In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, Brad Hine speaks with Joseph Le at the San Diego Convention Center during Broadband Communities West. Joe provides insights into Kansas’s broadband programs, including their BEAD initiatives, and shares how eligible entities can apply through their BEAD application portal. Tune in for valuable updates on expanding broadband access and fostering connectivity in Kansas.
Nov 16, 2024•24 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine interviews Jay Lee, CTO and CSO at ATX, live from SCTE's Tech Expo 2024 in Atlanta. Jay shares insights on ATX’s GigaXtend platform, which enhances HFC networks for next-generation DOCSIS standards, enabling efficient capacity upgrades for cable operators. They discuss the advantages of ATX’s smart amplifiers and transponder technology for remote network management, as well as innovative energy storage solutions that reduce costs for MSOs. J...
Nov 14, 2024•22 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine chats with Doug Blue from Nokia Business Development of North America, live from Tech Expo 24 in Atlanta. In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Brad Heine chats with Doug Blue from Nokia Business Development of North America, live from Tech Expo 24 in Atlanta. Doug discusses Nokia's recent advancements, including the launch of their DOCSIS Provisioning Adapter designed to enhance cable operators' shift to advanced fiber technologies. ...
Nov 10, 2024•17 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine talks with Jeremy Huhman, Senior Director of Operations at Vyve Broadband, live from SCTE’s Tech Expo 2024. Jeremy shares insights from his session on HFC-to-fiber transitions, discussing the strategic and economic challenges broadband providers face in upgrading legacy networks. With over 15 years in the industry, he reflects on his journey from the Army to telecom, emphasizing the role of training, certification, and a career-focused workf...
Nov 05, 2024•21 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at SCTE Tech Expo 2024 in Atlanta, host Joe Coldebella chats with Roy Pereira, Assistant VP of Digital Technology at Cox Communications, about the transformative impact of AI in broadband. This episode explores how AI is enhancing network performance, improving customer experiences, and reshaping the telecom landscape. Roy shares insights on balancing innovation with regulation, AI’s role in predictive maintenance, and what the future holds a...
Oct 31, 2024•31 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, hosted by Brad Hine, Jason Pond, a veteran in the broadband industry, discusses his new venture, Mountain Freedom Coaching. Jason reflects on his experience with Grizzly Broadband, which he sold to a local power cooperative, emphasizing the transition from wireless to fiber technologies and the strategic advantages of such partnerships. He introduces his holistic business coaching approach, aimed at enhancing leadership, financial acumen, operations, and p...
Oct 29, 2024•32 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo is live from Connected Britain 2024, joined by Dan Gledhill, Senior Vice President of Broadband at Harmonic. Dan shares his journey of helping broadband operators deploy faster, more efficient networks, and the innovative steps Harmonic is taking to reshape the fiber broadband landscape. Tune in as they discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of open access networks, the convergence of fiber and cable technologies, and the impo...
Oct 22, 2024•22 min
This episode of the Broadband Bunch features host Brad Hine broadcasting live from Mountain Connect 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Brad is joined by Jess Gilbert, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) based in Palmer, Alaska. Jess discusses MTA's unique challenges and initiatives in extending broadband in rural Alaska, including their innovative approach to integrating eSports into their community engagement and their adaptation to local wildlife and envi...
Oct 18, 2024•22 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch podcast, host Pete Pizzutillo is live from Connected Britain 2024, joined by John Duncan, the Connected Places Lead for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. John shares insights from his journey across public and private sectors, his role in driving connectivity and digital inclusion for Greater Manchester, and the innovative use of IoT in social housing. They explore the challenges and opportunities of bridging the digital divide, fostering collabora...
Oct 16, 2024•21 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, recorded live from Connected Britain 2024, host Pete Pizzutillo interviews Dan Bloch, Senior Vice President of Global Solutions at Calix. Dan shares insights into the rapidly evolving broadband landscape, discussing Calix's transformation from a hardware-focused company to a software-driven solutions provider. He talks about industry trends like the shift towards persona-based services, the importance of customer-centric innovation, and the need for broadb...
