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PODCAST

Connected Nation

This is Connected Nation – an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the Digital Divide to simply improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our communities.The podcast was honored in 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. More recently, the podcast received an Award of Distinction in 2025. It received the same honor in 2023 and

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All Episodes

14:19

Why the SHLB Coalition's defense of the USF impacts...

Connected Nation ·

2025/06/24

Today we begin our in-depth coverage of the Broadband Communities Summit taking place in Houston, Texas. On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Joseph Wender, Executive Director of the SHLB Coalition about what's happening this week to critical funding that's used to connect our nation's schools and libraries. Recommended Links: Broadband Communities SummitSchools, Health, & Libraries Broadband CoalitionSupreme Court hears arguments on USF Constitutionality: Decisio...

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37:25

Meet “The Energy Expert” who says she can help...

Connected Nation ·

2025/06/18

Why does workplace energy matter — and how can we build it? Dana Spencer, known as “The Energy Expert,” joins us to share how she’s helping organizations revitalize employee productivity, morale, and team dynamics using her Five S framework. From remote work boundaries to self-awareness and the power of a simple smile, this episode will leave you feeling recharged. Recommended Links: Dana Spencer's LinkedIn

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31:11

Broadband leaders gather in Houston just weeks after...

Connected Nation ·

2025/06/17

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with a representative from the Broadband Communities Summit about the topics and speakers attendees can expect in Houston, Texas — and why now is a critical time to come together. Find out what Brad Randall has to say about the new BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) rules—and how Total Telecom is involved in the Broadband Communities Summit. Recommended Links: Broadband Communities Summit 2025Total Telecom website Brad Randa...

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62:24

From 10 employees to 1,000: Nextlink Internet's story...

Connected Nation ·

2025/06/11

On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Bill Baker, CEO of Nextlink Internet, to explore how this Texas-based provider is leading the charge in expanding broadband across 12 states—serving some of the country’s most rural and underserved communities. Baker shares the extraordinary origin story of Nextlink, explains what “radical, organic growth” means, and unpacks the company’s unique approach to fiber and fixed wireless deployment. We also dive into the company’s major ro...

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34:06

How proposed changes to E-rate could impact America's...

Connected Nation ·

2025/06/04

On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re diving into proposed changes to the federal E-rate program — and what those changes could mean for schools, libraries, and the millions of students who rely on internet access to learn. Our guest, Mark Colwell, Director of Broadband Operations at Mission Telecom, brings years of experience in federal and state broadband policy to the table. He explains how efforts to scale back E-Rate funding — particularly for Wi-Fi hotspots and off-campus access — ...

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63:06

Before the storm: What ISPs can do as we enter...

Connected Nation ·

2025/05/29

Hurricane season is here — and it’s expected to be one of the most active on record. In this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with three industry leaders who know exactly what it takes to keep people online before, during, and after a disaster. Together, they unpack real lessons from 2024’s devastating Hurricane Helene, including how to prepare for outages, deploy emergency Wi-Fi, and coordinate with first responders — and why small and regional ISPs are critical lifelines in rural co...

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43:21

History in the making: Connected Nation breaks ground...

Connected Nation ·

2025/05/21

On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you to Wichita, Kansas for an historic event – the groundbreaking of the first Internet Exchange Point in the state. We talk with those who have been working toward this moment for years – about what an Internet Exchange Point is, why it’s important to individuals, businesses, and communities, AND the effort to bring this same infrastructure to 125 towns across the country. Related links: CNIXP: connectednation.org/ixp Wichita State Univers...

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34:49

The simple step small ISPs should be taking to grow...

Connected Nation ·

2025/05/14

In this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson revisits with Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband and AireBeam, to discuss the outsized impact that small and medium-sized internet service providers (ISPs) can have on closing the Digital Divide. From strategic builds in underserved communities to innovative fiber solutions in mobile home parks, Ben shares how these regional providers are solving last-mile connectivity challenges, preparing for BEAD funding, and competing with big-name ...

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21:37

A digitally inclusive journey: Meet the 2025 Student...

Connected Nation ·

2025/04/30

What do YOU think motivates some people to put their own needs aside to help others? We talked with one extraordinary teenager who is taking action to the close the Digital Divide – by helping both senior citizens and those dealing with homelessness. On this episode of Connected Nation, we head to Birmingham, Alabama to meet the 2025 National Student Broadband Hero Award honoree – Michael Schmalz. Related links: Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T Digital Harmonies Press...

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11:52

AT&T’s commitment to digital learning at all ages

Connected Nation ·

2025/04/24

On this episode of Connected Nation, we wrap up our coverage of the Connected America conference with a powerful conversation about bridging the Digital Divide. Host Jessica Denson is joined by Viviana Cohuo, Lead Project Manager for AT&T’s Corporate Social Responsibility team. They dive into AT&T’s nationwide efforts to build digital skills through programs like Teens Teach Tech powered by AT&T, Ready Tech Go workshops with National PTA, and new device donation initiatives....

