By integrating SQUAN’s full range of expertise in engineering, fiber, wireless, and power, he will guide efforts to meet client demands and pursue new opportunities for innovation.

This promotion reflects SQUAN’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team as the company scales its operations and addresses the evolving needs of the network infrastructure market.

Dave’s leadership marks a key step in SQUAN’s ongoing journey toward delivering advanced, future-ready solutions for its clients.

SQUAN is proud to announce the promotion of Scott Shafer to Chief Technical Officer, recognizing his two decades of impactful leadership in the telecommunications industry. Over his 20-year career, Scott has consistently driven value by innovating processes and advising stakeholders on a wide range of technology solutions that increase operational efficiency, reduce risk, lower costs, and enhance network performance.

In his new role, Scott will lead efforts to strengthen operational rigor and develop tailored solutions that elevate the quality and capacity of SQUAN’s engineering, wireline, wireless, and power divisions. His deep expertise in customer collaboration ensures that SQUAN’s solutions align closely with client needs, all while reflecting the company’s core values of Safety, Quality, Urgency, Accountability, and Nimbleness.

Scott’s leadership marks an exciting chapter for SQUAN as the company continues to expand its capabilities and commitment to delivering future-ready network infrastructure.

Scott will be attending the upcoming MetroConnect conference, offering an opportunity for industry partners and clients to meet him in person. SQUAN encourages those interested to reach out and connect with Scott as he begins this new leadership chapter.

Please join SQUAN in congratulating Scott Shafer on his well-deserved promotion to CTO.

The 2024 Fiber Deployment Cost Annual Report from the Fiber Broadband Association and Cartesian reveals that 41 percent of fiber deployment projects experienced cost increases greater than 10 percent in 2024. Labor costs made up 60 to 80 percent of these increases.

For new market entrants, partnering with a turnkey provider that handles both engineering and construction is not only convenient but also cost-effective.

At SQUAN, we combine design, engineering, and construction services to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and built to last.

To learn more, read the full report here:
https://fiberbroadband.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FBA_Cartesian_Fiber-Deployment-Cost-Annual-Report-2024.pdf