Connected Nation

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Connected Nation, we're previewing Mountain Connect 2026 — and a timely, solution-driven opportunity for ISPs to overcome deployment challenges and accelerate broadband expansion nationwide. Listen as we discuss a new Hosted Buyer Program designed to connect ISPs with trusted partners, reduce deployment challenges, and even help cover the cost of attending the conference.Recommended links:Mountain Connect websiteMountain Connect agendaHosted Buyers ProgramJeffrey Gavlinski LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Heneways Freight Services executives Larne Davis and Caleb Buchel to explore the fast-moving world of global shipping — and the role it plays in keeping broadband projects on track.From tariffs and supply chain challenges to family business traditions, they share an inside look at the industry that keeps goods — and networks — moving. And yes, they answer the big question: what's the strangest thing they've ever shipped?Recommended links:Caleb Buchel's LinkedInLarne Davis' LinkedInHeneways Freight Services

Send us Fan MailImagine never having to ask for a Wi-Fi password ever again. In this episode, recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, we meet Mario Soave of CleverFi. He shares how a personal brush with the FBI inspired him to reinvent how we connect on the go. We explore his vision for 'teleporting' your home network to any location and why this startup is one you'll likely be using in just a few years. Recommended links:Mario Soave LinkedInMario email - mario.soave@cleverfi.comCleverFi pitch videoCleverFi website

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a massive federal broadband program gets paused, rewritten, and restarted?On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Michigan's Chief Connectivity Officer, Eric Frederick, about navigating the BEAD program's "administrative slog." Learn how Michigan is using everything from Great Lakes subsea cables to AI literacy to finally get shovels in the ground and close the Digital Divide.Recommended links:Eric Frederick LinkedInMichigan High-Speed Internet Office (MiHi)

Send us Fan MailHow do we solve America's broadband affordability gap while also protecting critical infrastructure?During the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson sat down with Neo Network Development's Founder and CEO Vince Aragona to discuss innovative approaches to broadband deployment, public-private partnerships, and the company's vision for a nationwide fiber infrastructure network.Recommended links:Neo Network Development's websiteVince Aragona's LinkedInFiber Instructure Network Map - https://nndi.us/innovative-solutions/fiber-solutionsNational Broadband Master Plan - https://nndi.us/innovative-solutions/nbmp 

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Joseph “Joey” Wender, Executive Director of SHLB. The conversation explores the future of the Universal Service Fund, the ongoing fight to close the homework gap, cybersecurity challenges facing community institutions, and how reliable connectivity can be life-changing, and even lifesaving, for communities across the country.Recommended links:Joseph Wender LinkedInSHLB website

Send us Fan MailThe infrastructure is being built, but is the workforce ready? During the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson sat down to discuss the growing need for digital skills training. We break down the areas that require immediate focus and why digital literacy is the 'hidden gap' that could determine the success of broadband deployment across the U.S. Recommended links:Heather Gate LinkedInConnected Nation website

Send us Fan MailWhat is the next big disruptor threatening to widen the Digital Divide?  In this episode, recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson tackles the urgent state of U.S. broadband policy with Nokia's leadership team. From emerging tech shifts to policy bottlenecks, we unpack the immediate actions required to secure connectivity for every American. Recommended links:Lori Adams LinkedInNokia Corporation websiteNokia Corporation LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailIn 2013, nine rural telephone companies came together with one goal: bringing urban-level connectivity and services to rural communities. On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a representative from CBS Oregon to discuss how that collaboration turned into a success story for rural broadband. She also shares insights from her role as chair of the planning committee for Fiber Connect 2026 and what attendees can expect from the industry's biggest conversations moving forward.Recommended links:Jessica Koch LinkedInConsolidated Business Services websiteFiber Connect 2026 website

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a strategic advisor who works with ISPs and co-ops across the country to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the broadband industry. From overcoming fears around AI to helping employees embrace innovation, the conversation dives into the opportunities and challenges organizations face as technology rapidly evolves.Straight from the Fiber Connect floor, this episode highlights valuable lessons learned from a program at MIT, insights into the future of connectivity, and why autonomous technology may play a major role in what comes next.Recommended links: Timothy Holden LinkedInWavsys websiteFailure to Quit website

Send us Fan MailBroadband isn't just about infrastructure; it's about human equity. Sitting down at the Connected America Conference, Colorado Broadband Director Brandy Reitter explains the harsh realities of closing the Digital Divide. From mountain construction challenges and BEAD funding to AI opportunities and workforce shortages, Reitter breaks down exactly what it takes to bring reliable internet to rural Colorado—proving why high-speed access is about much more than just laying fiber.Recommended links:Brandy Reitter LinkedInColorado Broadband Office website

