The Broadband Bunch

In this episode, host Brad Hine talks with Bryan Darr, VP of Government Affairs at Ookla. With 40 years of experience in telecom, including significant roles in the wireless industry, Darr provides insights into the evolution of broadband, the importance of data in decision-making, and the role of Ookla in measuring network performance. Darr discusses the new FCC broadband labels, highlighting their significance for transparency and the challenges faced by ISPs in meeting these new requirements. Click now to hear his perspective. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more: https://www.ookla.com To test your speed: https://www.speedtest.net

In this episode, we are joined by attorney Casey Lide, a partner at the law firm Keller and Heckman. Casey and Brad discuss some key challenges facing the broadband industry in the coming months. In addition to their expert legal services, Keller and Heckman offer the KH Broadband Digest, a must-read weekly newsletter on relevant broadband news. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To subscribe to the KH Digest, sign up here: https://www.khlaw.com/practices/telecommunications/digest

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Benoit Felten, Partner at Plum Consulting. Benoit shares his insights into European fiber deployment and broadband development, exploring the contrasting approaches of Europe and the US. Countries like Spain and France demonstrate the success of clear, long-term planning and targeted support in Europe. Conversely, the US faces challenges due to short-term profit expectations and the absence of a comprehensive strategy, hindered by outdated structures that impede long-term investment. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more:

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Guilherme Cunha, Sales Director Telecommunications - Europe & UK at Cyclomedia Technology. Their conversation centers around the role of detailed spatial data and digital twins in optimizing network planning, reducing costs, and addressing challenges like the shortage of surveyors. The episode also emphasizes the importance of accurate asset management and the need for increased broadband adoption to sustain fiber infrastructure investments. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. https://www.cyclomedia.com/us

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Kajsa Arvidsson, CMO Genexis, at the FTTH Euro 2024 Conference in Berlin, Germany. Their conversation delves into the evolving landscape of broadband technology and its impact on user experiences. Kaysa discusses the importance of open standards and collaboration in driving innovation within the industry. She highlights emerging trends such as XGS-PON deployment in Europe and explores potential opportunities in the US market. Overall, the discussion underscores the ongoing efforts to simplify broadband infrastructure and enhance consumer connectivity worldwide. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more: https://genexis.eu

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Amerigo Garofano, Vice President of Telecom at SiteTracker, during the FTTH Euro 2024 Conference in Berlin, Germany. They discuss strategies for optimizing FTTH network rollouts, reducing costs, and coping with workforce challenges in the European telecom industry. Amerigo highlights the importance of automation, AI, and machine learning in reducing OPEX and improving efficiency. He also discusses the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical factors on broadband deployment and the trend toward consolidation in the European telecom market. Click now to listen to the very informative episode. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more: https://www.sitetracker.com

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Vikram Chimalgi, Senior Vice President & Global Delivery Head – Communications at Cyient. Their conversation delves into European telecom trends, emphasizing AI's role in broadband infrastructure, and shares insights into Cyient's diverse portfolio and network design and optimization approach. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Stefaan Vanhastel, VP of Marketing and Innovation at Nokia. They dive into Nokia's pivotal role in driving broadband innovation, emphasizing the evolution of capacity, speed, and fiber optics solutions. The conversation touches on market trends, highlighting the increasing demand for high-speed broadband and challenges such as legacy infrastructure and interoperability. Stefaan envisions the versatility of fiber optics beyond residential broadband, discussing its potential applications in smart city infrastructure and Industry 4.0 solutions. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more :https://www.nokia.com/networks/broadband-access/

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kara Schwarz-Schilling, CEO of the WIK Institute in Germany. Kara shares with us her insights on telecommunications regulation in Europe, plus the ever-evolving dynamics of infrastructure competition, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in the industry. Cara also highlights the shift from monopoly networks to complex market structures with local monopolies and varying interests among players. Click now to listen to this insightful conversation. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more about the institute: https://www.wik.org

In this episode, we are joined by Nina Bargisen, the Director of Technical Evangelism at Kentik, in her role, Nina advocates for network observability's crucial role in optimizing connectivity. With an eye on innovation, Nina specializes in Kentik's flow-based analytics system, helping diverse industries harness data for insights. She prioritizes customer experience and emphasizes the significance of investing in network observability for modern Internet services. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more: https://www.kentik.com

In this episode, Brad chats with Lori Adams, Vice President of Broadband Policy & Funding Strategy at Nokia. With over two decades of experience in telecommunications law, Adams spearheads Nokia's Buy America compliance for the BEAD program. She brings expertise in business development, regulatory matters, and grant funding to her role. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. Lori's Article: https://www.telecompetitor.com/understanding-the-complexities-of-buy-american-vs-build-america-buy-america/ Nokia BEAD Resource Center: https://www.nokia.com/networks/rural-broadband/us-government-broadband-funding-opportunities/bead-applicant-resource-center/

In this episode, Pete is at the FTTH Euro 2024 and is joined by the newly minted CEO of the Broadband Forum, Craig Thomas. The Broadband Forum is the industry's foremost authority on broadband technology, shaping architecture and certification testing. With over 20 years of experience, they drive global network best practices, and spearhead technology evolution. The Forum has also collaborated with over 150 manufacturers and service providers which has resulted in over 200 globally adopted standards. Click now to hear their story and where Craig believes the industry is headed. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more about the organization: https://www.broadband-forum.org

In this episode, we are joined by John Cankar, Managing Director, GravityPath. As money from both public and private sources floods into the broadband space, organizations, and communities should be planning for both their immediate needs and looking towards the future. But how do they ensure a network's longevity and efficiency? By focusing on “futuring” their networks for the next 20 years. Click now to listen to this forward-thinking discussion on broadband networks and deployment. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more: https://gravitypath.com

In this episode, we are joined by Bo Ford, Digital Equity Program Manager, New Mexico State Library system. Bo is committed to breaking down barriers and fostering digital inclusion through strategic initiatives. Libraries play a crucial role in improving digital equity for citizens of New Mexico in several ways: Access to Technology, Digital Literacy Programs, Tech Assistance, and access to connectivity itself. Bo's dedication to this cause makes him a catalyst for positive change in communities across the state. Click now to hear how the New Mexico library system is working to bring connectivity and inclusion to its residents. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Band Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

In this episode we are joined by Thomas Tyler, Deputy Director of ConnectLA. Since the establishment of Louisiana's state broadband office in 2021, the state has been striving to bridge the digital divide through initiatives like Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) grants. These grants operate on a performance-based model, incentivizing ISPs to expand broadband coverage efficiently. Alongside broadband deployment, the state is also focusing on reaching residents through digital equity programs, ensuring that marginalized communities have equal access to essential services. The overarching goal is to ensure high-speed, affordable Internet access reaches every corner of Louisiana, recognizing the economic benefits that come with widespread broadband adoption. Click now to learn the Louisiana story. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. https://connect.la.gov