In this episode, Brad is joined by Sanjay Bhatia, Vice President of Product Marketing at DZS, a leader in broadband connectivity, mobile & optical edge, and cloud software solutions. Sanjay’s expertise and dedication to innovation plays a pivotal role in driving DZS’s mission of enhancing connectivity and ensuring the highest standards of service for customers across the globe. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an ...
Jul 19, 2023•20 min
In this episode, we are joined by Lee Ayers, VP of Engineering at Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative. Lee has dedicated 37 years to Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative. He prioritizes members' needs and championed broadband integration for their benefit - first with a smart-grid implementation then fiber to the community. With a passion for progress, Lee's vision and caring nature drive the cooperative towards a brighter future. “Electric 2.0 as he likes to say.” Click now to listen. Also, subscrib...
Jul 17, 2023•27 min
On this episode, we are joined by Mark Ponton, Director, Broadband and Fiber Services at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC). REC is a member-owned utility that provides electric service to nearly 170,000 connections in 22 Virginia counties from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. Mark leads REC's efforts to expand broadband services and bridge the digital divide in rural communities. His commitment to equitable connectivity drives REC's mission to empower individuals and build c...
Jul 14, 2023•17 min
On this episode, we are joined by Ron Beck, interim President, and CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC) a global trade association dedicated to creating a favorable business, regulatory, and technological environment for critical infrastructure providers. With a renewed focus on broadband technology, Ron is leading efforts to promote its adoption and advancement in the utility sector. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you ne...
Jul 12, 2023•33 min
Joe Valandra is the President and CEO of Tribal Ready, a leading organization dedicated to supporting Native communities. With a focus on self-determination, Joe provides resources, technical expertise, and a dynamic platform for Natives to access information, collaboration, and the funding they deserve. His leadership drives positive change, empowering Indigenous peoples to control their own destiny and thrive. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favor...
Jul 07, 2023•34 min
In this episode, we are joined by Greg Wilson the Founder of Automation Exchange, a South African company now operating in the United States. Specializing in systems and automation for the fiber to the premises (FTTP) industry, Greg has led the company to become a leading provider of advanced automated solutions. His visionary leadership and passion for innovation have transformed FTTP deployment, making Automation Exchange a trusted partner in transforming communication networks. Click the link...
Jul 05, 2023•31 min
In this episode, we are joined Jeff Fraleigh, President of ETI Software. We dig into the importance and impact of AI on the broadband industry and discuss why this generational idea has everyone buzzing with excitement. Click the link below to listen as chat about the boundless potential of AI, revolutionizing connectivity and transforming everyone’s digital experiences. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. ETI Software is the fou...
Jun 29, 2023•38 min
On this episode we are joined by Brett Kilbourne, Senior VP & General Counsel at the Utilities Technology Council. Brett chats with Brad at this year's annual UTC event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Brett specializes in assisting utilities in navigating legal and regulatory issues related to broadband. Throughout his career, Brett has established himself as a trusted advisor, providing strategic counsel and guidance to utilities in understanding the complex legal landscape. Click now to liste...
Jun 24, 2023•24 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Amanda Ellis, Editor and Chief of Livibility.com a site that promotes small to mid-size cities and the benefits of living there. Not surprisingly, when someone decides to move to a new area one of the key drivers is access to the internet. Join Kaleigh Cox as she and Amanda talk about the importance of communities promoting their internet access. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the broadband bunch on your favorite podcas...
Jun 23, 2023•35 min
In this episode, we are joined by Kim Young, President of MKY Ventures. Kim Young is a dedicated grant writer specializing in broadband projects targeted at unserved and underserved communities. Kim’s grant writing experience makes her an invaluable resource for communities in obtaining funding for projects focused on improving internet access and closing the digital divide. Click the link below to learn about this often-overlooked but important subject. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on...
Jun 21, 2023•39 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Josh Hildebrandt, the Director of Broadband Initiatives at the Georgia Technology Authority. Josh is dedicated to ending the digital divide in Georgia by ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet statewide. Josh's leadership is leading to significant advancements in broadband coverage and affordability, particularly in underserved areas. He is an advocate for innovative solutions and partnerships that promote digital inclusion for a...
Jun 15, 2023•36 min
In this episode, we are joined by Ilissa Miller, CEO of iMiller Public Relations, a dynamic voice in the telecommunications industry. With a keen understanding of the power of connectivity, Ilissa has been instrumental in driving meaningful discussions about broadband and its potential for unlocking limitless business opportunities. Her expertise lies in providing strategic advisory services to companies operating in the telco space, helping them navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technolog...
Jun 13, 2023•42 min
IIn this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Dan Davis, CEO at Arcadian Infracom. Long haul fiber or the middle mile isn’t always front and center but is a critical piece in the drive to close the digital divide, especially in rural America. Building a robust broadband infrastructure to reach smaller communities is often overlooked due to cost and other logistical factors. Join us as Dan unpacks the middle-mile journey and why its deployment is so critically important if we going to...
Jun 07, 2023•36 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Erika Cox, Director, Customer & Technology Experience at Muscatine Power and Water. In a highly competitive landscape for broadband services, Muscatine Power and Water leans on its community-first approach when servicing current customers and acquiring new ones. A fun conversation with lots of great marketing tips. Click the link below to listen! Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss...
Jun 06, 2023•27 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Jon Willow, President, and Co-Founder of the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN). Jon Willow is a champion of digital inclusion an incredibly important issue in rural communities. Recognizing the potential of technology to transform lives, Jon has made it her mission to bridge the digital divide and empower rural communities to participate fully in the digital age. Click the link below to listen! Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunc...
