In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with the President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, Gary Bolton. Twenty twenty-one is a big year for milestones in the fiber community. For starters, optical fiber just turned fifty and the Fiber Broadband Association is celebrating twenty years as an advocate organization. Even though those two milestones are tremendous, Gary let us know that the FBA is just getting started. Click now to listen! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite po...
Mar 16, 2021•45 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we have a conversation with Brian Young, the president of IPpay a leading electronic payment processor in the telecom, utilities and internet commerce space. We also discuss the important work Brian is doing as a board member with WISPA. We finally take a deep dive into funding and where innovation is heading in the broadband industry. Click now to enjoy this informative episode! Also, be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never mis...
Mar 11, 2021•31 min
In the latest episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Skyler Ditchfield CEO of GoeLinks one of the leading telecommunication companies in Southern California. Skyler, Craig and Brad chat about a wide variety of interesting topics including GeoLinks recent RDOF funding win, expanding their footprint into both Nevada and Arizona as well as working with area school districts to accelerate broadband deployment to students in rural communities seeking better connectivity options. We also discus...
Mar 09, 2021•33 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Kevin Morgan, the Chief Marketing Officer at Clearfield Incorporated. Kevin is also currently the treasure of the Fiber Broadband Association. We cover a variety of topics with Kevin touching on his career path, the great work being done at Clearfield and what the Fiber Broadband Association is doing to help end the digital divide in America. Click now to listen! Also, be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never mis...
Mar 04, 2021•37 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we chat with the founder of Canada's top-tier rural broadband conference the CRRBC or Canada's Rural and Remote Broadband Conference. People always talk about making a difference but it's the person that takes action that really affects change. Join us as we talk with Amedeo about the genesis of the conference and what Canadians are doing to end the digital divide. Remember to subscribe to never miss an episode! To learn more about the CRRBC - https://brid...
Mar 02, 2021•26 min
In this episode, we speak with Roger Timmerman, CEO and Kim McKinley, CMO of Utopia Fiber an Open Access Network model that promotes competition in all telecommunications services. UTOPIA operates as a wholesale fiber optic network and is prohibited from providing retail services. There are currently 17 retail service providers on the UTOPIA network. UTOPIA's 15 service areas, represent nearly a third of all communities in the United States that can enjoy 10 gigabit service via a publicly owned ...
Feb 25, 2021•34 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch we speak with Brian Snider, Founder & CEO of Lit Communities and Open Access Networks.The need for broadband connectivity and divergent approaches to bridge the digital divide in rural areas has never been more front and center than it is today. Brian and Craig explore Open Access Networks and the different ways communities are using them to tackle the problem of connectivity. Hit the play episode button and remember to subscribe so never miss an episod...
Feb 23, 2021•33 min
In this Episode of the Broadband Bunch, Craig and Bryan McIver, CEO of Vitruvi discuss the rise of the digital construction platform and the importance of having all the stakeholders on a single platform when working on complex communication infrastructure projects. Brian summed it up best. "It's about finding a single truth when it comes to large, infrastructure projects." Listen now to enjoy this informative episode and remember to subscribe to never miss an episode!
Feb 18, 2021•30 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we chat with the director of Business Development Brian McCullagh at Vianet. Craig and Brian talk about what’s happening when it comes to bringing broadband to Canada's rural areas and how the different stakeholders are working together to help build a viable broadband infrastructure outside Canada’s major population centers.
Feb 16, 2021•24 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Heather Burnett Gold and Karen Jackson who have authored a paper that asks the viability of Investor-Owned Utilities in the broadband space. Craig, Heather and Karen discuss the pros, cons and possible solutions to ending the digital divide. In addition they touch on minimum bandwidth speeds, middle and last mile infrastructure as well as funding both public and private. Click now to enjoy this informative episode.
Feb 11, 2021•29 min
To view the RTIME itinerary for the conference https://www.ntca.org/events-education/events/2021-rtime-online
Feb 09, 2021•28 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Brian Mefford, https://www.vetrofibermap.com
Jan 28, 2021•28 min
In this episode of the the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Joey Greer, Account Manager of Broadband Solutions at EPB. As a true pioneer in the Utility broadband space, EPB is paying it forward by helping other utilities and communities get into the world of broadband by providing guidance and support as they begin their journey. Joey shares with us some of the past successes of EPB including providing thirty thousands students with free Internet access. We also touch on the tremendous economic...
Jan 19, 2021•25 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Jason Hart, Partner Manager at ESRI. Jason shares with us his unique start in GIS Mapping as a 13-year old boy down a cave in the mountains of West Virginia. His passion for data collection and mapping has only grown from there. From Radford College to his current position at ESRI, Jason shows a dedication for not only GIS mapping but a true desire to help deploy broadband to unserved and underserved rural communities. Finally, we end on what...
Jan 13, 2021•26 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Micheal Kellim, the founder of Leverage Social and WispBroker.com. His story is one of grit and determination. Much like the WISPs he helps everyday. We begin with how Michael fell into the WISP industry and turned that opportunity into a thriving business helping WISPs grow their subscriber base by leveraging sales and marketing into one cohesive approach. We also chat about the state of the WISP industry, where in might be headed and, possi...
Jan 12, 2021•24 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Doug Maglothin, Chief Strategy Officer at Leverage Broadband Strategies. In our discussion, we touch on a variety of interesting subjects including how companies are embracing the idea of the remote workforce especially when it comes to hard-to-fill positions. The massive disruption of direct-to-consumer streaming services and the uphill battle the cable industry is facing because of it. The last area we cover is the evolution of Electric Coo...
