The Broadband Bunch

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Heather Burnett Gold and Karen Jackson who have authored a paper that asks the viability of Investor-Owned Utilities in the broadband space. Craig, Heather and Karen discuss the pros, cons and possible solutions to ending the digital divide. In addition they touch on minimum bandwidth speeds, middle and last mile infrastructure as well as fundi...

To view the RTIME itinerary for the conference https://www.ntca.org/events-education/events/2021-rtime-online

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Brian Mefford, https://www.vetrofibermap.com

In this episode of the the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Joey Greer, Account Manager of Broadband Solutions at EPB. As a true pioneer in the Utility broadband space, EPB is paying it forward by helping other utilities and communities get into the world of broadband by providing guidance and support as they begin their journey. Joey shares with us some of the past successes of EPB including pro...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Jason Hart, Partner Manager at ESRI. Jason shares with us his unique start in GIS Mapping as a 13-year old boy down a cave in the mountains of West Virginia. His passion for data collection and mapping has only grown from there. From Radford College to his current position at ESRI, Jason shows a dedication for not only GIS mapping but a true de...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Micheal Kellim, the founder of Leverage Social and WispBroker.com. His story is one of grit and determination. Much like the WISPs he helps everyday. We begin with how Michael fell into the WISP industry and turned that opportunity into a thriving business helping WISPs grow their subscriber base by leveraging sales and marketing into one cohes...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Doug Maglothin, Chief Strategy Officer at Leverage Broadband Strategies. In our discussion, we touch on a variety of interesting subjects including how companies are embracing the idea of the remote workforce especially when it comes to hard-to-fill positions. The massive disruption of direct-to-consumer streaming services and the uphill battle...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Evan Marwell, the Founder, and CEO of Education Superhighway. Their original mission was to bring high-speed Internet access to America’s schools. Having completed this task with a 99% success rate, they were about to sunset the organization. Then COVID-19 happened and the organization decided to pivot and refocus its mission. In this illuminat...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, our three hosts take a look back at the year that was 2020 and share some of their favorite moments. We discuss clips from 9 different episodes throughout the year focusing on a variety of topics including solving the digital divide, the city of Ammon, Idaho, and some of the challenges in the WISP industry. We also get personal as the hosts ask each other so...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Paul Coffey, CEO at The Scotland 5G Centre. Paul shares the vision of the Centre and how they plan to provide a national focal point for all aspects of 5G. Hosted by the University of Strathclyde, and funded by the Scottish Government, The Scotland 5G Centre is set to work with both private and public organizations to accelerate the deployment...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we chat with Craig Settles, author, industry expert, and host of the Gigabit Nation Radio show. The 2020 pandemic has clearly amplified the need for broadband connectivity when it comes to Telehealth. High-speed broadband is absolutely vital not only in rural areas but also in underserved urban areas. That’s why in conjunction with ETI Software and Transcend...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Cheryl Choy, Senior Vice President, Broadband Product Management & Strategy. When it comes to the telecommunications space, few names have the stature and history of AT & T. While some providers struggled to keep up with the increased connectivity demand during the 2020 pandemic, AT & T was extremely successful in servicing its over 14 million...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Joseph JJ Jones, Conference Chairman of the 2020 Fiber Connect Conference hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association. JJ shares with us some of the incredible speakers that will be appearing at this year’s virtual conference which takes place from Monday, December 14th thru Wednesday, December 16th. Over the three days of the conference, there w...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we speak with Rick Lievano, Worldwide Director of Industry Technology Strategy at Microsoft. We start the discussion off with Microsoft's recent Azure space announcement. Next, we do a deep dive breaking down all the different things Microsoft is doing to enhance the customer experience for telcos. Finally, we touch on Azure for Operators and end on telcos a...

In this episode, we speak with Emily Stewart a business and politics reporter with Vox Media. The digital divide is seen as a mostly rural issue but in fact, it’s a nationwide problem. As it turns out especially in urban areas, connecting people to the internet is a twofold problem. Access and Affordability. With COVID numbers spiking all across the nation, Emily and Craig discuss ways people are...

In this episode, we speak with Jeff Johnston, lead economist for CoBank a national cooperative bank serving industry in rural America. We cover a variety of topics across the broadband sector including current broadband network valuations and their prospects in the near future as investors broaden their field of possible acquisitions. We also discuss LEOs or Low Earth Orbit Satellites as a possibl...

In this episode, we travel 7 time zones to speak with the Founder and CEO of Cosmos Wireless, William Demetriou. William is located on the island of Cyprus and started his wireless journey with a simple, yet inspiring thought. “One tower and a dream.” Join us as we learn about William’s story, how his company and the island of Cyprus are coping with COVID-19, and his exciting plans for the future....

In this episode, we speak with the Founder and CEO of Etheric Networks Alex Hagen. One of the true technology pioneers in the field of connectivity, Craig Corbin and Brad Hine take a deep dive with Alex as they get his thoughts on the recently completed CBRS auction and its significance moving forward. They discuss how the latest CBRS auction is different and how it opens the door for smaller oper...

In this episode, we speak with the co-founder and chief technology officer of Climate Resilient Internet, David Theodore. Earlier this year, Climate Resilient Internet announced the world's first internet service certified for the extremes of climate change. As our climate becomes ever more unpredictable, it’s important to discuss data vulnerability and ways we can effectively prepare for unforese...

In this episode, we speak with Carol Mattey, Principal of Mattey Consulting. We discuss a range of topics including the FCC's ongoing initiatives in annual federal spending known as the Universal Service Fund, which supports broadband connectivity for rural areas, schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and low-income consumers. We also look back at her involvement with the Connect America Fund...

In this episode, we speak with Jeff Gavlinski, CEO of Mountain Connect, an annual broadband conference based in Colorado. Jeff shares with us the beginning of the conference and its growth into a premier educational show for communities, municipalities and organizations looking to build or expand broadband networks. This year due to the pandemic, Mountain Connect is going virtual but will still fe...

In this episode, we speak with Sheryl Riggs, the recently appointed President & CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC). The UTC is focused on the intersection of telecommunications and utility infrastructure and represents electric, gas, and water utilities, whether they be investor-owned, public power, or cooperatives on the electric side. She shares with us the vision of the UTC to shape...

In this episode, we speak with wireless internet provider VPNet’s founder and CEO, Felipe Hernandez. In partnership with Microsoft and its Airband Initiative, VPNet in Puerto Rico has launched Redverde – a wireless internet service broadband network to connect unserved and underserved citizens in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico. Felipe shares his vision and mission to bridge the rural broadband gap...

In this episode, we speak with Crown Castle’s Jessica Collins, Vertical Market Manager. Crown Castle has been a leader in building and operating shared communications infrastructure with a unique network of towers, small cells, and fiber, which is setting the stage for tomorrow's most transformative technologies. Jessica Collins, Vertical Markets Manager talks with us about utilizing shared broadb...

Martin Jensen - WISP Solutions Architect, expert in Private LTE, CBRS Transitioning, Edge Cloud, Virtualization and 5G. The WISP industry is within a 30 day window of the part90 to CBRS transition deadline (Oct 17, 2020). This episode focuses on the goals of CBRS Transitioning for WISPs, the industry value and drivers, spectrum migration challenges and the benefit once completed. Martin is current...