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 2026 and 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. In addition, the podcast received Awards of Distinction in the same category in 2025, 2023, and 2022.
Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org. Interested in being one of our sponsors? Email us at info@connectednation.org.
- Episodes
- 279
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 26 min
- On air since
- 2020
- Latest episode
- 6 days ago
Episodes
279 episodes, newest first
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17 min
One company's waste, one family's connection: Inside human i-t's mission
Season 7, Episode 53
Show notes
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with reps from human-i-t about how the nonprofit turns retired corporate technology into refurbished devices for people and families who need them.
Related links:
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39 min
Build broadband with communities, not just for them
Season 7, Episode 52
Show notes
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with Drew Lentz of Frontera Consulting, also known as the Wireless Nerd, about what it takes to build broadband networks that truly serve the communities they connect.
We discuss why broadband access is only one piece of the puzzle, the need for digital skills and cybersecurity education, and Drew's idea for “digital paperboys” to train students to support technology in their own communities. We also explore lessons from projects in South Texas and Juneau, Alaska, and why community partnerships can make broadband networks more successful long term.
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30 min
It's game on: Calix on AI and the future of broadband
Season 7, Episode 51
Show notes
AI isn’t coming anymore. It’s here. Live from the 25th Calix ConnecXions Conference, Calix’s Scott Neuman explains why it’s "game on" for broadband providers and what that means for the communities they serve.
Related links:
Calix website -
23 min
From 4,000 survey responses to $47 million: Bastrop County’s broadband journey
Season 7, Episode 50
Show notes
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with Norma Mercado, executive director of Bastrop County Cares, about the community-driven effort to bring broadband to underserved areas of Bastrop County, Texas.
We discuss how local collaboration helped secure $47 million in broadband funding, the importance of digital skills and devices, and how Bastrop County is working to build a more connected community.
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19 min
Fort Bend County is turning broadband access into opportunity
Season 7, Episode 49
Show notes
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with the broadband program administrator from Fort Bend County, Texas, about the county's efforts to connect residents and businesses across the area.
We discuss broadband deployment, digital literacy, adoption, and learn what it takes to turn internet access into real-world opportunity for an entire community.
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25 min
Beyond connectivity: How broadband can empower Native nations and build stronger communities
Season 7, Episode 48
Show notes
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with a tribal economic development leader who is working to create new opportunities for Native nations and underserved communities.
We discuss tribal self-determination, workforce development, broadband, infrastructure, and what it takes to build community-driven solutions that support long-term economic goals.
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40 min
Minnesota's broadband chief on turning years of planning into instant impact
Season 7, Episode 47
Show notes
On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re heading to Minnesota—a state that has long been recognized as a national leader in broadband planning and investment.
We’ll explore Minnesota’s broadband journey, the challenges of connecting communities across its diverse landscape, and the lessons its experience can offer other states as they enter the next phase of broadband deployment.
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38 min
Turning big broadband dreams into reality in Illinois
Season 7, Episode 46
Show notes
On this episode of Connected Nation we're talking with a broadband policy leader who is helping guide connectivity expansion efforts in one of the nation's most diverse states.
We discuss broadband policy, digital equity, workforce development, and find out what it takes to move from broadband planning to real world deployment in the state of Illinois.
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22 min
Bridging legacy infrastructure with modern connectivity solutions
Season 7, Episode 45
Show notes
How are service providers modernizing voice services, and what happens to critical systems still relying on copper lines?
On this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson talks with Ooma’s Michael Abenhaim about building flexible, cloud-based voice solutions, and how tools like AirDial are helping bridge the gap between legacy infrastructure and next-generation connectivity.
Related links:
Ooma's website
Michael Abenhaim's LinkedIn
Company on LinkedIn -
24 min
Bringing fiber to rural America: Fidium’s community-first approach
Season 7, Episode 44
Show notes
Fiber is more than a technology—it can be a pathway to opportunity in rural communities.
On this episode of Connected Nation, Fidium’s Sarah Davis shares how the company is taking a fiber-first approach to connecting rural communities across 21 states. The conversation explores Fidium’s community-first strategy, public-private partnerships, BEAD-funded projects, and the different approaches needed to build resilient fiber networks in places ranging from rural Maine to Florida and Texas. Davis also explains why listening to communities first—and meeting them where they are—has been key to Fidium’s success.
Related links:
Fidium's website -
20 min
The real battle in broadband is not speed it is loyalty
Season 7, Episode 43
Show notes
In broadband, better speeds alone are no longer enough to win.
