In this episode, we speak with Sheryl Riggs, the recently appointed President & CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC). The UTC is focused on the intersection of telecommunications and utility infrastructure and represents electric, gas, and water utilities, whether they be investor-owned, public power, or cooperatives on the electric side. She shares with us the vision of the UTC to shape the future of utility mission-critical technologies, especially broadband, through innovation, c...
Oct 13, 2020•30 min
In this episode, we speak with wireless internet provider VPNet’s founder and CEO, Felipe Hernandez. In partnership with Microsoft and its Airband Initiative, VPNet in Puerto Rico has launched Redverde – a wireless internet service broadband network to connect unserved and underserved citizens in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. Felipe shares his vision and mission to bridge the rural broadband gap in his home country. About VPNet: VPNet, a leading internet service provider in Puerto Rico, generat...
Oct 06, 2020•42 min
In this episode, we speak with Crown Castle’s Jessica Collins, Vertical Market Manager. Crown Castle has been a leader in building and operating shared communications infrastructure with a unique network of towers, small cells, and fiber, which is setting the stage for tomorrow's most transformative technologies. Jessica Collins, Vertical Markets Manager talks with us about utilizing shared broadband infrastructure including towers to provide broadband services to unserved and underserved commun...
Sep 29, 2020•22 min
Martin Jensen - WISP Solutions Architect, expert in Private LTE, CBRS Transitioning, Edge Cloud, Virtualization and 5G. The WISP industry is within a 30 day window of the part90 to CBRS transition deadline (Oct 17, 2020). This episode focuses on the goals of CBRS Transitioning for WISPs, the industry value and drivers, spectrum migration challenges and the benefit once completed. Martin is currently working with #Google supporting WISP and will be featured in a [Google event Link here] on Tuesda...
Sep 17, 2020•24 min
In this episode, we speak with Merit Network's Vice President of Community Engagement, Charlotte Bewersdorff, and Pierrette Renee Widmeyer, Director of Marketing and Communications. Oxford's English dictionary defines digital divide as the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. The digital divide is, and has been, a stark reality for millions across our country. The FCC reported that 34 million Americans have no access to the internet and 21...
Sep 17, 2020•34 min
The Broadband Communities Summit has long been a must attend event in the world of fiber broadband services. This year for the first time ever it will be held virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. Joining me today to talk about the BBC Summit 2020, is the CEO of Broadband Communities, Barbara DeGarmo, along with Vice-President, Publisher and Conference Director for Broadband Communities, Nancy McCain.
Sep 14, 2020•26 min
In this episode, we speak with Marc Dyman, Chief Revenue Officer for Fiberlight. In a time where fiber connectivity is of the essence, an Atlanta-based company has, over the last two decades, become an industry leading provider of fiber optic based high performance network connectivity solutions for telecom carriers, government, enterprise, content providers, and web centric businesses. FiberLight owns and manages over 1.7 million miles of robust fiber networks in more than 400 cities and towns ...
Sep 08, 2020•38 min
In this episode, we speak with Sean Colletti, Mayor of Ammon, Idaho. Among all the cities across the nation, which would be considered to have the most sophisticated fiber network? The Big Apple? Not even close. LA, San Francisco? No. It is Ammon Idaho with a population 16,500. The city of Ammon has created a local open access network where residents own the fiber and the service providers are in head to head competition. Network participants have access to a smarter grid that offers access to a...
Sep 01, 2020•23 min
In this episode, we speak with Jason Guzzo, General Manager of Hudson Valley Wireless. Hudson Valley Wireless, primarily located in the Capitol Region of New York State, delivers high speed internet access to homes all across the state, providing broadband access, fiber optic, high capacity microwave and fixed wireless technology, connecting homes and businesses. Jason Guzzo, General Manager, talks about how the family owned WISP grew the network from 2-way radios and Tupperware into a true carr...
Aug 25, 2020•28 min
Few have done more to positively impact policies and procedures governing federal and state broadband deployment funding programs than attorney Tom Cohen, a partner in the law firm of Kelley Drye. Tom has 40 years of experience in the communications and telecommunications industry sector. His practice at Kelley Drye focuses on providing legal counsel to further the business interests of entities engaged in the provision of wireline and wireless telecommunications, cable and broadband, including ...