Send us Fan MailRural broadband doesn't just happen in a vacuum—it happens on rural land. But how do we turn landowners into essential infrastructure partners?Connected Nation's host Jessica Denson sits down with David Christophersen of the Rural Tower Cooperative to discuss why the 'co-op' model is the secret weapon for accelerating BEAD funding, building community trust, and ensuring the future of American farming is fully connected.Recommended links:Rural Tower CooperativeDavid Christophersen's LinkedInA Cooperative Approach to Broadband Deployment in Rural Areas (LinkedIn): Rural Tower Cooperative Launches Pre‑Screened Rural Parcels for Broadband Deployment (Total Telecom)

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Connected Nation, we're joined by a tech leader who's helped global enterprises modernize the cloud, harness AI for real-time decisions, and even rethink sustainable infrastructure for EV charging. We'll talk about getting the cloud right, the AI trends that matter, and what all of this means for ISPs and states building next gen networks. Recommended links:Chris Carter LinkedInApproyo website

Send us Fan MailAt a defining moment for broadband, many believe fiber is at the center of what comes next. In this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson speaks with Fiber Broadband Association President and CEO Gary Bolton about why this is a critical moment to be at the world's largest fiber conference, Fiber Connect 2026. From AI and data centers to healthcare, agriculture, and long‑term infrastructure decisions, the conversation breaks down what's at stake — and why showing up means being in the room when big things happen.Recommended links: Fiber Broadband Association websiteFiber Connect 2026 registrationGary Bolton LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Connected Nation, we are live at the Connected America Conference in Dallas. We talk about a first that's never happened at Connected America before — there's an India pavilion. Find out why companies from around the globe are coming here to talk American connectivity. Recommended links: Hardik Soni LinkedInNav Wireless TechnologiesRavi Joni LinkedInUnited Reach

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Connected Nation, we are live at the Connected America Conference in Dallas. We speak with Rob Chambers, Managing Director of Total Telecom about what's next for Connected America and why face-to-face collaboration is critical to expanding broadband access nationwide.Recommended links: Connected America ConferenceTotal TelecomRob Chambers LinkedIn

Send us Fan MailOn today's podcast, we're diving into the world of digital transformation, RevOps, and how ISPs can streamline operations from customer service to infrastructure. We're talking with leadership from one company working across North America and beyond — helping organizations connect their systems, automate workflows, and build the future of operational efficiency.Recommended links: Second Mile websiteHannah Collins LinkedInSecond Mile blog (RevOps, HubSpot, Integrations)Over the past 25 years, Connected Nation's Engineering and Technical Services team has built trusted, collaborative relationships with state broadband offices, local communities, and broadband providers nationwide.From tracking deployment progress… to asset mapping… to delivering clear, data‑driven insights for stakeholders — Connected Nation's experts are ready to help.  To learn more, email us at info@connectednation.org. This September, Connected Nation is attempting a world record — a 25‑hour global digital skills marathon, celebrating 25 years of impact. We're looking for sponsors, partners, and watch‑party hosts who want to make history and expand digital opportunity worldwide.Learn more at connectednation.org or email us at worldrecord@connectednation.org  With 25 years of experience, Connected Nation's Engineering and Technical Services team helps states and providers verify build‑outs, track progress, and deliver clear, data‑driven insights.Learn more by emailing info@connectednation.org with the subject line ETS. 

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Connected Nation, we'll explore how StorX is disrupting traditional cloud storage with decentralized, blockchain-powered solutions—in what they say is delivering privacy, cost savings, and resilience through a global network of thousands of nodes. Plus, we'll discuss how it impacts everything from digital empowerment to the future of broadband infrastructure.Recommended links:StorX Network websiteStorX LinkedInStorX Twitter

Send a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we're back at the Broadband Nation Expo to talk about early warning signs, those little simple things that let you know that something's wrong with your broadband network before the whole network goes down. We talk with a company that makes it possible to stop disaster before it occurs.Coming Thursday, April 2, 2026:  register for the Virtual Town Hall Meeting Recommended links:Asentria websiteJohn's LinkedInYou're invited to join Connected Nation's experts on Thursday, April 2 for a special virtual town hall meeting that explores what's happening with high-speed internet across the country. Register here: bit.ly/BroadbandFutures

Send a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we take you back to the Broadband Nation Expo taking place in Orlando, Florida. This time we have a very special guest, the man who calls himself the Vice President of Internet of Things. Find out if he's serious or not!Coming Thursday, April 2, 2026:  register for the Virtual Town Hall Meeting Recommended links:MasTec websiteRichard's LinkedInYou're invited to join Connected Nation's experts on Thursday, April 2 for a special virtual town hall meeting that explores what's happening with high-speed internet across the country. Register here: bit.ly/BroadbandFutures

Send a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with an expert in broadband compliance about what to do in advance to avoid going through review after review after review.Recommended links:Alvarez and Marsal site

