The Broadband Bunch

In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Ray O'Connor, Sr VP of Sales at Indigo, to discuss the evolving landscape of broadband connectivity in the US. Ray highlights the critical role of private equity in the fiber-to-the-home market and the transformative impact on both the U.K. and U.S. broadband sectors. He emphasizes the necessity of viewing broadband as a fundamental utility, vital for both eco...

In this episode, Brad Hine previews the FiberConnect Conference with Evan Freeman, Conference Committee Chair, and Richard Williams, the Conference Program Director. The discussion covers the event’s history, growth, and the exciting new elements introduced for this year's conference, set to take place July 28-31 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. Always seen as one of the mos...

In this episode, Brad Hine interviews Stacy Mill, CEO of Pivot Technology Solutions, at the 2024 UTC Telecom and Technology Conference. Their conversation delves into the rapid evolution of technology and the vital role of networking and collaboration in driving career success and fostering innovation. Mill's wealth of experience highlights how technology and business intersect dynamically, drivin...

In this episode, Brad Hine engages in an insightful conversation with Kathy Nelson, founder, and principal at KN Utility Telecom and Consulting. Nelson shares her expertise and experiences from the global stage, covering key topics such as the critical role of spectrum in utility telecom, international perspectives on utility challenges, and her career journey that ignited her passion for advocati...

In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Ken Rabedeau, Chief Technology Officer - Transportation, Energy, Public Sector at Nokia. They spoke at the 2024 UTC Telecom and Technology Conference in Mobile, Alabama. The conversation delves into Nokia's integration into the energy segment, highlighting the essential role of communications in utility networks. Nokia aims to bridge this gap by enhancing util...

In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Rusty Williams, the President and CEO of the Utilities Technology Council (UTC). Rusty shares his insights on the Council’s Telecom and Technology Conference and the latest technological advancements in the utility sector. He highlights the importance of collaboration among utilities and service providers, the evolution of technology from analog to AI, and the...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, Brad Hine chats with Bryan Rader, President of MDU at Pavlov Media. Bryan provides an in-depth look at the evolution of managed Wi-Fi and its impact on multifamily housing. Some key topics discussed include the growing importance of bulk-managed Wi-Fi, the challenges and strategies for deploying such systems in existing properties, and the current regulatory...

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Nathan Slay, Senior Operations Specialist at TriTechne, at the Diamond State Network Middle Mile Summit in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They discuss TriTechny's extensive work in broadband infrastructure across the United States, focusing on strategic initiatives to leverage government funding for broadband expansion. Slay emphasizes the importance of future-p...

In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Jonathan Restivo, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer of Cityside Fiber, at this year’s Broadband Communities Summit. Restivo shares his experience in broadband site development, providing valuable insights into the multifamily space, regulatory trends, and the ongoing evolution of fiber infrastructure in Southern California. He highlights Cityside Fiber’...

In this episode, Brad Hine, chats with Jeff Boozer, the SVP of Sales and Marketing at CHR Solutions. The discussion revolves around the importance of data management, the shift towards program management, and new managed service products designed to enhance the efficiency and transparency of broadband build programs. Jeff also points out the evolving landscape of broadband expansion, particularly...

In this episode, host Brad Hine talks with Bryan Darr, VP of Government Affairs at Ookla. With 40 years of experience in telecom, including significant roles in the wireless industry, Darr provides insights into the evolution of broadband, the importance of data in decision-making, and the role of Ookla in measuring network performance. Darr discusses the new FCC broadband labels, highlighting the...

In this episode, we are joined by attorney Casey Lide, a partner at the law firm Keller and Heckman. Casey and Brad discuss some key challenges facing the broadband industry in the coming months. In addition to their expert legal services, Keller and Heckman offer the KH Broadband Digest, a must-read weekly newsletter on relevant broadband news. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadban...