Jun 01, 2023•33 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Brittany Morales, a telecommunications and business development leader in the state of Iowa. Brittany is currently serving as the Vice President of Business Development at the Iowa Communications Alliance (ICA). Brittany Morales is an advocate for innovation, connectivity, and equitable access to reliable broadband services. As the VP of Business Development, Brittany is dedicated to creating an environment that fosters success for ICA's m...
May 30, 2023•10 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch Podcast, we are joined by Curtis Dean. Curtis is the president of SmartSource Consulting and co-founder of the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN). Our conversation with Curtis took place at the CBAN event held in Iowa, where Curtis has been a driving force in bringing connectivity to the state and its people. Widely recognized as an authority on closing the digital divide, Curtis's passion and expertise have propelled him to the forefront of the broa...
May 24, 2023•33 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, Joe and Brad are joined by, Rob Chambers, Managing Director of Total Telecom. From his firsthand impression of Total Telecom's inaugural event, Connected America, we also get his general observations on the broadband landscape in the UK and Europe. Plus, we delve into Total Telecom's future plans for further events across North America. Click the link below to listen. Also, be sure to subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so yo...
May 19, 2023•26 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Brian Mefford, Vice President of Broadband Strategy at Vetro Fiber Maps. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Brian is a tremendous source of expertise to draw from when it comes to working with rural communities in the broadband space. Brian shares some terrific insights on the importance of collaboration and transparency when bringing connectivity to rural communities. This episode was recorded at the Connected America confe...
May 16, 2023•23 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Nick James, the CEO of Web 3 Earth, a start-up that is pioneering the concept of Web 3.0 - the next generation of the web. With a focus on helping communities at the grassroots level, Web 3 Earth aims to create a more decentralized, equitable, and sustainable Internet ecosystem. Nick is here to discuss how Web 3.0 can transform the way we interact with technology and the internet, and how his organization is leading the charge in this exci...
May 12, 2023•24 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are thrilled to welcome Aaron Meyerson, the Chief Innovation Economy Officer and Director of Broadband for the City of Newark. We will discuss how the city is working to bring an open-access network and high-speed internet to every citizen, regardless of their income or zip code. This ambitious initiative has made Newark a leader in digital equity, and we are excited to hear more about how they are making it happen. Our interview with Aaron was recorded...
May 09, 2023•16 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Amanda Hofer, Assistant GM from Central Texas Telephone, a rural broadband provider, at the first-ever Connected America event hosted by Total Telecom. Amanda's experience as a fiber provider in rural areas brings a unique perspective to our discussion on the challenges and solutions of bridging the digital divide in central Texas. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the broadband bunch on your favorite podcast platform so y...
May 05, 2023•17 min
IIn this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Gerry Lawlor, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Hexvarium. Gerry co-founded Hexvarium with the vision of making broadband network investments more efficient, impactful, and profitable. Hexvarium's proprietary HexMAPP platform and algorithms take the guesswork out of broadband network investments, enabling investors, utilities, municipalities, and businesses to quickly determine how and where to build fiber networks for the highe...
May 02, 2023•28 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Claire Andonov, a leading telecommunications attorney with Herman & Whiteaker. In addition to her role as a Principal at Herman & Whiteaker, Claire is dedicated to helping rural broadband vendors stay informed of the latest rules and regulations in the industry through her work with the NTCA. Claire leads the charge representing associate members by chairing, the Associate Member Advisory Council or AMAC which provides valuable ins...
Apr 27, 2023•24 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Brandy Reitter, Executive Director, Colorado Broadband Office. Brandy will share her insights and experiences working towards Colorado’s ambitious goal of 99% connectivity by 2027. We’ll also discuss the challenges and opportunities of expanding broadband access in rural and underserved areas. From telehealth to education to tribal connectivity learn how The Centennial State is working towards closing the digital divide and bringing connec...
Apr 25, 2023•38 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Dr. Roberto Gallardo, the Director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development, and an Associate Professor in the Agricultural Economics Department at the University of Purdue. Roberto is a renowned expert in the field of regional development, with a focus on the intersection of technology and economic development. He has spent his career studying the impact of technology on communities, particularly those in rural areas, and advocating ...
Apr 20, 2023•39 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Jeff Moore of Wave7 Research, a well-known industry analyst, and expert on the fixed wireless landscape. Jeff recently gave a presentation on the latest trends in the industry at WISPAmerica 2023 and we're excited to have him on the show to share some of his insights with us. WISPs have a home-field advantage due to their community-focused efforts, local knowledge, and customer-centric service. They can win in areas where Verizon and T-Mob...
Apr 18, 2023•23 min
In this episode, we are joined by Richard Bernhardt, Senior Director of Spectrum and Industry at WISPA, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association. With over 20 years of experience in the wireless industry, Richard has been at the forefront of shaping policies and regulations that affect WISPs, small businesses, and rural communities. We'll also talk about the latest developments in the industry, including spectrum allocation and the impact of new technologies like 5G and CBRS. Click th...
Apr 13, 2023•40 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we’re excited to welcome Nathan Stooke, the CEO of Wisper ISP. Nathan is a pioneer and industry leader, with over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and wireless industries. We chat about the evolution of WISPAMERICA, and the direction of the industry, particularly in the area of fixed wireless. We also discuss the latest trends, innovations, and challenges facing WISPs today, and explore what’s on the horizon for this rapidly evolving indust...
Apr 11, 2023•40 min
In this episode, we are joined by Cassidy Hjelmstad, CEO and General Manager of SRT Communications, a telecommunications company based in Minot, North Dakota. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation, Cassidy has spearheaded SRT's all-fiber build, positioning the company as a leader in high-speed internet, phone, and TV services in the region. Cassidy's leadership is rooted in her cooperative values, which prioritize putting members first and investing in the communities th...
Apr 06, 2023•25 min
