In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at the CBAN Annual Conference in Ames, Iowa, host Brad Hine sits down with broadband leader and digital equity advocate Deb Socia. Recently retired from her role as CEO of The Enterprise Center in Chattanooga, Deb shares insights from her decades of experience supporting community broadband, digital inclusion, and infrastructure development. They discuss the importance of early and strategic marketing for broadband builds, challenges around f...
Jun 26, 2025•30 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine welcomes back a true pioneer in the broadband space—Heather Gold, Principal at HBG Strategies and former President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. With a career spanning over 40 years across XO Communications, Sprint, ALTS, NTS, and more, Heather shares unparalleled insights into the evolution of broadband, the regulatory landscape, and the current fiber deployment challenges facing the industry. Recorded live at Fiber Connect ...
Jun 24, 2025•41 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, recorded live at WISPAmerica 2025 in Oklahoma City, host Brad Hine sits down with Cameron Kilton, CTO of Nextlink, for a conversation about AI, automation, and the future of broadband in rural America. Cameron shares his journey from Maine to Texas, helping scale Nextlink from 38,000 to over 100,000 subscribers across 10+ states. He dives into the practical use of AI in network operations—from predictive churn and sentiment analysis to internal tools that ...
Jun 23, 2025•31 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025, Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Denise Manka, Vice President of Business Development at MP Nexlevel. Denise shares her journey from the housing industry to telecom construction, and how MP Nexlevel’s deep roots, culture, and national reach set them apart in the broadband landscape. They discuss the evolving infrastructure needs driven by AI and data center growth, the urgency of disaster preparedness in telecom, and why ...
Jun 18, 2025•17 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch recorded live from Fiber Connect 2025, host Pete Pizzutillo chats with Craig Thomas of Broadband Forum about the critical role of standards in today’s broadband landscape. They explore how interoperability supports smaller operators, the importance of data in enabling AI, and the shift from hardware to software-defined services. Craig also discusses challenges in open access networks—from security and service assurance to differentiation.
Jun 17, 2025•25 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, host Brad Hine sits down with Anis Khemakhem, Chief Marketing Officer of Clearfield. With over 25 years of experience in telecommunications and technology, Anis shares his unique perspective on the evolution of fiber networks, customer-driven innovation, and the future of connectivity. The conversation explores Clearfield’s commitment to labor-light, plug-and-play solutions that accelerate deployment and re...
Jun 16, 2025•23 min
In this special edition of The Broadband Bunch, co-hosts Brad Hine and Pete Pizzutillo break down the biggest takeaways from one of the industry's most influential events, Fiber Connect 2025. With over 5,000 attendees and 320+ exhibitors, the conference was packed with energy, insights, and future-shaping discussions. Brad and Pete dive into everything from the status of BEAD funding and shifting investment trends, to AI readiness, workforce evolution, and the growing importance of industry part...
Jun 10, 2025•40 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine talks with Tim Ayers, co-founder of Gravity Path Partners, recorded live at Connected America 2025. With over 30 years in telecom and tech, Tim unpacks the growing role of edge computing—how it’s reshaping broadband infrastructure, enabling AI and low-latency applications, and becoming critical for future-ready networks. They explore the repurposing of central offices into edge data centers, the need for distributed compute power, and why un...
Jun 05, 2025•35 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live from Connected America 2025, host Brad Hine sits down with Edyn Rolls, Chief Strategic Officer and founding member of the Oklahoma Broadband Office. As a key leader driving the state’s broadband expansion efforts, Edyn shares insights into Oklahoma’s $500 million deployment of ARPA funds, the BEAD subgrantee selection process, and how the state is adapting to shifting federal policies. They dive into strategies for serving rural and tribal co...
Jun 03, 2025•18 min
In this episode, host Brad Hine reports live from the show floor at Connected America 2025 in Irving, Texas. He’s joined by returning guest Brad Randall, editor at Total Telecom and chair of the event. Together, they unpack the energy on the expo floor and dive into the rapidly evolving broadband landscape. From the political uncertainty surrounding the BEAD program to equity concerns and the future of infrastructure investment, this conversation captures the mood of the industry in real time. T...