Aug 18, 2020•37 min
In this episode, we speak with Deanna Perry, Executive Director of the Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative. Ms. Perry explains how now, more than ever, the need for broadband connectivity is a stark reality. Distance learning, tele-health & a largely remote workforce are dependent on access to the internet. One statewide organization has made tremendous strides in their quest to achieve connectivity everywhere. Ms. Perry talks about her efforts to bring broadband to unserved rural areas ...
Jul 28, 2020•30 min
What began nearly two decades ago as a small microwave network designed to connect branch offices of the FA Peabody insurance company in Maine, has grown into a dynamic communications company serving nearly 70,000 customers across the Northern third of the pine tree state. After depending solely on wireless and then DSL, Pioneer Broadband embarked on a shift to fiber technology in 2010 with a network that includes a cross border connection into the Canadian province of New Brunswick. Joining us ...
Jul 07, 2020•35 min
In this episode, we speak with Washington Independent Telecommunications Association's executive director, Betty Buckley. Ms. Buckley began her career with a decade of service in executive management on the state government level and was honored with the governor's excellence in management and leadership award for her efforts to improve staff diversity, employee involvement and customer service. She was a co-founder and director of Stone Soup, a nonprofit working to improve the lives of women th...
Jun 30, 2020•37 min
In this episode, we speak with Francella Ochillo, executive director of Next Century Cities. Francella is a truly passionate digital rights advocate, who is very much committed to the vision of expanding broadband access for underserved and unserved communities everywhere. You will regularly find this dynamic leader on Capitol Hill, testifying before Congressional committees, and meeting with the FCC, delivering keynotes speeches, agency filings, or being quotes on Axios, and in The Washington P...
Jun 23, 2020•38 min
In this episode, we speak with Kyle Glaeser, Director of Emerging Networks at Underline. Trained in GIS, Kyle has worked on various fiber network programs with Foresite group, Neighborly, Google, and Underline. Kyle helps us better understand the open access model, explains Underline's innovative approach to software-defined networks, and shares his vision for how networks can be configured to be smarter at the edge, challenging the traditional approach. We dig deep into the opportunities provid...
Jun 16, 2020•34 min
In this episode, we speak with Paul Sulisz, CEO of Biarri Networks. His telecommunications career spans the better part of two decades in fiber, fixed access, and wireless networks, including cellular and microwave deployments from Asia Pacific to North America. He holds a double degree in electronics engineering and information technology, and began his career as a design engineer, quickly finding his passion in large complex rollouts, where he honed his skills in project director and program m...
Jun 09, 2020•42 min
In this episode, we speak to Bob Thompson, the founder and CEO of Underline. Bob shares his interesting journey from banker to medic to community infrastructure advocate—working to solve the problem of internet infrastructure and connectivity in the US. We dig into the open access model and he helps us understand a different way to think about OANs compared to the historical and European views. We talk about the importance of sustainable fiber infrastructure, and how communities and private part...
Jun 04, 2020•37 min
In this episode, our guest began his journey of connecting others while looking to help a friend who didn't have internet service at his business. Since then, he has for the better part of two decades of guided the growth of Wisper ISP into a fixed wireless, now serving portions of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. He's a former member of the U.S. National Swim Team, and is a founding member of the Dyslexic Advantage Board, which is an educational, scientific and charitable organization ...
Jun 02, 2020•31 min
In this episode, we speak with Brian Snider, the CEO of Lit Communities. Brian walks us through the mission and the origin of Lit Communities. He helps us understand how he's working with municipalities to think differently about network approaches, the value of broadband and funding for broadband initiatives. He explains a little bit about the partnership, Medina Fiber, that they've recently formed with the Medina County Fiber Network (MCFN) in Ohio, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 crisis...
May 28, 2020•38 min
In today's episode, we speak with Will Mitchell, the CEO and co-founder of VETRO FiberMap. Will explains geospatial or map-based analytics, he helps us understand why the telecommunication is now moving towards map-based information. He explains how network operators can benefit from intelligent broadband and fiber maps. We talk about post-COVID and how a better understanding of our infrastructure can accelerate the systems that we need during this time. And we discuss what map-based insight may...
