In this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Communities Summit in Houston, Texas. 

Jessica Denson speaks with Tyler Dempsey and Shelby Smith of Sonar Software about what sets their OSS/BSS platform apart in a rapidly changing industry—and why launching their new podcast “Bandwidth” is part of building stronger connections.

Later, we hear from Adeyinka O. Ogunlegan, Chief of Staff and VP of Federal Affairs at the National Urban League. She shares why broadband access is a critical civil rights issue and how digital equity is foundational to economic empowerment.

Recommended Links: 

National Urban League Website

Sonar Software Website

Shelby's LinkedIn

Tyler's LinkedIn

Adeyinka's LinkedIn

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage live from the Broadband Community Summit in Houston, Texas. 

We talk with Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation for Connected Nation about the summit and the topic she's focused on. But as you'll hear, things didn't quite go as we'd planned. I like to call this one. You never know who you're gonna meet when you're with Heather Gate.

Recommended Links:

• WSU and CNIXP project
• Wichita State University (WSU)
• Digital Lift
• Heather Gate LinkedIn
• Tonya Witherspoon LinkedIn
• Kami Griffiths LinkedIn

On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Community Summit, and we talk with the president and CEO of MCNC, about its role connecting schools and healthcare facilities across North Carolina.

We also talk about the importance of middle mile infrastructure and the high stakes of an upcoming court decision.

Recommended Links: 

• Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC) website
• Podcast: High Stakes in the High Court as Nation Awaits USF Decision
• Tracy Doaks LinkedIn

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. 

UPDATE: On June 27, the Supreme Court upheld the program in a 6-3 decision

Recommended Links:

• Broadband Communities Summit
• Schools, Health, & Libraries Broadband Coalition
• Supreme Court hears arguments on USF Constitutionality: Decision expected this summer
• Conservatives target $8 billion internet and phone subsidy. Supreme Court weighs in
• Joesph Wender Linkedin

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

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 2025
• Total Telecom website 
• Brad Randall Linkedin
  
  

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 role in the federal E-Rate program, its partnerships with local governments, and what it takes to build resilient, rural broadband networks in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Recommended Links:

Nextlink Website

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 — could widen the “homework gap” and leave low-income families behind.

Learn why this issue matters right now, how it ties into national conversations about digital equity, and what Mission Telecom is doing to support schools and libraries as they brace for uncertainty.

Recommended Links:

Mission Telecom Website 

"Get Started" form 

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 communities.

They also dive into innovative solutions like Calix's SmartTown, the power of resilient networks, and how partnerships can save lives.

(PRODUCTION NOTE: We had an issue when exporting Brad's audio file and he is unfortunately not heard answering the last two questions. We apologize for the error.)

Recommended and related links: 

NOAA 2025 hurricane outlook

The Weather Channel's 2025 hurricane prediction

Joint press release: After Hurricane Helene 

Riverwave Broadband website

Calix website

MC Communications website

ERC Broadband website

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 University: https://www.wichita.edu/

Newby Ventures: https://www.newby-ventures.com/

DE-CIX: https://www.de-cix.net/

Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/

About the WSU CNIXP: https://connectednation.org/press-releases/connected-nation-breaks-ground-on-kansass-first-internet-exchange-point-facility-at-wichita-state-university

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 ISPs — all while putting customer service and community first. 

Learn how being small actually offers a big advantage in today’s broadband landscape.

Recommended Links:

AireBeam Website 

Utah Broadband Website 

Ben Elkins LinkedIn 

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