May 30, 2025•23 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine is joined by Rusty Williams, President and CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC), for a preview of the 2025 UTC Annual Conference, taking place June 16–19 in Long Beach, California. With over 30 years of experience spanning utilities, telecom, IT, and network integration, Rusty shares a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s event—from its deep-rooted history and evolving educational programming to exciting keynote speakers, including...
May 28, 2025•27 min
Recorded live at the NTCA’s 2025 R-TIME Conference in San Antonio, this episode of The Broadband Bunch features a conversation between host Brad Hine and Roxie Jorgenson—Chair of the NTCA Board of Directors and owner of Roxberry LLC. Roxie shares the latest from NTCA’s new strategic plan, covering universal service funding, BEAD rollout challenges, and the critical need for workforce development in rural America. Drawing from her 25+ years in leadership and her work with Roxbury LLC, she explain...
May 15, 2025•26 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, Jay Cadman, SVP at IQGeo, joins host Brad Hine to discuss how geospatial intelligence and AI are transforming broadband operations. Jay shares insights from his 30+ year career in telecom, highlighting the importance of accurate data, digital twins, and connecting field and office teams. Learn how IQGeo helps network operators—from major carriers to small ISPs—improve efficiency, reduce errors, and future-proof their infrastructure.
May 13, 2025•32 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo welcomes leaders from Bonfire Infrastructure Group: CEO Brian Hollister, CMO Nick Dinsmoor, and Director of Business Development Drew Pappas. They discuss Bonfire’s mission to deliver sustainable, reliable broadband to underserved communities and unpack the innovative Broadband Mystery Tour—an interactive educational experience designed to help stakeholders understand the full broadband lifecycle, from planning and engineering to const...
May 08, 2025•45 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine welcomes Fayyaz Patwa, VP of Sales Engineering for Nokia, to discuss the latest innovations driving rural broadband expansion. With over 20 years of telecom experience, Fayyaz shares insights from his recent travels, highlighting how AI and next-generation fiber solutions are shaping the industry. The conversation covers Nokia’s work with regional providers, the importance of future-proof fiber deployments, and real-world success stories. Th...
May 06, 2025•29 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine previews Fiber Connect 2025 with Richard Williams, President & CEO of Connect2 Communications, and Evann Freeman, VP of Government & Community Relations at EPB Chattanooga and Fiber Connect Conference Chair. They discuss what’s new at this year’s event—including 300+ speakers, expanded operator Light Talks, tribal broadband sessions, and the premiere of the Thought Waves documentary featuring internet pioneer Vint Cerf. Plus, get the...
May 01, 2025•27 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine welcomes Elizabeth Brown, Marketing Manager at PTCI, and Brandon Johnson, VP of Sales at GOCare, for a discussion on how rural broadband providers are transforming the customer experience through digital communication tools, integration strategies, and real-time support. Elizabeth shares how PTCI’s “Year of the Customer” initiative evolved into a long-term commitment to service excellence—driven by esports events, smart agriculture solutions...
Apr 29, 2025•30 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Connected America 2025, host Brad Hine catches up with Curtis Dean, president of SmartSource Consulting and co-founder of the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN). They discuss smart ag technologies, the critical role of data ownership and AI in agriculture, and the intersection of broadband and food security. Curtis also previews the upcoming CBAN/IAMU Spring Summit and shares insights into community-driven broadband initiatives.
Apr 15, 2025•24 min
In this episode, host Brad Hine sits down with Tammy Wellbrock, a seasoned telecom leader, speaker, and connector, to explore her journey back to broadband after more than a decade away. Now leading sales for Nex-Tech Creative, Tammy shares how the in-house ad agency is helping rural broadband providers and local businesses grow through strategic marketing. They also discuss highlights from Tammy’s recent RTIME sessions on leadership and board relationships, the importance of effective communica...
Mar 29, 2025•29 min
In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Barry Walton of Corning—a 40-year broadband veteran—about tackling rural deployment challenges, workforce development, and how Corning is helping connect the unconnected. From stories in the field to insights on permitting, edge data centers, and scalable solutions, this conversation is packed with wisdom and future-focused strategies. Recorded live at NTCA’s 2025 RTIME Conference in San Antonio.