Oct 14, 2024•38 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo interviews Rafael Jaron, CEO of Concept for Change and Grovana, at Connected Britain 2024. Rafael shares his journey from a long-standing career in telecom, notably with Nokia, to pioneering initiatives in sustainability through tree planting. The conversation explores how telecommunication companies are integrating environmental strategies into their business models, and the impact of sustainable practices on global carbon reduction.
Oct 11, 2024•28 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Charlie Ashton, Director of Business Development at Napatech, live from Connected Britain 2024. They dive into the world of smart network interface cards (smartNICs) and how Napatech's technology accelerates network performance by offloading packet processing from CPUs. The conversation explores the current state of 5G, the evolving role of AI in network traffic growth, and the potential convergence of wired and wireless ne...
Oct 09, 2024•24 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo chats with Ned Brody, founder of Actifai. They discuss Actifai's inception and its focus on using artificial intelligence to solve real-world business problems in various industries, including broadband. Ned explains the nuances of AI beyond the buzz, emphasizing its practical applications rather than just theoretical possibilities. The conversation sheds light on how Actifai uses AI to enhance customer service and operational efficien...
Oct 07, 2024•49 min
In this episode, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Ian Ginn, founder of IFG Consulting Europe, live from Connected Britain 2024. They discuss the challenges of scaling telecom software in a fragmented European market, the rise of alternative networks, and the importance of network documentation for investment and growth. Ian also shares insights on rural connectivity, service differentiation, and lessons US operators can learn from Europe’s telecom landscape.
Oct 03, 2024•24 min
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend at Mountain Connect 2024. They discuss the unique broadband challenges faced by Northern California, including regulatory hurdles, difficult topography, and infrastructure needs. Zach shares insights on how local governments are addressing these issues and the innovative solutions being implemented to improve connectivity for residents.
Oct 01, 2024•30 min
In this episode, Brad Hine interviews Lori Adams from Nokia at Mountain Connect 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Lori provides key updates on Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance and its implications for manufacturers, state governments, and applicants of the BEAD program. She explains the recent NTIA guidelines on self-certification, reporting requirements, and compliance enforcement, sharing Nokia's approach to meeting these standards. Lori also discusses how BABA impacts project costs, labor...
Sep 26, 2024•16 min
In this episode of the Broadband Bunch podcast, Brad Randall, Chair of the upcoming Broadband Communities West Conference, sits down with host Brad Hine to discuss the much-anticipated inaugural event. Set for late October in San Diego, California, this conference will tackle key challenges and opportunities in broadband deployment, particularly in California’s diverse and expansive landscape. Brad shares his role in shaping the conference, insights on broadband development in the West, and how ...
Sep 24, 2024•29 min
In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Trent Edwards, President of Broadband Solutions at TAK Communications. Edwards provides insights into the current broadband landscape, TAK’s evolution, and the significant role partnerships play in addressing industry challenges. With his extensive experience, Edwards discusses workforce issues, creative strategies for collaboration, and the importance of embracing new approaches to broadband construction. His forward-thinking perspective emphasizes c...
Sep 19, 2024•21 min
In this episode, we chat with Tyler Ashner, Broadband Services Manager at Swank Construction, about the company's strategic move into the fiber optics industry. Tyler shares his journey from military engineering to leading Swank’s role in Pennsylvania's $100 million statewide fiber optic deployment, emphasizing the company's expertise in microtrenching, traffic control, and quality craftsmanship. We explore the challenges and opportunities within the broadband sector, including the impact of the...
Sep 17, 2024•19 min
In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Katie Curtis, CIO of Great Plains Communication, at this year’s Fiber Connect. Katie discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating cloud-based architecture, the importance of data quality, and the impact of digital transformation on the customer experience. She emphasizes the necessity of investing in modern technology to remain competitive and how Great Plains Communication is setting a foundation for future growth through strategic system...
