In this episode of the podcast, Chris chats with Gene Kimmelman about the historical roots of telecommunications policy, including the 1992 Cable Act and the rise of broadband as an essential service. They explore how deregulation shaped today’s Internet landscape and discuss the ongoing fight for affordable, equitable access. ★ Support this podcast ★
Dec 03, 2024•40 min•Ep. 626
In this episode of the podcast, Chris chats with Steven John of DV Fiber to explore how Vermont’s Communications Union Districts are transforming broadband access in rural areas. Learn how this unique public-private model is connecting communities, overcoming challenges, and paving the way for universal, high-speed Internet. ★ Support this podcast ★
Nov 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 625
In this episode of the podcast, Chris checks in with Jose Pena, IT Director for the City of Pharr, Texas, to explore their groundbreaking municipal fiber network. Discover how Pharr has achieved a 50% take rate, saved residents millions annually, and launched digital equity initiatives that include free laptops and digital literacy training. ★ Support this podcast ★
Nov 19, 2024•30 min•Ep. 624
In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Andy Schwartzman from the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society to discuss how recent U.S. Court rulings are reshaping FCC authority and broadband policy. They explore the implications for universal broadband access, including the challenges around funding, school bus Wi-Fi, and net neutrality regulations. ★ Support this podcast ★
Nov 12, 2024•44 min•Ep. 623
In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Christina Burns and Zach Bachmann about Kendall County’s innovative project to expand Internet access through public-private partnerships and community-driven solutions. Discover how this fast-growing Illinois county is balancing urban and rural needs with sustainable infrastructure planning and state-supported funding. ★ Support this podcast ★
Nov 05, 2024•35 min•Ep. 622
In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Karl Bode dive into the challenges of rural broadband, exploring why Starlink isn’t a cure-all, the impact of broadband caps, and the FCC’s push for greater pricing transparency. Tune in to hear how these issues affect affordability and why consumer-focused broadband policies matter more than ever. ★ Support this podcast ★
Oct 29, 2024•43 min•Ep. 621
In this special episode of the podcast, we revisit a conversation between Chris and Gigi Sohn, Executive Director of the American Association for Public Broadband, discussing the growing movement for community broadband. They dive into efforts to expand local networks, the challenges posed by incumbents, and the pivotal role of state and local governments in shaping broadband policy. ★ Support this podcast ★
Oct 24, 2024•47 min•Ep. 620
In this episode of the podcast, Chris and the CBN team discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, the importance of resilient infrastructure, and the controversy surrounding the FCC’s decision on Starlink’s rural broadband funding. Plus, they highlight new broadband initiatives in South Central LA and Vermont’s Fiber Technician Training Program. ★ Support this podcast ★
Oct 15, 2024•36 min•Ep. 619
In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Professor Alfred Yen discuss a major legal case that could hold Internet Service Providers (ISPs) accountable for their subscribers' copyright infringement. They dive into the potential consequences for ISPs, Internet users, and critical services if ISPs are forced to cut off access due to illegal downloading. ★ Support this podcast ★
Oct 02, 2024•34 min•Ep. 618
In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by colleagues Ry Marcattilio and Jessica Auer to explore the latest BEAD blueprints and the role of low-cost broadband plans in advancing digital equity. They also dive into the progress of tribal broadband initiatives and discuss the challenges of building affordable, community-driven networks. ★ Support this podcast ★
Sep 24, 2024•32 min•Ep. 617
In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down again with Chad Crager, Executive Director of Fort Collins Connexion, to discuss how Fort Collins is leading the way in municipal broadband by leveraging underground infrastructure and innovative policies. They also highlight their efforts to promote digital equity, expand services to underserved communities, and maintain long-term sustainability while competing with incumbents. ★ Support this podcast ★...