In this episode of Connected Nation, Calix’s Teresa McGaughey explains how service providers are shifting their focus to customer experience, retention, and smarter operations. The conversation explores how AI driven platforms, targeted marketing, and automation can help providers reduce churn and compete in an increasingly crowded market.
Related links:
Calix's website -
21 min
The hidden problem slowing down AI in broadband
Season 7, Episode 42
Show notes
AI is everywhere in broadband but it only works if the data behind it is right.
In this episode Connected Nation, IQGeo’s George Hughes explains how providers can improve data quality, reduce mistakes in the field, and use automation to streamline everything from design to operations. The conversation also explores how AI and automation together are laying the groundwork for more efficient, more reliable networks.
Related links:
IQGeo website -
28 min
Why some broadband providers will not survive the next wave
Season 7, Episode 41
Show notes
Broadband is growing fast but not everyone is keeping up. In this episode of Connected Nation, industry veteran Scott Sampson breaks down the biggest mistakes ISPs are making and explains why AI, consolidation, and new funding are reshaping the market. Find out what he thinks it will take to survive what comes next.
Related links:
Scott Sampson's LinkedIn -
42 min
Breaking barriers, closing gaps: Connected Nation's bid for a world record
Season 7, Episode 40
Show notes
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking about Connected Nation's attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the "longest internet literacy livestream" a 25-hour global event focused on building essential digital skills.
We'll discuss how the idea came together, what participants can expect, why digital skills matter, and the impact this effort could have beyond the world record.
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28 min
Why broadband providers can no longer build networks the same way
Season 7, Episode 39
Show notes
Broadband is shifting fast and the old rules no longer apply. In this episode of Connected Nation, Harmonic’s Jeff Glahn explains how providers are rethinking the way networks are built, upgraded, and managed. From plug-and-play solutions to AI driven insights, this conversation explores how a more flexible, customer-focused approach is taking shape.
Related links:
Harmonic's website -
27 min
How “labor-light” design is changing how broadband gets built
Season 7, Episode 38
Show notes
Building broadband faster isn’t just about technology. It’s about how you design it.
In this episode of Connected Nation, Clearfield’s Anis Khemakhem explains how “labor-light” fiber solutions, modular design, and practical innovation are helping networks scale faster, stay resilient, and prepare for the real-world demands of AI.
Related links:
Clearfield website
Clearfield LinkedIn
Anis Khemakhem LinkedIn -
25 min
How one state’s unique approach to broadband is saving lives
Season 7, Episode 37
Show notes
Broadband isn’t just about faster speeds. It’s reshaping how communities access healthcare, education, and innovation.
In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson talks with Tracy Doaks of MCNC and Dr. John Graham of NCTNA at Fiber Connect 2026. They explore how North Carolina’s statewide fiber network is powering everything from AI research to “medical-grade” connectivity that supports telehealth across rural communities.
Related links:
MCNC websiteNC Telehealth Network Association website
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26 min
Bridging the “donut holes” in broadband access
Season 7, Episode 36
Show notes
Some communities are still falling through the cracks of broadband expansion.
In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson talks with Bo Coughlin, President of eNCore, about the persistent “donut holes" in North Carolina and what it will take to close them.
From overlooked rural communities to the real-world consequences of disconnection, this conversation makes one thing clear: closing the gap can’t wait.
Related links:
Website - https://encorenc.org/
Mr. Coughlin's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bocoughlin/ -
26 min
A cost-effective answer to some of the biggest problems for some of the nation's smallest ISPs
Season 7, Episode 35
Show notes
What happens when powerful technology becomes accessible to smaller broadband providers?
At Fiber Connect 2026, we talk with Ian Oliver of Globema about the software, automation, and AI tools helping tier-two and tier-three ISPs work smarter, design networks faster, and better serve their customers. Plus, we discuss the future of fiber, the evolving role of cable networks, and why innovation isn't just for the biggest players in broadband.
Recommended links:
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28 min
Tailor-made home internet that you can take with you
Season 7, Episode 34
Show notes
What happens when broadband networks become smart enough to manage themselves?
Recorded live at Fiber Connect 2026, this episode of Connected Nation features Randy Van Buren of Motive Software Solutions for a fascinating conversation about the technologies shaping the future of connectivity. From backup internet systems that seamlessly switch between fiber, wireless, and satellite networks to the growing role of artificial intelligence in network management, Van Buren shares insights into how providers are building more resilient, efficient, and reliable broadband networks.
If you've ever wondered how emerging technologies will keep people connected anytime, anywhere, this episode offers a glimpse into what's next.
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