In this episode of Let’s Get Digital, host Carrie Charles sits down with Tom Maguire, CEO of Brightspeed, to explore how the company has rapidly become the third-largest fiber builder in the U.S. Tom shares his inspiring journey from summer hire at New York Telephone to leading Brightspeed’s mission of connecting millions of homes with high-speed fiber internet.
Tom offers a behind-the-scenes look at Brightspeed’s bold strategy: from plug-and-play fiber builds and innovative GIS-based engineering platforms to their unique contractor model that streamlines deployment across 20 states. He also discusses Brightspeed’s proactive approach to BEAD funding, partnerships with companies like Calix and Corning, and how the company is reimagining copper retirement with wireless overlay solutions.
Beyond technology, Tom reveals Brightspeed’s people-first culture, leadership values, and big vision for transforming digital infrastructure in rural America.
Tune in to learn how Brightspeed is shaping the future of broadband — with speed, strategy, and heart.
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About Tom Maguire
Tom Maguire is the CEO of Brightspeed, a leading fiber internet provider transforming connectivity across the U.S.
As Chief Executive Officer of Brightspeed, Tom is responsible for leading the strategic planning and implementation of the company’s strategy and goals, ensuring operational excellence and driving innovation across the enterprise. He oversees the company’s business development opportunities and customer-focused improvements and growth.
Tom Maguire brings more than four decades of telecommunications experience to Brightspeed. Starting as a field technician, Tom built his career from the ground up.
Before stepping into the CEO role, Tom served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer responsible for ensuring Brightspeed’s operations team leverages state-of-the-art technology to deliver on the company’s promise to provide best-in-class customer service and a faster, more reliable network across the company’s footprint.
Prior to Brightspeed, Tom served as senior vice president of national operations support at Verizon, where he was responsible for the processes and systems of one of the nation’s largest operations teams consisting of more than 35,000 field technicians as well as engineering and network operations teams. Under his leadership, the company improved overall customer satisfaction and reduced operational expenses by delivering significant operations automation, much of which was patented.
Tom earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Adelphi University and his Master of Business Administration degree from Long Island University. USTelecom | The Broadband Association, the leading association of connectivity providers and innovators, elected Tom to its board of directors in October 2023.
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