May 26, 2020•40 min
In this episode, we speak with Josh Seidemann, Vice President of Policy at NTCA, the Rural Broadband Association. Josh explains NTCA's role in supporting rural broadband service providers as well as helping state and federal policymakers understand the importance of high-quality broadband across the nation. We dig into the COVID crisis and its impact on rural America and discuss senior isolation, telehealth, and remote learning. Finally, Josh provides resources and stories from some of the provi...
May 21, 2020•28 min
In this episode, we speak with Greg Aston, product director for ACS and Device Management Solutions. Greg shares device management challenges in 5G, wireless ISP, and post-COVID 19. More about Device Management and Intelligence: https://etisoftware.com/software-series/acs/
May 19, 2020•30 min
In this episode, we speak with Brad Hine, Product Director of GIS and Analytics Solutions at ETI. Brad explains the importance of broadband service providers and WISPS to monitor and manage communications delivery devices. The increased dependence worldwide on the internet to support a leap in remote workforce demands, distance learning, content streaming, telemedicine and more have placed a premium on real-time proactive monitoring. Brad introduces Beamfly, an innovative, ESRI award-winning pro...
May 19, 2020•15 min
In this episode, Nathan Stooke, founder and CEO of Wisper ISP. He shares his journey from helping a friend who didn't have internet service to guiding Wisper ISP's growth as a fixed wireless leader in four States. A former member of the US national swim team and founding member of the Dyslexic Advantage Board, Nathan now serves as chairman of the board for the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA). He has been named to St Louis Business Monthly's Top 30 under 30 and the top 100...
May 14, 2020•29 min
In this episode, we speak with the Palmer Chair in Communications at The Pennsylvania State University, Professor Sascha Meinrath. He is a globally recognized technology policy, founded the innovative think tank X-Lab, which is focused on the intersection of vanguard technologies and public policy. He has been an angel investor, social entrepreneur, community internet pioneer and has been named to the top 100 in Newsweek's Digital Power Index, and Time Magazine's Tech 40 as one of the most influ...
May 12, 2020•34 min
On this edition of The Broadband Bunch, we visit with Jason Richards, Vice President of Sales with Alyrica Networks in Oregon, a wireless broadband provider built on the strength of family and friends. Jason shares what attracted him to Alyrica and how their customer-centric approach has helped the company experience consistent growth in a highly competitive market. We talk about their wide range of services, everything from high capacity microwave links and Wi-Fi wireless system design to the o...
May 07, 2020•33 min
In this episode, we speak with Chris Smedley, General Manager of Conexcity, a wireless integration and small cell service company. Chris helps us understand the challenges of designing, building and supporting dense networks metro areas like New York City. We dig into some of the hype and reality of 5G. He shares how the COVID crisis has affected networks, municipalities and communities. And he challenges our thinking about smart city capabilities. About Conexcity: conexcity, an advanced telecom...
May 05, 2020•22 min
In this episode, we speak with Kim McKinley, Chief Marketing Officer of Utopia Fiber. Kim provides a background on Utopia, one of the earliest open access networks in North America. We dig into the impact of the COVID crisis on their network and partners; getting insight into the impact on customer service, field service, and networks. We talk about how municipalities and network operators can think about this crisis as an opportunity to build future-ready networks. Learn more about Utopia Fiber...
Apr 30, 2020•29 min
In this episode, we are joined by Johannes Bauer, Quello Chair in Media and Information Policy as well as the Director of the Quello Center. He's joined by Pierrette Dagg the Director of Marketing and Events at the University of Michigan and Merit Network. In this episode, we dig into the homework gap and the latest research this team has produced around the digital divide. They share findings on the impact of digital access on grades, and financial performance of students after school. We talk ...
Apr 28, 2020•45 min
In this episode, we speak with Kara Chandeysson, City Manager for Ting Charlottesville. Kara helps us to understand Ting's connection to Charlottesville Virginia and University of Virginia. She discusses Ting Charlottesville's community engagement programs to help bridge the digital gap, inclusion, low-income housing, e-sports as well as the special programs launched to support the community during the COVID crisis. Learn more about Ting Charlottesville here: https://ting.com/internet/town/charl...
Apr 23, 2020•31 min
