Revolutionizing Broadband Access: Kevin Baker on FlexNAP

In a world where staying connected drives everything from our friendships to the economy, fiber optics have become the powerhouse behind our digital lives. And at the heart of this fiber revolution? The Corning FlexNAP™ system—a game-changing solution designed by Kevin Baker, Carrier Network Solutions Architect at Corning. Recently, Kevin joined host Hugo Malan on ReSETTing Tomorrow to break down how FlexNAP is transforming broadband and making it easier, faster, and more affordable to get connected.  In their conversation, Kevin and Hugo dove into how the FlexNAP system started, the impact it’s having today, and how this innovation is bridging connectivity gaps and powering new economic opportunities.

Rethinking Connectivity with FlexNAP

The idea for FlexNAP came from a real pain point: traditional fiber installation was just too slow and expensive. Old-school deployment involved splicing every connection on-site, which meant tons of labor, time, and cost. Kevin and his team saw an opportunity to change that with a pre-connectorized system—basically, they completed the splicing in a factory setting so that once the fiber was in the field, it could just be “plug and play.” This approach turned what was once a complex, expensive task into something that’s faster and much simpler.

How It Works: The “Plug and Play” Revolution

Before FlexNAP, every single fiber connection had to be manually spliced, which made installations slow and costly. FlexNAP took a different approach by pre-connecting the fibers in the factory. Now, instead of splicing each fiber on-site, techs can just plug in pre-spliced terminals at set points, saving massive amounts of time and reducing the chance of errors.

FlexNAP’s impact is huge, especially in terms of time and cost. By cutting out hundreds of splice points in a typical area, the system saves providers hours upon hours of labor. And less labor means lower costs, which makes it easier for companies to expand their networks and bring down prices for customers. In a nutshell, FlexNAP speeds up deployment, helping people get connected faster and making broadband more affordable.

The Ripple Effect: More Accessible Broadband for All

With quicker, more affordable installations, FlexNAP is also helping bridge the digital divide, making it possible for underserved communities to access high-speed internet. These savings make it easier for companies to extend service to rural and hard-to-reach places, which opens doors for economic growth, better education, and an overall improved quality of life.

FlexNAP is helping close the connectivity gap between urban and rural areas by making broadband deployment simpler and cheaper in places that would otherwise be left out. By simplifying installation and reducing costs, the system brings high-speed internet to communities that have often been underserved, leveling the playing field for those areas.

Going the Distance: FlexNAP’s Flexibility

One of the coolest things about FlexNAP is its adaptability. Kevin shared stories about deploying the system in all kinds of places, from remote islands in Maine to the deserts of Arizona and the icy outskirts of Alaska. FlexNAP’s design holds up in challenging environments, making it a fit for both bustling cities and the far-off rural areas where fiber is just beginning to arrive.

Changing the Game for Fiber Optic Workers

The simplicity of FlexNAP has also transformed the jobs of fiber optic technicians. With fewer physical demands and less complex installations, the field is more accessible, opening doors for people from all backgrounds to join the industry. Corning has even created training programs to bring in fresh talent, especially young people, women, and others from diverse backgrounds. Through hands-on internships and job-shadowing opportunities, Corning is building a strong, inclusive workforce ready for the future.

Looking Forward: The Big Potential of Fiber Optics

One of the most impressive things about fiber optics is that there’s almost no upper limit on the data they can handle. As demand for data keeps growing with smart cities, connected cars, and the Internet of Things (IoT), fiber optics will play an even bigger role in keeping everything connected. Kevin sees a future where fiber is the foundation of smart cities, with networks supporting everything from traffic management to automated manufacturing processes.

Collaboration is Key

The FlexNAP system’s success is a reminder that innovation thrives on teamwork. Corning’s partnerships with companies like Verizon and its customer-focused approach have helped it stay at the cutting edge of fiber technology. As the industry evolves, collaborating with customers and partners will be essential to solving new challenges and pushing fiber technology forward.

Kevin Baker’s Vision for the Future of Fiber 

When asked what keeps him motivated, Kevin says it’s all about teaching and mentoring others. For him, FlexNAP is just one piece of a bigger picture. He believes that fiber optics can make the world a more connected place, giving everyone—from the biggest city to the smallest town—the same access to information and opportunity.

FlexNAP is Changing the Game for Good

Corning’s FlexNAP system is more than a technological breakthrough—it’s a driver for positive change. By making fiber easier and cheaper to deploy, FlexNAP is helping bridge the digital divide, enabling progress, and connecting people everywhere. As we look ahead, FlexNAP and systems like it will be the backbone of a world where everyone has access to fast, reliable internet.

Click here to listen to the entire episode of ReSETTing Tomorrow presented by Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom.