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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 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. More recently, the podcast received an Award of Distinction in 2025. It received the same honor in 2023 and 2022.
Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org.
181 Episodes
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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 Univers...
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 ...
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...
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....
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 curio...
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 expl...
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 Conne...
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 LinkedinCalix 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 t...
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 ...
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.&n...
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 Sie...
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 a...
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...
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 need...
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 ...
The new year has arrived - bringing the long-awaited start of broadband expansion under the Broadband Equity Access and Development Program (BEAD). However, as all U.S. states and territories prepare to build simultaneously, new challenges are surfacing. On this episode of Connected Nation, we’ll discuss these issues with a telecom industry leader covering topics ranging from strengthening the workforce to adopting best practices for rolling out large-scale broadband infrastructure. Relat...
State leaders across the US are about to embark on a massive undertaking to expand the nation’s broadband infrastructure – thanks to bipartisan legislation that funds the work. On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the CEO and founder of Aurigo Software Technologies, a company that’s helped plan, build, and manage some of the world’s largest infrastructure projects. We ask what common mistakes state leaders can avoid and what opportunities they should be looking for as t...
On today’s podcast – we’re doing something special to wrap up an incredible year. We're bringing in the award-winning communications team that works behind the scenes daily to spread the word about Connected Nation’s impactful programs and projects – tackling digital inequities from coast to coast. We’ll reflect on the biggest challenges, milestones, and victories of 2024, share personal highlights, and even give a glimpse of what’s to come in 2025. Recommended Links: Lily's Puerto Ri...
Today, we’re diving into an incredible story of technology and connection happening right here in the United States. We’re thrilled to welcome leadership from Centranet, a company that delivers cutting edge internet via a fiber broadband communitcations network. We will hear more about Centranet and their recently announced partnership with Sac and Fox Nation to bring one of the fastest internet speeds in the world to a rural tribal community in Oklahoma. Recommended Links: Partnership ...
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