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Benoit Felten, Partner at Plum Consulting. Benoit shares his insights into European fiber deployment and broadband development, exploring the contrasting approaches of Europe and the US. Countries like Spain and France demonstrate the success of clear, long-term planning and targeted support in Europe. Conversely, the US faces challenges due to short-ter...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Guilherme Cunha, Sales Director Telecommunications - Europe & UK at Cyclomedia Technology. Their conversation centers around the role of detailed spatial data and digital twins in optimizing network planning, reducing costs, and addressing challenges like the shortage of surveyors. The episode also emphasizes the importance of accu...

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Kajsa Arvidsson, CMO Genexis, at the FTTH Euro 2024 Conference in Berlin, Germany. Their conversation delves into the evolving landscape of broadband technology and its impact on user experiences. Kaysa discusses the importance of open standards and collaboration in driving innovation within the industry. She highlights emerging trends such as XGS-PON de...

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Amerigo Garofano, Vice President of Telecom at SiteTracker, during the FTTH Euro 2024 Conference in Berlin, Germany. They discuss strategies for optimizing FTTH network rollouts, reducing costs, and coping with workforce challenges in the European telecom industry. Amerigo highlights the importance of automation, AI, and machine learning in reducing OPEX...

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Vikram Chimalgi, Senior Vice President & Global Delivery Head – Communications at Cyient. Their conversation delves into European telecom trends, emphasizing AI's role in broadband infrastructure, and shares insights into Cyient's diverse portfolio and network design and optimization approach. Click the link below to listen. Also,...

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Stefaan Vanhastel, VP of Marketing and Innovation at Nokia. They dive into Nokia's pivotal role in driving broadband innovation, emphasizing the evolution of capacity, speed, and fiber optics solutions. The conversation touches on market trends, highlighting the increasing demand for high-speed broadband and challenges such as legacy infrastructure and i...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kara Schwarz-Schilling, CEO of the WIK Institute in Germany. Kara shares with us her insights on telecommunications regulation in Europe, plus the ever-evolving dynamics of infrastructure competition, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in the industry. Cara also highlights the shift from monopoly networks to complex market structures with local...

In this episode, we are joined by Nina Bargisen, the Director of Technical Evangelism at Kentik, in her role, Nina advocates for network observability's crucial role in optimizing connectivity. With an eye on innovation, Nina specializes in Kentik's flow-based analytics system, helping diverse industries harness data for insights. She prioritizes customer experience and emphasizes the significance...

In this episode, Brad chats with Lori Adams, Vice President of Broadband Policy & Funding Strategy at Nokia. With over two decades of experience in telecommunications law, Adams spearheads Nokia's Buy America compliance for the BEAD program. She brings expertise in business development, regulatory matters, and grant funding to her role. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch o...

In this episode, Pete is at the FTTH Euro 2024 and is joined by the newly minted CEO of the Broadband Forum, Craig Thomas. The Broadband Forum is the industry's foremost authority on broadband technology, shaping architecture and certification testing. With over 20 years of experience, they drive global network best practices, and spearhead technology evolution. The Forum has also collaborated wit...

In this episode, we are joined by John Cankar, Managing Director, GravityPath. As money from both public and private sources floods into the broadband space, organizations, and communities should be planning for both their immediate needs and looking towards the future. But how do they ensure a network's longevity and efficiency? By focusing on “futuring” their networks for the next 20 years. Clic...

In this episode, we are joined by Bo Ford, Digital Equity Program Manager, New Mexico State Library system. Bo is committed to breaking down barriers and fostering digital inclusion through strategic initiatives. Libraries play a crucial role in improving digital equity for citizens of New Mexico in several ways: Access to Technology, Digital Literacy Programs, Tech Assistance, and access to conne...

In this episode we are joined by Thomas Tyler, Deputy Director of ConnectLA. Since the establishment of Louisiana's state broadband office in 2021, the state has been striving to bridge the digital divide through initiatives like Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) grants. These grants operate on a performance-based model, incentivizing ISPs to expand broadband coverag...