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38:19

The Copper Countdown: What landline retirement means...

Connected Nation ·

2025/04/17

The retirement of copper landlines is accelerating — and many businesses aren’t ready. On this episode of Connected Nation, guest host Grant Ahlbrand speaks with Max Silber, Vice President of Mobility and IoT at MetTel, to explore why this shift is happening now, what it means for essential services and businesses, and how digital solutions can deliver safer, smarter, and more cost-effective communication infrastructure. Whether you’re a business owner, IT manager, or simply curio...

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46:40

Investing in our future: Sustaining K-12 digital access

Connected Nation ·

2025/04/10

On this episode of Connected Nation, we tackle a topic impacting millions of students across the country — how to sustain digital access in K-12 education. As federal programs end, only 27% of states are ready to keep kids connected. Jessica Denson talks with Pam Lloyd, Ph.D., Strategic Advisor at Connected Nation, and Ji Soo Song, Director of Projects and Initiatives at SETDA, about a new report that outlines strategies to prevent students from falling behind. Together, they expl...

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13:53

Empowering and connecting: Closing the digital skills...

Connected Nation ·

2025/04/03

In this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Connected America conference in Irving, Texas. Our host, Jessica Denson sits down with the Editor-in-Chief at Working Nation, to discuss the importance of digital skills in today’s workforce and how digital navigators are bridging the connectivity gap. Later, Jessica speaks with an individual from Lead for America about their efforts to support digitally disconnected rural communities through the American Conne...

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31:31

Why ISPs should evolve into experience providers—and...

Connected Nation ·

2025/03/26

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Calix – a company that “helps broadband service providers simplify, innovate, and grow.” Learn how the company is shifting the focus from being a service provider to a “experience” provider, what exactly that means, and and how the unique approach is actually aiding in the response to natural disasters in the U-S. Recommend Links: Bridget Watkins LinkedinCalix website

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27:49

Celebrating five years: Exploring our best interviews...

Connected Nation ·

2025/03/25

On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re doing things a little bit differently. That’s because March 24, 2025 marks our five year anniversary since launching. We’ll take you through the very distinct moment in time we got started, how we’ve evolved since, and what are favorite episodes have been over the last five years. Related links: Press release announcing five-year-anniversary First episode (S1, Ep. 1) - Telemedicine in a time of Coronavirus: What a recent study on t...

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20:36

Tackling transitions: From being bought by another...

Connected Nation ·

2025/03/17

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Connected America conference, where we dive into the latest in broadband innovation and policy. First, we hear from Belden Precision Optical Technologies, a company that was recently acquired by Belden, about how this shift is driving new opportunities in fiber connectivity. Then, we sit down with Eric Frederick, Chief Connectivity Officer of the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), to discuss how Michigan is ...

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15:50

How the startup mentality is influencing broadband...

Connected Nation ·

2025/03/12

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Connected America in Irving, Texas, by exploring the Startup Village, where innovation is driving connectivity forward. First, we sit down with Huw Rees from NetExperience, a company revolutionizing managed Wi-Fi for apartments, student housing, and hotels. Then, we meet Yishai Amsterdamer, CEO of Litelinx, whose company is introducing smart fiber, a game-changing technology that streamlines deployment and maintenance.&n...

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19:08

The company whose innovation is inviting competitors...

Connected Nation ·

2025/03/11

We’re live from Connected America, exploring how internet exchange points (IXPs) improve connectivity across the U.S.! Host Jessica Denson chats with De-CIX's Kelly Sieben, who uses a fun marble demo to explain how IXPs reduce latency and speed up internet access. Then, Ed d'Agostino dives deeper into why IXPs are critical for broadband expansion, how they impact everyday users, and why the U.S. is working to expand them beyond major cities. Recommended Links: Kelly Sie...

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33:11

Beyond access: Learning the digital skills to thrive...

Connected Nation ·

2025/03/05

Imagine living in today’s digital world without knowing how to access the internet, use a computer, or even navigate a mobile phone. It may surprise you to learn that this is a reality for millions of Americans. On this episode, we explore the critical impact of digital literacy and how lacking essential skills affects everything from economic opportunities to health outcomes. Host Jessica Denson speaks with experts behind a new report that sheds light on the growing need for digital skills a...

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18:50

Get a little help navigating the broadband landscape...

Connected Nation ·

2025/02/27

Navigating the broadband landscape in 2025 is no easy task—especially as new policies, technologies, and funding opportunities emerge. In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson sits down with an Editor at TotalTelecom, to discuss the key broadband issues and opportunities state and local leaders should be watching. They’ll explore the themes shaping the upcoming Connected America Conference in Dallas, Texas, on March 11-12, as well as the challenges and strategies for broadband...

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227 results

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