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Published by Jessica Denson
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.
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Send us Fan Mail 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. Related links: Shawna Taets LinkedIn Illinois Office of Broadband webpage
Send us Fan Mail 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 Fidium's LinkedIn Sarah Davis' LinkedIn
Send us Fan Mail 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 Company's LinkedIn Teresa McGaughey's LinkedIn
Send us Fan Mail 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 IQGeo on LinkedIn George Hughes' LinkedIn
Send us Fan Mail 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
Send us Fan Mail 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. Related links: Connected Nation World Record webpage Heather Gate LinkedIn Molly Weiner LinkedIn
Send us Fan Mail 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 Company's LinkedIn Jeff Glahn's LinkedIn
Send us Fan Mail 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
Send us Fan Mail 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 website NC Telehealth Network Association website MCNC on LinkedIn NC Telehealth Network Association LinkedIn Tracy Doaks' LinkedIn Dr. John Graham's LinkedIn
Send us Fan Mail 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/
Send us Fan Mail 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: Ian Oliver LinkedIn Globema website
Send us Fan Mail 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. Recommended links: Randy Van Buren LinkedIn Motive website
Send us Fan Mail 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. Recommended links: Sutton Underwood LinkedIn Rok Okorn LinkedIn Kontron LinkedIn Kontron website
Send us Fan Mail 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. Recommended links: Mountain Connect website Mountain Connect agenda Hosted Buyers Program Jeffrey Gavlinski LinkedIn
Send us Fan Mail 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, they answer the big question: what’s the strangest thing they’ve ever shipped? Recommended links: Caleb Buchel's LinkedIn Larne Davis' LinkedIn Heneways Freight Services
Send us Fan Mail 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 years. Recommended links: Mario Soave LinkedIn Mario email - mario.soave@cleverfi.com CleverFi pitch video CleverFi website
Send us Fan Mail 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. Recommended links: Eric Frederick LinkedIn Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MiHi)
Send us Fan Mail 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. Recommended links: Neo Network Development's website Vince Aragona's LinkedIn Fiber Instructure Network Map - https://nndi.us/innovative-solutions/fiber-solutions National Broadband Master Plan - https://nndi.us/innovative-solutions/nbmp
Send us Fan Mail 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. Recommended links: Joseph Wender LinkedIn SHLB website
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Observed September 20, 2026.
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