Mike Vermeer’s telecom career took hold right out of college when he joined Panduit. During his 20 years with the company, he has tackled various missions related to product design, technology, innovation, and looking at customer challenges.
One of his key passions is helping improve network deployments for the company’s array of service provider customers. Today, he serves as the Manager of Broadband Solutions at Panduit.

We spoke to Vermeer about how Panduit’s broadband division can help its service customers adapt to the rapidly changing dynamics they are facing in technology, regulations, and the workforce.

Key Moments in This Episode

Opening

0:03 Introduction of our guest

0:16 Vermeer’s Panduit journey
Mike Vermeer talks about his 20-year career with the company.

1:46 Network service philosophy
Vermeer talks about his passion for helping improve network deployments

4:33 State of the broadband market
How broadband has become an expected amenity.

6:29 The cable industry’s network journey
Cable will continue to consider fiber as competition threats rise.

8:41 New fiber competition
How Panduit can serve smaller providers that need a broadband supplier ecosystem.

10:48 Broadband provider consolidation
The way the market will shift with new and existing players.

11:59 The BEAD opportunity
While there have been delays, Vermeer and Panduit are preparing to address needs as funding gets rolled out.

14:44 Supply chain issues
Vermeer notes that broadband customers should maintain a resilient supply chain with options.

16:09 Broadband workforce issues
Panduit is working to make the broadband construction ecosystem larger.
19:17 The AI factor
How internet service providers can leverage AI inference models to deliver insights to customers.
21:21 Final Thoughts
Mike Vermeer shares his final thoughts about the state of broadband.

About our guest
Mike Vermeer is Manager of Broadband Solutions at Panduit. He has a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University and a Master's degree from DePaul University. Mike has 20 years of experience in new product and business development, holds multiple patents and is a Certified Fiber to the Home Professional.

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.