Mar 26, 2025•29 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine chats with Mike Roddy, CEO of GOCare, about the evolution of customer support in the broadband industry. They explore how omnichannel strategies—unifying support across phone, chat, SMS, and more—can reduce churn, boost satisfaction, and streamline operations. With decades of industry insight, Mike shares how GOCare is helping providers deliver the seamless, data-driven experiences today’s customers expect.
Mar 23, 2025•38 min
In this episode, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with John Barlow, Director of Strategic Accounts at Consult Red, to explore the evolving broadband landscape. They discuss the shift from speed-focused competition to value-added services, the role of smart routers, and how operators can differentiate and future-proof their offerings. John also shares insights on broadband’s convergence with utilities, the impact of AI, and the launch of his own podcast, Simply Connected.
Mar 01, 2025•42 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, Sachin Gupta, VP of Business & Technology Strategies at CREC/Centranet, discusses the critical need for broadband in tribal communities. He shares insights on the Sac and Fox Nation’s groundbreaking 50Gbps fiber project, rural broadband challenges, and the future of BEAD funding and private investment. Sachin also reflects on his journey into broadband leadership and his selection for the Presidential Leadership Scholar Class of 2025.
Jan 20, 2025•35 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Scott Menhart, Chief Technology and Information Officer at Traverse City Light and Power, to discuss the transformation of a traditional electric utility into a broadband provider. Scott shares the journey of deploying fiber infrastructure, overcoming challenges from incumbents, and gaining strong community support for municipal broadband. He also provides insights into customer service, reliability, affordability, and f...
Jan 19, 2025•39 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine welcomes Catherine Nicolaou, Broadband Program Manager for the City of Albuquerque. Catherine shares insights into her groundbreaking role as the city’s first broadband manager, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of expanding broadband access in a diverse and rapidly growing region. She discusses Albuquerque’s digital equity initiatives, partnerships with tribal nations, and the city's proactive stance on infrastructure developmen...
Jan 11, 2025•35 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Jeremiah Sloan, a former CEO turned consultant, about the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in the broadband industry. Jeremiah shares his journey of scaling rural broadband operations, the importance of interoperability and high-quality data, and how broadband providers can adapt to meet evolving consumer expectations. Packed with practical insights, this episode explores how to navigate transformation whil...
Jan 01, 2025•51 min
In this special Crystal Ball episode of the Broadband Bunch Podcast, hosts Pete Pizzutillo and Brad Hine, joined by Jason Pond of Mountain Freedom Coaching, explore the future of broadband and technology. From the rise of telehealth and AI-driven solutions to gaming innovations and broadband's evolving consumer landscape, this episode dives into key trends shaping 2025. Discover actionable insights for small ISPs and tech enthusiasts alike.
Dec 04, 2024•56 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine chats with Todd McCrum, Senior VP and General Manager of AOI, about the latest innovations unveiled at SCTE Tech Expo 2024. Todd discusses AOI’s groundbreaking Quantum 18 smart amplifiers and their Quantum Link technology, which offer unprecedented remote troubleshooting and operational efficiency for cable networks. With over 30 years in the industry, Todd also shares insights on AOI’s evolution, the impact of AI on broadband infrastructure...
Nov 20, 2024•41 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine speaks with Carter Old, CEO of Lyte Fiber, a Houston-based ISP revolutionizing broadband deployment in Texas. Carter shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including building companies across fiber, satellite, and AI technologies. They explore the evolving broadband landscape, investment challenges, and operational strategies for ISPs, highlighting Lyte Fiber’s launch in Baytown, Texas, and its ambitious expansion plans. Recorded ...
Nov 20, 2024•50 min
Live from Broadband Communities West in San Diego, The Broadband Bunch host Brad Hine chats with industry veterans Bob Knight (Harry Marketing) and Kim McKinley (Chief of Staff at TAK Communications ). Known as the “Broadband Besties,” they share 20 fun and insightful broadband marketing tips in 20 minutes, from community engagement to authentic branding. This episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and practical strategies for ISPs.
Nov 17, 2024•33 min