Send a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from the Minnesota Telecom Alliance. Learn how they work with co-ops and family ISPs to help them stay ahead of the curve, what it's like working with the state broadband office in Minnesota, and why they believe BEAD is one of the worst things to happen to rural broadband in America.Recommended links:Minnesota Telecom Alliance websiteBrent's LinkedIn

Send a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Nation Expo taking place in Orlando, Florida. And we're doing so by telling a story from Montana, one of two tribes, two nations, and the effort to connect an entire reservation across borders. Recommended links: Fort Belknap Indian CommunityDonald Long Knife LinkedIn

Send a textOn today's podcast, we're talking with the Tribal Broadband Leader for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.  We'll explore how one of the largest federally recognized tribes is tackling connectivity challenges, leading fiber initiatives, and shaping broadband policy for Tribal communities nationwide.Recommended links: Robert Griffin LinkedInChoctaw Nation LinkedInChoctaw Nation websiteFiber Broadband AssociationConnected Nation Internet Exchange Points

Send us a textToday, we're bringing you a bonus episode for Black History Month. In it, we ask the simple question, how comfortable are you with using AI in your business? We talk with Black leadership at Bavardio to get some tips on what to do to improve your workflow and find out what you should definitely avoid.Recommended links:Bavardio websiteCharles' LinkedInBavardio's LinkedIn

Send us a textBroadband isn't just about speed—it's about people.  This episode of Connected Nation highlights how Tarana Wireless is connecting families, schools, and small businesses AND inviting them to see how it all comes together with hands-on, behind-the-scenes technology tours.Recommended links:Tarana websiteCarl's LinkedIn

Send us a textWhat would you do if you didn't like what was played on your radio station? You probably would just change the channel. What if you didn't like your connectivity? You'd probably just change the company that you're using. In this bonus episode of Connected Nation for Black History Month, we'll introduce you to one man who actually started his own radio station and his own ISP simply because he felt like it was needed. Recommended links:Media King Communications website

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with leadership from Dense Networks, which works with the public sector across the country. Find out what they're doing to help government organizations understand AI, what it means to "build versus buy", and predictions for how AI will be used long term.Recommended links: Peter Murray LinkedinDense Networks website

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we talk to a company that tailors its services to small businesses - helping them with whatever they need from recruitment to HR services to workforce development. We discuss solutions for the challenges small businesses face, including how to approach doing business in a time when many workers are asking for hybrid or remote positions only. Reccomended links:Dana Syme Althoff LinkedinIncipio Workforce Solutions

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Ashley-Shae Benton, Interim Chief of Staff at Canopy, and Stephanie Kelley, Director of Client Services at The Gleason Group, to discuss what it means to “do business better”—from using AI more ethically to creating joy in the workplace, whether in person or remote.Recommended links:Canopy Good Business SummitAshley-Shae Benton LinkedinStephanie Kelley Linkedin

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Trimble Inc., a global tech company shaking up the construction industry. The company's mission — to transform the way the world works. We talk about connecting the physical and digital worlds, construction solutions and challenges, and BEAD funding deployment. Recommended links: Trimble websiteGareth Gibson Linkedin

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we're going exploring with GoodMaps, the indoor navigation app. We'll talk with leadership from GoodMaps about the way LiDAR imaging works, why indoor navigation is critical for millions of Americans, and find out what's next for this innovative tech company.Recommended links: Theresa Reno-Weber LinkedInGoodMaps website

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the representative from Vantage Point Solutions who took the main stage at Calix ConnecXions 2025 in front of 3,000 attendees.  Find out what she told the crowd about using AI and preparing for the future. Recommended links:Jacki Miskimins, Director of Communications & EngagementVantage Point SolutionsVantage Point Solutions websiteAsOne Ministries websiteCorn Palace website

Send us a textOn this bonus episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Mission Telecom about their new RESPOND Kit – a broadband solution for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. It's not just for ISPs. This product was built for everyone from disaster agencies to nonprofits responding to immediate and long term need. Recommended links: Mission Telecom websiteMark Colwell Linkedin

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we talk to two technicians about building broadband in some of the most rural areas in America - Wyoming, and Montana.We also put them on the spot by asking them to build a STEAM packet for local kids. This is what happened. Recommended links:Range.netGoodera

Send us a textOn today's episode of Connected Nation, we ask what it takes to win the partner award for innovation given by Calix every year. The answer: be a disruptor. We'll talk with the CEO and Co-founder of Camvio about winning the award and find out how the company has been and is approaching innovation including leveraging AI years before AI was "cool." Recommended links:Jennifer Logsdon, CEO & Co-founder, Camvio LinkedInCamvio website

Send us a textOn this episode on Connected Nation, we chat with Chris Homan, Telecom Vertical Leader for Paymentus, about the company's multi-vertical payment platform, their partnership with Calix, and their show-stopping conference booth!Recommended links: Calix ConneXions 2025Paymentus websiteChris Homan LinkedIn

