The Broadband Bunch

In this episode, Brad Hine interviews Lori Adams from Nokia at Mountain Connect 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Lori provides key updates on Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance and its implications for manufacturers, state governments, and applicants of the BEAD program. She explains the recent NTIA guidelines on self-certification, reporting requirements, and compliance enforcement, sharing Nokia's approach to meeting these standards. Lori also discusses how BABA impacts project costs, labor availability, and timelines, providing valuable insights for those navigating the complexities of federal broadband programs. 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://pages.nokia.com/T009BA-build-america-buy-america-what-you-need-to-know-today.html

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch podcast, Brad Randall, Chair of the upcoming Broadband Communities West Conference, sits down with host Brad Hine to discuss the much-anticipated inaugural event. Set for late October in San Diego, California, this conference will tackle key challenges and opportunities in broadband deployment, particularly in California’s diverse and expansive landscape. Brad shares his role in shaping the conference, insights on broadband development in the West, and how the industry is evolving through digital formats and new event landscapes. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To sign up for the event: https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/broadband-communities-west/index.stm

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Trent Edwards, President of Broadband Solutions at TAC Communications. Edwards provides insights into the current broadband landscape, TAC’s evolution, and the significant role partnerships play in addressing industry challenges. With his extensive experience, Edwards discusses workforce issues, creative strategies for collaboration, and the importance of embracing new approaches to broadband construction. His forward-thinking perspective emphasizes cooperation and strategic preparation for the next wave of broadband infrastructure development. Click the link below to listen. Also subscribe to the Broadband Bunch so you never miss an episode. To learn more: https://www.takcommunications.com

In this episode, we chat with Tyler Ashner, Broadband Services Manager at Swank Construction, about the company's strategic move into the fiber optics industry. Tyler shares his journey from military engineering to leading Swank’s role in Pennsylvania's $100 million statewide fiber optic deployment, emphasizing the company's expertise in microtrenching, traffic control, and quality craftsmanship. We explore the challenges and opportunities within the broadband sector, including the impact of the BEAD program, integration of DOT funds into smart highway projects, and labor shortages. Tyler also highlights Swank's vision for sustaining growth in the fiber optics sector and their plans for future infrastructure projects. Click the link below to listen now. Also subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more: https://swankco.com

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Katie Curtis, CIO of Great Plains Communication, at this year’s Fiber Connect. Katie discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating cloud-based architecture, the importance of data quality, and the impact of digital transformation on the customer experience. She emphasizes the necessity of investing in modern technology to remain competitive and how Great Plains Communication is setting a foundation for future growth through strategic system upgrades. 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://gpcom.com

In this episode Brad Hine speaks with Robert Griffin, a Tribal Leader of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He discussion centers around the challenges of improving connectivity in rural areas, the nation’s ambitious goal of reaching 80% broadband coverage by 2027, and the importance of partnerships and grant funding in achieving these objectives. Additionally, Robert reflects on the Choctaw Nation’s rich history, including their contributions as Code Talkers, and how this legacy influences their current technological initiatives. 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.choctawnation.com/services/home-internet-connectivity/

In this episode, Pete Pizzutilo chats with Brian Snider and John Sullivan, the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Revenue Officer of DXTel, at from Fiber Connect 2024. The guys share their personal journey from network operators to leaders at DXTel, highlighting how their unique platforms and managed services, give ISPs flexible, effective marketing solutions to take on the big incumbent carriers. 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://dxtel.net

In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Lori Adams, VP Broadband Policy and Funding Strategy at Nokia, to discuss the latest updates on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Lori provides valuable insights into how states like Louisiana are navigating the complex process, from securing Volume Two approvals to managing multiple funding streams simultaneously. With the pressure on states to meet tight deadlines and the looming challenge of limited construction resources, Lori offers a candid look at the hurdles and opportunities ahead. Click the link below to listen! Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Can Lessons from Global Markets Unlock Success in U.S. Fiber Deployment? In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Greg Wilson, CEO of Ripple Fiber, at FiberConnect. Greg shares insights on his journey from the South African fiber market to leading Ripple Fiber’s expansion in the U.S. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in different markets, Ripple Fiber’s strategy for identifying underserved areas, and their commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Greg also highlights the importance of innovation in overcoming market challenges and how Ripple Fiber plans to grow its presence across multiple states. 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.ripplefiber.com

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo engages in a lively conversation with Curtis Dean, Executive Director of the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN), from FiberConnect 2024. Dean offers a candid reflection on the event, sharing his thoughts on the importance of hallway conversations, the challenges and opportunities surrounding middle mile infrastructure, and the complexities of the BEAD program for small providers. The discussion dives into the critical role of public-private partnerships, the hurdles faced by rural providers, and the potential impact of recent legislative changes on broadband deployment. Dean emphasizes the need for strategic planning and collaboration to navigate the evolving landscape of community broadband. 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://broadbandaction.com

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Heather Moyer, Founder and CEO of HNM Systems, at Fiber Connect 2024. HNM Systems offers staffing and engineering services for Telecom, Utilities, and IT organizations. Heather discusses with Pete the critical workforce challenges the broadband industry faces, including labor shortages and the need for better industry branding. Heather also reflects on her company’s mission to positively impact three million lives and emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, and mentorship. 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://hnmsystems.com/about-us/