Sep 12, 2024•22 min
In this episode Brad Hine speaks with Robert Griffin, a Tribal Leader of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He discussion centers around the challenges of improving connectivity in rural areas, the nation’s ambitious goal of reaching 80% broadband coverage by 2027, and the importance of partnerships and grant funding in achieving these objectives. Additionally, Robert reflects on the Choctaw Nation’s rich history, including their contributions as Code Talkers, and how this legacy influences their c...
Sep 10, 2024•30 min
In this episode, Pete Pizzutilo chats with Brian Snider and John Sullivan, the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Revenue Officer of DXTel, at from Fiber Connect 2024. The guys share their personal journey from network operators to leaders at DXTel, highlighting how their unique platforms and managed services, give ISPs flexible, effective marketing solutions to take on the big incumbent carriers. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you ...
Sep 05, 2024•39 min
In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Lori Adams, VP Broadband Policy and Funding Strategy at Nokia, to discuss the latest updates on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Lori provides valuable insights into how states like Louisiana are navigating the complex process, from securing Volume Two approvals to managing multiple funding streams simultaneously. With the pressure on states to meet tight deadlines and the looming challenge of limited construction resources, Lori ...
Sep 03, 2024•26 min
Can Lessons from Global Markets Unlock Success in U.S. Fiber Deployment? In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Greg Wilson, CEO of Ripple Fiber, at FiberConnect. Greg shares insights on his journey from the South African fiber market to leading Ripple Fiber’s expansion in the U.S. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in different markets, Ripple Fiber’s strategy for identifying underserved areas, and their commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Greg also...
Aug 29, 2024•16 min
In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo engages in a lively conversation with Curtis Dean, Executive Director of the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN), from FiberConnect 2024. Dean offers a candid reflection on the event, sharing his thoughts on the importance of hallway conversations, the challenges and opportunities surrounding middle mile infrastructure, and the complexities of the BEAD program for small providers. The discussion dives into the critical role of public-private partnerships, t...
Aug 27, 2024•31 min
In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Heather Moyer, Founder and CEO of HNM Systems, at Fiber Connect 2024. HNM Systems offers staffing and engineering services for Telecom, Utilities, and IT organizations. Heather discusses with Pete the critical workforce challenges the broadband industry faces, including labor shortages and the need for better industry branding. Heather also reflects on her company’s mission to positively impact three million lives and emphasizes the importance of authe...
Aug 23, 2024•31 min
In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Joe Pellegrini, President and COO of Great Plains Communications, from FiberConnect 2024. The conversation delves into the critical role of middle mile infrastructure in the broadband industry, exploring its challenges, innovations, and the strategic importance it holds for connectivity. Pellegrini discusses how Great Plains Communications has leveraged its extensive network to build and operate middle mile infrastructure, the financial considerations...
Aug 21, 2024•18 min
In this episode, Brad Hine welcomes Rhyan Neble, VP of Product Innovation at ETI Software, to discuss the emerging regulatory landscape facing broadband providers. With a focus on the new FCC requirements, including broadband nutrition labels, transparency reporting, and broadband data collection (BDC) reporting, Ryan provides in-depth insights into how these regulations are affecting the industry. He shares how ETI Software is innovating to help providers navigate and comply with these complex ...
Aug 15, 2024•36 min
In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Teddy Bekele, Chief Technology Officer at Land O'Lakes, to discuss the transformative role of technology in agriculture. The conversation dives into how broadband connectivity is driving innovation in rural communities, with a focus on precision agriculture, environmental sustainability, and community revitalization. Teddy shares insights into Land O'Lakes' approach to technology, the impact of connectivity on farming, and the broader implications for the ag...
Aug 13, 2024•36 min
**This episode was improperly indexed in our catalog of shows** In this episode, recorded live at Connected Britain 2023, Clive Quantrill, Senior Partner at Cambridge Management Consultants, provides a comprehensive overview of the UK telecommunications market. The discussion highlights the significant investment and fragmentation within the UK fiber and mobile industry. Clive delves into the challenges posed by econ**This episode was improperly indexed in our catalog of episodes and is being re...
Aug 01, 2024•15 min