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Google's Head of Global Quality and Commissioning to discuss how industry leaders are coming together to set standards for data center infrastructure.  Find out how your company can get involved and why setting a standard now is important for AI in the future. Related links:Google Gino Tozzi's Linkedin Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) details data center quality management  

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we examine digital skills training and what it takes to evolve from the basics - like learning to use email and the internet - to really mastering emerging trends like AI.Related links:AI Literacy Resource HubDigital Literacy and Learning ProgramTeens Teach Tech, powered by AT&TDigital Works

Send us a textOn this special episode of Connected Nation, we talk to leadership from the broadband program office at Cisco Systems. Learn about the new blueprint they're taking for building the networks that power your connectivity. Plus, we talk about AI, AI pods, and the company's broadband innovation centers. Recommended links:Robin Olds' LinkedInCisco webpage

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we have a special guest - Chairman and CEO of our national nonprofit, Tom Ferree. We'll discuss what it means to map joy in the workplace AND find out how Connected Nation can help broadband leaders do everything from tackle AI to more easily tracking BEAD compliance.Recommended links: Tom Ferree LinkedinCanopy Good Business SummitConnected Nation website

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we're taking you to Big Sky Country for a conversation with the Montana State Broadband Director. We ask her how she and her team are implementing the ConnectMT Broadband Program in a place that attracts people because it's wild and rural. Recommended links: Montana Broadband Office websiteMisty Ann Giles LinkedinBEAD Program (NTIA webpage) 

Send us a textOn this episode on Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from rom Calix ConneXions 2025, taking place in Las Vegas Nevada. We talk with one man who just struck out on his own in the telecom and broadband industry, despite some of those uncertainties. Find out how he's planning to leverage his 35 years in the business to help others, and why he believes it was now or never.Recommended links: Calix ConneXions 2025Waypoint 33 websiteRandall Rene LinkedIn

Send us a textOn this episode on Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from rom Calix ConneXions 2025, which took place in Las Vegas in mid-October.  We sat down with the Corporate VP of Marketing for Calix to discuss innovating customer success, implementing a smarter AI, and using a little showmanship to drive the messages home.Recommended links: Calix ConneXions 2025Scott Neuman Calix Corporate Vice President of Marketing LinkedIn

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Mac Mountain. A recently launched company that's taking a unique approach to expanding broadband by helping other businesses grow. Listen and find out how the model works and what led to this non-traditional approach to expanding access to more homes and businesses.Recommended links: Mac Mountain WebsiteAlex Rozek LinkedInScott Sampson LinkedIn

Send us a textIn this episode of the Connected Nation podcast, we talk with Bree Maki, Executive Director, Minnesota Broadband Office. Listen as we discuss the next steps for connecting everyone in Minnesota!Recommended links: Minnesota Broadband Office Website

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we begin our coverage from Calix ConneXions 2025, taking place in Las Vegas Nevada. We talk with Jacob Smithee, the Director of IT from a Co-op in Alabama, about the challenges of bringing high speed internet to extremely rural areas. Plus we find out what he hopes for connectivity in his state and how his company recently helped the Navajo Nation with a completely different problem.Recommended links: Calix ConneXions 2025Flash Fiber website

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we're joined by a  special guest who has spent nearly a decade researching the Digital Divide and meeting many of those who are directly impacted by it.Find out what Dr. Christopher Ali is working on now AND the claim he says many broadband leaders need to stop making now or risk creating more harm.  Recommended links:Get "Farm Fresh Broadband: The Politics of Rural Connectivity" Dr. Christopher Ali Penn State University

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we talk to a father and son team who rep a host of manufacturers in the broadband space. Find out how their model fills the needs of a wide range of companies, programs, and projects.Recommended links:Communications Marketing Systems - https://superrep.com/Ken Lazear (dad) and Jake Lazear (son)https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-lazear-586a20149/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacoblazear/

Send us a textOn this episode of Connected Nation, we ask what the Danish can do to help build out broadband in America? I talk to a rep with Lynddahl Telecom about the product they're now manufacturing in the US to do just that. Recommended links: Lynddahl Telecom website Pete Spehr, SVP of Sales, Lynddahl Telecom America - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-spehr-0437042/ 

Send us a textOn this special edition of Connected Nation, we head back to Wichita, Kansas one last time for the AI Interconnection Summit, which took place on Thursday, September 11th. This time we talk with leadership from Stevens Fiber Group and Moonshot Energy about what they do, why Kansas is on their radar, and the reason this summit was their can't miss event.Recommended links:AI Interconnection Summit websiteStevens Fiber Group's website Allen Meyer's Linkedin profileMoonshot Energy's website Bryan Lubin's Linkedin profile