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Joe Pellegrini, President and COO of Great Plains Communications, from FiberConnect 2024. The conversation delves into the critical role of middle mile infrastructure in the broadband industry, exploring its challenges, innovations, and the strategic importance it holds for connectivity. Pellegrini discusses how Great Plains Communications has leveraged its extensive network to build and operate middle mile infrastructure, the financial considerations behind these projects, and the evolving role of partnerships in an increasingly competitive market. The discussion highlights the importance of middle mile networks in enabling last-mile connectivity and ensuring the capacity and reliability required for modern broadband services. Click the link below to listen. Also subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast so you never miss an episode. To learm more: https://gpcom.com

In this episode, Brad Hine welcomes Rhyan Neble, VP of Product Innovation at ETI Software, to discuss the emerging regulatory landscape facing broadband providers. With a focus on the new FCC requirements, including broadband nutrition labels, transparency reporting, and broadband data collection (BDC) reporting, Ryan provides in-depth insights into how these regulations are affecting the industry. He shares how ETI Software is innovating to help providers navigate and comply with these complex mandates, emphasizing the importance of integrating these requirements into a holistic data strategy to ensure compliance and maintain a competitive edge. 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://etisoftware.com

In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Teddy Bekele, Chief Technology Officer at Land O'Lakes, to discuss the transformative role of technology in agriculture. The conversation dives into how broadband connectivity is driving innovation in rural communities, with a focus on precision agriculture, environmental sustainability, and community revitalization. Teddy shares insights into Land O'Lakes' approach to technology, the impact of connectivity on farming, and the broader implications for the agricultural industry and rural America. Click now to hear their story. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more: https://www.landolakesinc.com

**This episode was improperly indexed in our catalog of shows** In this episode, recorded live at Connected Britain 2023, Clive Quantrill, Senior Partner at Cambridge Management Consultants, provides a comprehensive overview of the UK telecommunications market. The discussion highlights the significant investment and fragmentation within the UK fiber and mobile industry. Clive delves into the challenges posed by econ**This episode was improperly indexed in our catalog of episodes and is being re-released** In this episode, recorded live at Connected Britain 2023, Clive Quantrill, Senior Partner at Cambridge Management Consultants, provides a comprehensive overview of the UK telecommunications market. The discussion highlights the significant investment and fragmentation within the UK fiber and mobile industry. Clive delves into the challenges posed by economic pressures and market consolidation, offering strategic insights for alternative network providers (alt nets) on achieving market penetration and operational efficiency. Additionally, the conversation also explores future expectations, emphasizing the role of wholesaling and the ongoing evolution of the market. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. omic pressures and market consolidation, offering strategic insights for alternative network providers (alt nets) on achieving market penetration and operational efficiency. Additionally, the conversation also explores future expectations, emphasizing the role of wholesaling and the ongoing evolution of the market. 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, host Joe Coldebella welcomes Scott Hendrix, CEO of Tombigbee Fiber, and Matt Collins, Chief Commercial Operations Officer at Calix. The discussion centers on the significant impact of broadband services in rural communities, particularly in enhancing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems. The conversation also highlights the rapid growth and success of Tombigbee Fiber, including their pioneering Smart Town initiative that provides critical WiFi access to first responders. Matt Collins elaborates on Calix's role in supporting Tombigbee Fiber and other rural broadband providers as we unpack the innovative Smart Town concept. 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.tombigbeefiber.com To learn more: https://www.calix.com/products/smartlife/smarttown.html

In this episode, Joe Coldebella chats with Jeff Gavlinski, CEO of Mountain Connect, to discuss the upcoming 10th anniversary of the event which happens Aug 5-7 in Denver Colorado. Mountain Connect features a range of keynote and breakout sessions focused on the evolving broadband industry. This year's event will spotlight BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) with participation from 30 state broadband offices. Key sessions include a Broadband 101 introduction session, and various tracks providing diverse perspectives on broadband issues. Click now to hear what’s happening at Mountain Connect 2024. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn about the event: https://mountainconnect.org

In this episode, Brad Hine welcomes Rob Johnson, CTO of Novos Fiber. Rob has been instrumental in establishing successful fiber-based broadband providers in the Fort Worth, Texas area. Previously, he co-founded Live Oak Fiber in Georgia and Northern Florida. With a strong background in securing funding, and building broadband companies, Rob shares his insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of speed and efficiency in network rollouts, and leveraging new technologies to enhance broadband services. Rob's extensive knowledge and practical experience provide a comprehensive look at the broadband industry's current landscape and future potential. His emphasis on efficient execution, community involvement, and innovative technology offers valuable lessons for anyone involved in broadband expansion and ISP management. 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.novosfiber.com

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Alain Meller, Deputy CEO at Setics. Setics is a leading French consulting firm in digital infrastructures and telecommunications, offering high-value consulting and strategic support. Alain discusses the challenges and solutions for network operators, particularly in the US market. He highlights the importance of design automation and AI in streamlining the planning and design phases of fiber network rollouts. Alain also emphasizes the benefits of integrating new technologies and learning from global counterparts to overcome market challenges. 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.setics.com/en/

In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Ray O'Connor, Sr VP of Sales at Indigo, to discuss the evolving landscape of broadband connectivity in the US. Ray highlights the critical role of private equity in the fiber-to-the-home market and the transformative impact on both the U.K. and U.S. broadband sectors. He emphasizes the necessity of viewing broadband as a fundamental utility, vital for both economic and environmental benefits. The discussion also delves into the strategic parallels between the U.K. and U.S. markets and the significant investments poised to drive connectivity improvements in rural America. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your podcast platform so you never miss an episode. To learn more: https://www.indigotg.com