Jan 07, 2021•31 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Evan Marwell, the Founder, and CEO of Education Superhighway. Their original mission was to bring high-speed Internet access to America’s schools. Having completed this task with a 99% success rate, they were about to sunset the organization. Then COVID-19 happened and the organization decided to pivot and refocus its mission. In this illuminating episode, Evan shares with us how his organization teamed up with both public and private organiz...
Jan 05, 2021•28 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, our three hosts take a look back at the year that was 2020 and share some of their favorite moments. We discuss clips from 9 different episodes throughout the year focusing on a variety of topics including solving the digital divide, the city of Ammon, Idaho, and some of the challenges in the WISP industry. We also get personal as the hosts ask each other some fun hypothetical questions. Please join us for this special retrospective.
Dec 29, 2020•56 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Paul Coffey, CEO at The Scotland 5G Centre. Paul shares the vision of the Centre and how they plan to provide a national focal point for all aspects of 5G. Hosted by the University of Strathclyde, and funded by the Scottish Government, The Scotland 5G Centre is set to work with both private and public organizations to accelerate the deployment and adoption of 5G throughout Scotland. To learn more: https://scotland5gcentre.org/
Dec 22, 2020•26 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we chat with Craig Settles, author, industry expert, and host of the Gigabit Nation Radio show. The 2020 pandemic has clearly amplified the need for broadband connectivity when it comes to Telehealth. High-speed broadband is absolutely vital not only in rural areas but also in underserved urban areas. That’s why in conjunction with ETI Software and Transcending Healthcare, Craig has authored his latest e-book, "Show Me the Money: Broadband Funding Best Pra...
Dec 17, 2020•31 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Cheryl Choy, Senior Vice President, Broadband Product Management & Strategy. When it comes to the telecommunications space, few names have the stature and history of AT & T. While some providers struggled to keep up with the increased connectivity demand during the 2020 pandemic, AT & T was extremely successful in servicing its over 14 million customers across 21 states. From phones to fiber, AT & T is all about embracing its ...
Dec 15, 2020•24 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Joseph JJ Jones, Conference Chairman of the 2020 Fiber Connect Conference hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association. JJ shares with us some of the incredible speakers that will be appearing at this year’s virtual conference which takes place from Monday, December 14th thru Wednesday, December 16th. Over the three days of the conference, there will be over 100 speakers and more than 30 break-out sessions. As an added bonus, every single sessio...
Dec 10, 2020•24 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Rick Lievano, Worldwide Director of Industry Technology Strategy at Microsoft. We start the discussion off with Microsoft's recent Azure space announcement. Next, we do a deep dive breaking down all the different things Microsoft is doing to enhance the customer experience for telcos. Finally, we touch on Azure for Operators and end on telcos and the cloud.
Dec 08, 2020•32 min
In this episode, we speak with Emily Stewart a business and politics reporter with Vox Media. The digital divide is seen as a mostly rural issue but in fact, it’s a nationwide problem. As it turns out especially in urban areas, connecting people to the internet is a twofold problem. Access and Affordability. With COVID numbers spiking all across the nation, Emily and Craig discuss ways people are trying to solve the gulf between those who have ready access to the internet, and those who do not. ...
Dec 01, 2020•22 min
In this episode, we speak with Jeff Johnston, lead economist for CoBank a national cooperative bank serving industry in rural America. We cover a variety of topics across the broadband sector including current broadband network valuations and their prospects in the near future as investors broaden their field of possible acquisitions. We also discuss LEOs or Low Earth Orbit Satellites as a possible category disruptor. Finally, our talk turns to funding and how much money will be needed to end th...
Nov 24, 2020•27 min
In this episode, we travel 7 time zones to speak with the Founder and CEO of Cosmos Wireless, William Demetriou. William is located on the island of Cyprus and started his wireless journey with a simple, yet inspiring thought. “One tower and a dream.” Join us as we learn about William’s story, how his company and the island of Cyprus are coping with COVID-19, and his exciting plans for the future. About Cosmos Wireless: https://www.cosmoswireless.net/ From humble beginnings in 2009, Cosmos Wirel...
Nov 17, 2020•25 min
In this episode, we speak with the Founder and CEO of Etheric Networks Alex Hagen. One of the true technology pioneers in the field of connectivity, Craig Corbin and Brad Hine take a deep dive with Alex as they get his thoughts on the recently completed CBRS auction and its significance moving forward. They discuss how the latest CBRS auction is different and how it opens the door for smaller operators to add licensed spectrum that is tailored to their coverage areas. About Etheric Networks: Loc...
Nov 09, 2020•47 min
In this episode, we speak with the co-founder and chief technology officer of Climate Resilient Internet, David Theodore. Earlier this year, Climate Resilient Internet announced the world's first internet service certified for the extremes of climate change. As our climate becomes ever more unpredictable, it’s important to discuss data vulnerability and ways we can effectively prepare for unforeseen interruptions due to extreme weather. Climate Resilient Internet is a wireless innovator and clim...
Nov 03, 2020•33 min
In this episode, we speak with Carol Mattey, Principal of Mattey Consulting. We discuss a range of topics including the FCC's ongoing initiatives in annual federal spending known as the Universal Service Fund, which supports broadband connectivity for rural areas, schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and low-income consumers. We also look back at her involvement with the Connect America Fund initiative its successes and challenges. About Carol Mattey, founder of Mattey Consulting. She has o...
Oct 27, 2020•26 min
In this episode, we speak with Jeff Gavlinski, CEO of Mountain Connect, an annual broadband conference based in Colorado. Jeff shares with us the beginning of the conference and its growth into a premier educational show for communities, municipalities and organizations looking to build or expand broadband networks. This year due to the pandemic, Mountain Connect is going virtual but will still feature engaging content from thought leaders in the broadband industry. Jeff will talk about the chal...
Oct 20, 2020•27 min
