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 release announcing the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award winner

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.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or tech advocate, this episode highlights why digital literacy is essential for everyone—and how partnerships are driving real progress.

Recommended Links: 

Teens Teach Tech Website 

Digital Skills Training Website

AT&T ScreenReady

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 curious about the future of connectivity, this conversation breaks down what you need to know to adapt and thrive in a post-copper world.

Recommended Links: 

Max Silber LinkedIn

MetTel Website

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 explore what must happen next to ensure every student has the online access they need to succeed — now and in the future.

Recommended Links: 

SETDA Report - The Universal Connectivity Imperative

Opinion Piece: Time for State Ed-Tech Leaders to Take Matters Into Our Own Hands

Production Note: There were issues with downloading Ji Soo Song's audio file and we apologize for moments of low audio quality. 

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 Connection Corps. 

Tune in to learn how these organizations are working to ensure all Americans have the skills and access needed to thrive in the digital age.

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 Linkedin
• Calix website

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 telehealth can teach us

Some favorite episodes:
S1, Ep. 10 - Expert advice: An elementary school teacher shares her top 5 tips for parents

S1, Ep. 15 - FCC Chairman on "Digital Opportunity" for all Americans

S1, Ep. 22 - Gov. Jeb Bush: Broadband internet is an imperative, not a luxury

 S2, Ep. 17 - Why Michigan's new approach to expanding internet statewide may be the answer to universal access

S4, Ep. 4 - Pushing Tin: How one air traffic controller is helping introduce black youth to aviation

S5, Ep. 9 - One filmmaker shares how taking her craft online changed her work, opened new doors for moviemaking

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 navigating BEAD funding and broadband expansion in a time of transition. 

Don't miss these key insights into the future of connectivity!

Recommended Links:

Howard Trinh LinkedIn

Anna Depoian LinkedIn

Belden/Precision Wesbite

Takeover story

Eric Frederick LinkedIn

MIHI Website

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. 

These startups are tackling some of broadband’s biggest challenges—tune in to learn how their solutions could shape the future of connectivity!

Recommended Links:

Huw Rees LinkedIn

NetExperience website

Yishai Amsterdamer LinkedIn

Litelinx website

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 Sieben LinkedIn

Ed d'Agostino LinkedIn 

DE-CIX Website

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 and what can be done to bridge the gap.

Tune in to learn why digital literacy is more important than ever—and what steps can be taken to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

Recommended Links:

READ THE REPORT HERE

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 expansion under a new administration.

Recommended Links: 

Brad Randall LinkedIn

Connected America 2025 Registration

Broadband isn’t just about fiber and wireless networks—it’s about people. In this episode of Connected Nation, we explore a groundbreaking research project that examines the individuals and programs working to close the Digital Divide. 

Jessica Denson is joined by Dr. Revati Prasad from the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society and Dr. Caroline Stratton from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) to discuss their findings, the challenges of digital inclusion, and what’s needed to ensure everyone has access to the internet. 

Tune in to learn why broadband is more than just technology—it’s about the people making it possible.

Recommended Links:

Human Infrastructure of Broadband 

Dr. Prasad's Summary

Dr. Revati Prasad LinkedIn

Dr. Caroline Stratton LinkedIn

Telehealth has transformed how older adults access healthcare, but significant barriers still exist. In this special roundtable episode of Connected Naton, we're joined by a panel of telehealth experts to discuss how technology, innovation, and collaboration can improve healthcare access for aging populations.

PRODUCTION NOTE: One of the guests, Tom Kamber had a previous engagement that he had to step out for around the 30:00 minute mark.

Recommended Links:
Tom Kamber LinkedIn
OATS Website

Anoush Khachikyan LinkedIn
LVING Website

Kari Gray LinkedIn
CTN Website

Marisa Rossetti LinkedIn
Alta Senior Living Website

The new year has arrived - bringing the long-awaited start of broadband expansion under the Broadband Equity Access and Development Program (BEAD). However, as all U.S. states and territories prepare to build simultaneously, new challenges are surfacing.

On this episode of Connected Nation, we’ll discuss these issues with a telecom industry leader covering topics ranging from strengthening the workforce to adopting best practices for rolling out large-scale broadband infrastructure.

Related links:
Matthew Langhoff Linkedin
MTA Solutions website

State leaders across the US are about to embark on a massive undertaking to expand the nation’s broadband infrastructure – thanks to bipartisan legislation that funds the work. 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the CEO and founder of Aurigo Software Technologies, a company that’s helped plan, build, and manage some of the world’s largest infrastructure projects.

