The Broadband Bunch

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 partici...

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 Bus...

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 closin...

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...

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...

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 in...

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...

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...

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, municip...

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 me...

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 connectiv...

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...

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 e...

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 i...

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, a...

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 i...

In this episode, we have a special guest, Kaleigh Cox, the Director of Marketing at Dxtel, a telecommunications company that provides broadband marketing services to rural ISPs and their communities. Along with discussing how small operators can effectively compete with larger providers, Kaleigh will share her insights and experience in developing successful marketing strategies to attract and ret...

On this episode of the Broadband Bunch, Brad is joined by Sam Pratt, CEO of Render Networks, and Omar Ramadan, VP of Operations. Render Networks offers innovative software solutions for infrastructure projects. In collaboration with Irby Utilities, they utilized their geospatial construction technology to accelerate the construction and deployment of Bolivar Energy Authority’s West Tennessee fiber...

On this episode, we are joined by Pam Becker, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural communities. With over two decades of experience in the fundraising sector, Pam is a strong advocate for advancing rural broadband access and helping rural communities thrive. The FRS offers a range of...

In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Mitchell, VP of Marketing and Business Development at Alianza. As a rush of funding and new technology enter the telco space, we are at an inflection point. Evolve, adapt & compete. While some providers are embracing change and upgrading systems others lag behind. In our conversation, Kevin explains why smaller telcos need to simplify their operations, by mo...

In this episode, we are joined by Kristy Szabo, Director of Consulting with Vantage Point Solutions. As June (2023) is fast approaching states across the country will learn how much of the 42 billion dollars in BEAD funding they will be receiving. As these federal funds become available, many groups are now looking to undertake broadband projects to improve internet access and bridge the digital d...

What is Operations Science? It is the study of the transformation of resources to create and distribute goods and services. Since the pandemic hit supply chains have been erratic, elongated, and unpredictable. Join us as we chat with Todd Zabelle the founder and CEO of Strategic Project Solutions, a solution provider that specializes in improving project performance and helping organizations achie...

In this episode, we have an eye-opening and educational discussion with Hunter Newby of Newby Ventures. Did you know that fourteen states currently do not have internet exchange points? When it comes to lowering latency and strengthening connectivity exchange points are vitally important if we are going to close the digital divide. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband B...

In this episode, we have three conversations with Metro Connect attendees. The first is with Finlay Eglinton, a member of the Capacity Media team that hosts the event. Finlay shares his insights on the event and future conferences in the States and around the World hosted by his organization. The second conversation is with Josephine Cusati Bernson of Great Plains Communications. Great Plains Comm...

In this episode, Pete is joined by David Strauss of Broadband Success Partners, a leading technology advisory firm in the digital infrastructure M&A sector. Pete and David discuss the current market conditions regarding funding, fiber, fixed wireless & cable in the US and globally. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never...