Broadband Breakdown

In this episode, Brian Weis speaks with Pat Mcelroy, CEO of Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company, about their innovative shift from traditional flat-rate billing to usage-based metered billing. Pat shares the story behind this transformation, lessons learned, and how community engagement and strategic planning led to increased loyalty and growth—an inspiring case for rural telecom providers.

This episode features a panel discussion on innovative marketing strategies tailored to local broadband providers and community-focused organizations. The episode is hosted by Lindsay Randazzo, Senior Marketing Director of Innovative Systems, with panel guests Curtis Dean of Community Broadband Action Network , Jill Jarvis Marx of Fort Collins Connexion and Amber Rodriguez of Surf Internet . Disco...

In this episode, Shirley Bloomfield, former NTCA CEO and current president of Shirley Connected, shares invaluable perspectives on how rural broadband providers can thrive amidst challenges. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, community engagement, and strategic foresight in building sustainable, impactful services.

In this episode, Jill Kuehny from KanOkla Network shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in rural America, focusing on economic resilience, infrastructure, and community building. Her perspective offers a compelling look at how local initiatives and innovative thinking can transform rural sectors and foster sustainable growth.

In this episode, Caleb Pashia, CEO of Kingdom Networks, shares how data from the Innovative Systems' Rural Subscriber Study transformed their approach to customer support and engagement. Caleb discusses practical approaches to pricing, bundling, customer satisfaction, and leveraging small marketing teams for big impact, emphasizing that continuous adaptation is key in a competitive landscape.

In this episode, Scott Alcott, CEO of Innovative Systems and Ned Brody, CEO of Actifai, share their deep expertise on how AI is transforming the broadband industry. Their candid discussion unveils practical applications, the importance of data quality, and immediate steps for companies to stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode, Jason Smith, General Manager and CEO of Rainbow Communications shares a candid recount of his company's recent cybersecurity incident. He and Brian discuss how their organizational culture and leadership practices helped them navigate a complex crisis, turning a potential disaster into a growth opportunity. A cyber attack is a matter of "it's not if but when", and this episode is...

In this episode, Kasey Krueger shares his journey from Kansas to Tennessee, taking on the challenge of leading a cooperative telecom in a rapidly changing industry. We explore the key lessons in leadership, culture adaptation, strategic growth, and the importance of taking risks in your career.

In this episode, Jason Wille, Chief Marketing Officer of Range, shares insights on rural broadband expansion, innovative marketing strategies, and revenue diversification in the telecommunications industry. Discover how Range leverages community engagement, strategic campaigns, and new services to bridge the digital divide and grow sustainably.

In this conversation, Tim Brinkman, CEO of Garden Valley Technologies, discusses their operations and growth strategies with Brian. They explore the challenges of being landlocked in Minnesota and the decision to expand into Colorado. The conversation highlights the importance of revenue diversification, marketing strategies, and the dynamics of working with a small team. Tim reflects on the lesso...

In this episode, Brian Weis speaks with Jenni Neff from Grand River Mutual about their expansion efforts into the Des Moines area, focusing on their CLEC initiatives. Jenni shares insights into the challenges they faced when entering a new market where they were relatively unknown, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with local communities, city officials, and developers. She disc...

This conversation explores the significant impact of the Telecom Act of 1996 on the telecommunications industry, particularly focusing on its implications for rural telecom providers and the Universal Service Fund. Mike Romano shares insights from his career, discussing the evolution of telecommunications, the challenges faced by different types of providers, and the ongoing relevance of the Act's...

In this conversation, Chris Lovell, Chief Growth Officer of CLTel, discusses the transformative potential of AI in business, emphasizing its ability to enhance workflows and improve customer service. He addresses concerns about job displacement, highlighting the importance of redirecting efforts towards community engagement. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating the AI hype...

Welcome to Broadband Breakdown by Innovative Systems! This is the podcast where broadband leaders tackle real-world challenges—and find solutions. Whether you’re working to improve NPS, modernize outdated systems, hire top talent, or stay competitive, this is your space for innovative ideas and expert insights.