We ask what common mistakes state leaders can avoid and what opportunities they should be looking for as they begin laying the foundation for universal broadband in America.

Recommended Links:
Balaji's LinkedIn
Aurigo Wesbite

On today’s podcast – we’re doing something special to wrap up an incredible year.

We're bringing in the award-winning communications team that works behind the scenes daily to spread the word about Connected Nation’s impactful programs and projects – tackling digital inequities from coast to coast.

 We’ll reflect on the biggest challenges, milestones, and victories of 2024, share personal highlights, and even give a glimpse of what’s to come in 2025.

Recommended Links:
Lily's Puerto Rico blog
Ashley & Grant's Interview w/ Marco & Alek
Kailynn's West Virginia story

Today, we’re diving into an incredible story of technology and connection happening right here in the United States.

We’re thrilled to welcome leadership from Centranet, a company that delivers cutting edge internet via a fiber broadband communitcations network.

We will hear more about Centranet and their recently announced partnership with Sac and Fox Nation to bring one of the fastest internet speeds in the world to a rural tribal community in Oklahoma.

Recommended Links:
Partnership Article
Centranet Website 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we conclude our coverage of the Broadband Communities Summit West.  Learn how a relatively new nonprofit is helping community organizations bridge the Digital Divide; explore another company's unique approach to helping smaller ISPs secure funding; AND hear from one man who is taking connecting his community into his own hands.

Recommended Links:
Curtis Dean Linkedin
Community Broadband Action Network
Scott Sampson Linkedin
Mac Mountain LLC.
Robert Ford Mance Linkedin
Ford Mance Capital Advisors

Past Broadband Communities Summit West episodes:
Sounds of the Summit: Episode #1
Sounds from the Summit: Why 100% connectivity is a moving target in the Sunflower State
Sounds of the Summit: Upcoming trends in digital inclusion and how one ISP is revolutionizing local connectivity
Sounds of the Summit: Today's perceptions in telehealth and Hawaii's vision for full connectivity

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Communities Summit West conference.

We discuss new trends in telehealth with a leading researcher on the topic and talk to a representative from Hawaiian Telecom about the state's goal to have a 100% connectivity by 2026.

Recommended Links:
Chris McGovern Linkedin
Jonathan Delahoyde Linkedin
Hawaiian Telecom

Past Broadband Communities Summit West episodes:
Sounds of the Summit: Episode #1
Sounds from the Summit: Why 100% connectivity is a moving target in the Sunflower State
Sounds of the Summit: Upcoming trends in digital inclusion and how one ISP is revolutionizing local connectivity

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our live coverage at the Broadband Communities Summit West conference. We talk with the Executive VP of Digital Inclusion for Connected Nation, about trends that are happening within the digital inclusion space.

Plus we talk with a leader from Further Reach about how the company started as a project at UC Berkeley, and has now become a sustainable ISP for local homes.

Recommended Links:
Heather Gate Linkedin
Tamir Scheinok Linkedin
Further Reach website

Past Broadband Communities Summit West episodes:
Sounds of the Summit: Episode #1
Sounds from the Summit: Why 100% connectivity is a moving target in the Sunflower State

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our live coverage at the Broadband Communities Summit West conference. You'll hear from the Interim Director of the Kansas State Broadband Office as he discusses Middle Mile vs. Last Mile, BEAD deadlines, and Kansas's BEAD challenge process.

Recommended Links:
Kansas Department of Commerce - Office of Broadband Development
Joseph Le - Interim Director of Broadband Development at Kansas Department of Commerce Linkedin Profile

Past Broadband Communities Summit West episodes:
Sounds from the Summit: Episode #1

On our first episode of BBC Summit coverage, you'll hear from one man who says he knows what the number one issue many of the broadband leaders are having.

Also joining us, a state broadband director who says "by the time BEAD is done, there will be 56 different conclusions."

Recommended Links:
Brian Newby's LinkedIn
Tom Cox's LinkedIn
Steve Valdez LinkedIn

On today’s podcast, Verizon's CRO for the Global Enterprise & Public Sector, Massimo Peselli, joins us to discuss the technology of 5G including what’s myth and what’s reality. 

Plus, we look at how global leaders are tackling the issue of connectivity AND what’s on the horizon for new tech within the broadband space.

Recommended Links:
Massimo's LinkedIn
Verizon Business 

Today's episode is a bonus interview from our coverage at the 2024 Broadband Nation Expo.

We were joined by Justin Fazzari, Senior Broadband Strategist at Sanborn. We speak about Justin's background, some of his daily activities and what is the present and future of Sanborn. Be sure to check out the links below!

Recommended Links:
Justin's LinkedIn
Sanborn's Website