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
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 t...
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...
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 ...
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 arti...
What happens when a company trusted with defense, medical, and transportation tech turns its focus to broadband?
Recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson talks with leadership from Kontron about their entry into the telecommunications sector. We explore how their 'fail-safe' background is shaping a new, cost-effective approach to building and maintaining resilient networks.&nb...
On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re previewing Mountain Connect 2026 — and a timely, solution-driven opportunity for ISPs to overcome deployment challenges and accelerate broadband expansion nationwide.
Listen as we discuss a new Hosted Buyer Program designed to connect ISPs with trusted partners, reduce deployment challenges, and even help cover the cost of attending the conference.
R...
In this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Heneways Freight Services executives Larne Davis and Caleb Buchel to explore the fast-moving world of global shipping — and the role it plays in keeping broadband projects on track.
From tariffs and supply chain challenges to family business traditions, they share an inside look at the industry that keeps goods — and networks — moving. And yes, t...
Imagine never having to ask for a Wi-Fi password ever again. In this episode, recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, we meet Mario Soave of CleverFi.
He shares how a personal brush with the FBI inspired him to reinvent how we connect on the go. We explore his vision for 'teleporting' your home network to any location and why this startup is one you’ll likely be using in just a few...
What happens when a massive federal broadband program gets paused, rewritten, and restarted?
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Michigan’s Chief Connectivity Officer, Eric Frederick, about navigating the BEAD program's "administrative slog." Learn how Michigan is using everything from Great Lakes subsea cables to AI literacy to finally get shovels in the ground and close the Digital Divide.
Recomm...
How do we solve America’s broadband affordability gap while also protecting critical infrastructure?
During the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson sat down with Neo Network Development's Founder and CEO Vince Aragona to discuss innovative approaches to broadband deployment, public-private partnerships, and the company’s vision for a nationwide fiber infrastructure network.
Recommen...
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Joseph “Joey” Wender, Executive Director of SHLB. The conversation explores the future of the Universal Service Fund, the ongoing fight to close the homework gap, cybersecurity challenges facing community institutions, and how reliable connectivity can be life-changing, and even lifesaving, for communities across the country.
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The infrastructure is being built, but is the workforce ready? During the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson sat down to discuss the growing need for digital skills training. We break down the areas that require immediate focus and why digital literacy is the 'hidden gap' that could determine the success of broadband deployment across the U.S.
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What is the next big disruptor threatening to widen the Digital Divide?
In this episode, recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson tackles the urgent state of U.S. broadband policy with Nokia leadership. From emerging tech shifts to policy bottlenecks, we unpack the immediate actions required to secure connectivity for every American.
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In 2013, nine rural telephone companies came together with one goal: bringing urban-level connectivity and services to rural communities. On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a representative from CBS Oregon to discuss how that collaboration turned into a success story for rural broadband.
She also shares insights from her role as chair of the planning committee for Fiber Connect 2026 and what ...
On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a strategic advisor who works with ISPs and co-ops across the country to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the broadband industry. From overcoming fears around AI to helping employees embrace innovation, the conversation dives into the opportunities and challenges organizations face as technology rapidly evolves.
Straight from the Fiber Conn...
Broadband isn't just about infrastructure; it's about human equity. Sitting down at the Connected America Conference, Colorado Broadband Director Brandy Reitter explains the harsh realities of closing the Digital Divide.
From mountain construction challenges and BEAD funding to AI opportunities and workforce shortages, Reitter breaks down exactly what it takes to bring reliable internet to rural Colorado—...
Rural broadband doesn’t just happen in a vacuum—it happens on rural land. But how do we turn landowners into essential infrastructure partners?
Connected Nation's host Jessica Denson sits down with David Christophersen of the Rural Tower Cooperative to discuss why the 'co-op' model is the secret weapon for accelerating BEAD funding, building community trust, and ensuring the future of American farming is ...
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're joined by a tech leader who's helped global enterprises modernize the cloud, harness AI for real-time decisions, and even rethink sustainable infrastructure for EV charging.
We'll talk about getting the cloud right, the AI trends that matter, and what all of this means for ISPs and states building next gen networks.
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At a defining moment for broadband, many believe fiber is at the center of what comes next. In this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson speaks with Fiber Broadband Association President and CEO Gary Bolton about why this is a critical moment to be at the world’s largest fiber conference, Fiber Connect 2026.
From AI and data centers to healthcare, agriculture, and long‑term infrastructure decis...
On this episode of Connected Nation, we chat about a new "attraction" at the Connected America Conference - an India pavilion. Find out why companies from the other side of the globe were here to talk American connectivity.
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