Sep 17, 2024•31 min•Ep. 616
In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sean discuss key updates on broadband initiatives, including California’s Fiber Fund and Paul Bunyan Cooperative's innovative approach. They also highlight the importance of Federal Rescue Plan Funding for community networks and introduce ILSR’s new map, showcasing municipal broadband projects across the U.S. ★ Support this podcast ★
Sep 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 615
In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks with Monique Tate and Raul Enriquez from Community Tech New York (CTNY) on how they're empowering communities through hands-on technology training and their Portable Network Kit (PNK). Learn how CTNY is fostering digital equity, building local networks, and helping neighborhoods stay connected in emergencies. ★ Support this podcast ★
Aug 27, 2024•41 min•Ep. 614
In this episode of the podcast, Chris dives into Clarksville's transition to XGS-PON technology with CDE Lightband's Christy Batts and Amanda Cherry. Discover how this upgrade is future-proofing their broadband network, enhancing service efficiency, and tackling the unique challenges of serving a military town—all while exploring the role of AI in customer service. ★ Support this podcast ★
Aug 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 613
In this episode of the podcast, Chris dives into the Connect Superior initiative with Stephanie Becken, Broadband Manager for the City of Superior. Discover how this ambitious project is transforming broadband access in Superior, Wisconsin, and what it means for the community's future connectivity. ★ Support this podcast ★
Aug 13, 2024•24 min•Ep. 612
In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Lindsey Skolnik from the California Alliance for Digital Equity (CADE) about closing the digital divide in California. Discover key initiatives like the Middle Mile project, digital discrimination legislation, and the collaborative efforts driving broadband access for all communities. ★ Support this podcast ★
Aug 06, 2024•36 min•Ep. 611
In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Joshua Breitbart, Senior VP of the ConnectALL Office, about New York's ambitious municipal broadband initiative. Learn how over $200 million is being invested to expand broadband access across the state, leveraging diverse local partnerships and innovative models to bridge the digital divide. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jul 30, 2024•27 min•Ep. 610
In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sean discuss recent broadband infrastructure developments in California and Massachusetts, including significant funding awards and innovative programs like San Francisco's Fiber to Housing initiative. Tune in to hear about the challenges and solutions in expanding digital equity and high-speed internet access for underserved communities. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jul 23, 2024•39 min•Ep. 609
In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Eric Sasaki about Los Angeles County's innovative efforts to bridge the digital divide. Discover how the county is using federal funding and public-private partnerships to provide affordable, high-quality internet access to underserved communities. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jul 16, 2024•39 min•Ep. 608
In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Gigi Sohn and Bill Coleman about the benefits and challenges of community-controlled broadband networks. They discuss strategies for building public broadband, the importance of local support, and share insights from successful case studies. Tune in to learn how communities can take control of their digital future. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jul 09, 2024•39 min•Ep. 607
In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Ry chat with Ellie de Villiers, Executive Director of Maple Broadband, about Vermont's innovative approach to bridging the broadband gap through the Communications Union District model (CUD). They explore the unique partnerships and challenges faced in expanding internet access to underserved areas, offering insights into the future of rural broadband deployment. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jul 02, 2024•42 min•Ep. 606
In this episode, Chris speaks with Jade Piros de Carvalho, former head of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, discussing the challenges of bridging the digital divide. Jade shares her journey from rural broadband expansion to managing significant funding aimed at improving broadband access in Kansas, emphasizing community-driven solutions and the multifaceted nature of deployment. ★ Support this podcast ★
Jun 18, 2024•33 min•Ep. 605
In this special episode of the podcast, Chris shares a segment from the Connect This! show, featuring insights from industry leaders on improving connectivity for low-income households. The discussion covers the impacts of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), as well as strategies for expanding broadband in rural areas. They also provide a critical look at the political and legislative aspects of broadband funding. ★ Support this podcast ★...
Jun 11, 2024•54 min•Ep. 604
In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Mike Romano, Executive Vice President of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, about the future of the Universal Service Fund (USF). They explore the historical context, current funding challenges, and the need for sustainable reform to ensure ongoing connectivity. The discussion highlights the importance of broadening the funding base to support digital equity efforts across the country. ★ Support this podcast ★...
Jun 04, 2024•37 min•Ep. 603
In this episode of the podcast, Chris discusses the challenges of prevailing wage laws on small broadband providers in Minnesota with Brent Christensen and Jill Huffman. They explore the administrative and financial burdens these regulations impose and their impact on broadband expansion in rural areas. Tune in for insights on balancing fair labor practices with practical broadband deployment. ★ Support this podcast ★
May 28, 2024•27 min•Ep. 602
Join Chris as he talks with Paul Hixson and Mike Smeltzer about the UC2B (Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband) project, which has revolutionized internet access in Champaign-Urbana, IL. They discuss the project's origins, its impact on local broadband competition, and the successful public-private partnership driving its expansion. Learn how UC2B is bridging the digital divide and setting a model for community-driven broadband initiatives. ★ Support this podcast ★...
May 21, 2024•31 min•Ep. 601
On the 600th episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Dwayne Douglas from The Quilt Corporation about bridging the digital divide in marginalized Chicago communities through innovative solutions like mesh Wi-Fi and point-to-point fiber connections. Dwayne highlights the importance of digital literacy and community engagement in creating new opportunities for growth. ★ Support this podcast ★
May 14, 2024•27 min•Ep. 600
In this special edition, we showcase the latest episode of our biweekly podcast, the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, featuring Dr. Shaun Glaze and Chris Webb from the Black Brilliance Research Project in Seattle. They discuss the project's origins after George Floyd's tragedy, emphasizing their unique research approach blending traditional methods with community activism to tailor solutions for digital equity. ★ Support this podcast ★...
May 07, 2024•26 min•Ep. 599
Tune in to this week's special edition of the podcast as we revisit a dynamic discussion from our biweekly livestream, Connect This! Co-hosts Christopher Mitchell and Travis Carter, along with guests Doug Dawson, Kim McKinley, and Doug Maglothin, explore the state of middle-mile infrastructure in the US and strategies for enhancing connectivity between cities and towns. ★ Support this podcast ★
May 01, 2024•53 min•Ep. 598
In this latest episode of the podcast, Chris and Derek from Hardy Telecommunications discuss the cooperative's journey since 1953, expanding from phone to broadband services, vital for rural areas. They share the challenges of being a small provider, the impact of federal funding, and emphasize the importance of partnerships and ongoing support for rural broadband access. ★ Support this podcast ★
Apr 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 597
