Connected Nation

Send us Fan Mail How 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 i...

Send us Fan Mail On 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. Recom...

Send us Fan Mail The 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.  R...

Send us Fan Mail What 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 leadership. From emerging tech shifts to policy bottlenecks, we unpack the immediate actions required to secure connectivity for every American.  Recommend...

Send us Fan Mail In 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...

Send us Fan Mail On 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...

Send us Fan Mail Broadband 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...

Send us Fan Mail Rural 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 ens...

Send us Fan Mail On 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.  Recom...

Send us Fan Mail At 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‑te...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we chat about a new "attraction" at the Connected America Conference - an India pavilion. Find out why companies from the other side of the globe were here to talk American connectivity.  Recommended links:  Hardik Soni LinkedIn Nav Wireless Technologies Ravi Joni LinkedIn Unified Reach

Send us Fan Mail On 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 Conference Total Telecom Rob Chambers LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail On 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...

Send us Fan Mail On 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. R...

Send us Fan Mail On 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. Recommended links: Asentria website John's...

Send us Fan Mail On 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! Recommended links: MasTec website Richard's LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail On 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 us Fan Mail On 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 Te...

Send us Fan Mail On 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 Community Donald Long Knife LinkedIn

Send us Fan Mail On 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. Coming Thursday, April 2, 2026:   register for the Virtual Town Hall Meeting   Recomm...

Send us Fan Mail Today, 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 website Charles' LinkedIn Bavardio's...

Send us Fan Mail Broadband 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. Coming Thursday, April 2, 2026:   register for the Virtual Town Hall Meeting   Recommended links: Tarana websi...

Send us Fan Mail What 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 sta...

Send us Fan Mail On 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 Linkedin Dense Networks websi...

Send us Fan Mail On 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. ...