Advertise on podcast: Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles

In this episode, Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer of Digital Realty, shares his perspective on what it really takes to scale AI infrastructure beyond the hype. Drawing on more than two decades at the center of cloud, interconnection, and data center technology, Chris explains why today’s infrastructure challenge comes down to three critical elements: electrons, equipment, and expertise, and why time to power and time to market have become increasingly important. Chris discusses the shift from AI training toward inference, where models move from being built to being continuously used to deliver real-world value. As AI enters this utility phase, he sees infrastructure becoming more distributed and interconnected, with organizations combining public, private, and multiple AI models. At the same time, rising rack densities and next-generation chipsets are fundamentally changing data center design, power architecture, and connectivity requirements. The conversation explores another critical constraint: people. Chris argues that the industry industrialized electrons faster than expertise, while the talent pipeline remained relatively flat. From electricians and skilled trades to technical and operational professionals, human expertise can determine whether gigawatts of planned infrastructure actually become operational. Digital Realty is addressing this challenge by recruiting beyond traditional data center backgrounds and training new talent for careers in the industry. Looking ahead, Chris believes data centers will evolve from real estate into industrial machines that manufacture intelligence. Success will increasingly be measured not simply by megawatts or tokens, but by the value and outcomes infrastructure delivers. As AI demand accelerates, he believes the constraints the industry may ultimately wish it had addressed sooner are straightforward: electrons and electricians. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Mike Maniscalco, CEO of QumulusAI, shares how his background as a computer scientist and software entrepreneur led him into AI infrastructure and ultimately to QumulusAI. Mike explains how the rapid advancement of AI, particularly reasoning models and agentic tools, made one thing increasingly clear: more capable AI requires more tokens, and more tokens require more compute infrastructure. That realization brought him back to the infrastructure layer powering the AI revolution. Mike discusses QumulusAI’s differentiated approach to delivering GPU compute through a distributed, inference-first model built around “hyperspeed.” Rather than focusing exclusively on massive, multi-year hyperscale campuses, the company identifies smaller pockets of existing powered data center capacity that can be upgraded and brought online faster. This allows QumulusAI to respond to customers who need compute in months rather than waiting years for new infrastructure. The conversation explores why inference represents such a significant opportunity as AI moves from training models to putting them into production. Mike also breaks down QumulusAI’s FACTS framework (flexibility, access, cost, trust, and speed) and explains how flexibility across locations, vendors, architectures, and supply chains can help accelerate deployment. Looking ahead, Mike believes AI infrastructure demand is still in its early innings. As multimodal AI, agentic applications, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and other emerging use cases consume more compute, he sees distributed infrastructure becoming increasingly important, especially as latency and location matter more. QumulusAI’s ambition is to evolve into a true AI cloud capable of moving compute at the speed of demand. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Mike Greenawalt, former CEO of Rosendin and founder of the Greenawalt Foundation, shares how his journey from electrical apprentice to leading one of the nation’s largest electrical contractors shaped his mission to create debt-free career pathways into the skilled trades. Mike explains why apprenticeships gave him an opportunity traditional education could not, and why America must rethink how it identifies, develops, and invests in the talent needed to build the future of AI and digital infrastructure. Mike discusses the skilled labor crisis facing the data center industry as AI drives construction at unprecedented speed and scale. While shortages of power, land, equipment, and water receive significant attention, he argues that the shortage of qualified electricians and other tradespeople may be even more critical. Existing apprenticeship programs were already struggling to replace an aging workforce, and the AI boom has accelerated demand far beyond their ability to scale. The conversation explores how the Greenawalt Foundation is helping students and people in career transition enter registered apprenticeship programs by funding tuition, books, tools, safety equipment, and other barriers to entry. Mike also shares the success of the pre-apprenticeship model he helped launch with Grand Canyon University, which has now served more than 1,000 students and expanded beyond electrical training into construction, cleanroom technology, and CNC machining. Looking ahead, Mike believes the companies driving the AI boom must take greater responsibility for developing the workforce required to build it. From apprenticeship programs located directly on major data center construction sites to stronger partnerships among industry, universities, nonprofits, and communities, he sees an opportunity to train tens of thousands of skilled workers while creating life-changing careers without traditional college debt. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Jessica Herrala, Vice President of North America at Buildots, shares how three decades in construction led her from some of the industry's largest contractors into the fast-moving world of construction technology. Jessica explains how Buildots is using AI-powered progress tracking to bring objective, real-time data to complex construction projects, helping contractors and data center developers replace guesswork with greater visibility, accountability, and confidence. Jessica discusses how Buildots combines 3D models, project schedules, and site imagery to compare planned versus actual construction progress. By tracking activities and identifying potential delays earlier, the platform helps teams make better decisions before schedule problems become costly—an increasingly important capability as massive data center projects are built at unprecedented speed and scale. The conversation explores how AI is changing the jobsite amid one of construction's greatest challenges: a shortage of skilled labor. Jessica explains that AI isn't about replacing people, but enabling teams to spend less time manually tracking progress and more time focused on safety, quality, planning, and delivering more with limited resources. Looking ahead, Jessica believes technology and people must evolve together. She shares lessons on building high-performing teams, leading with authenticity, developing women in male-dominated industries, and embracing change with confidence. As AI transforms data center construction, the organizations that succeed will be those that combine objective data, adaptable leadership, and technology with deep industry expertise. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Doug Recker, CEO of Duos Technologies Group, shares how a career that began in the U.S. Marine Corps and door-to-door telecom sales ultimately led him to building data centers and pioneering a modular approach to edge infrastructure. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience in telecom, fiber, and data centers, Doug explains how Duos Technologies is bringing GPU power and high-performance compute closer to customers in underserved Tier 3 and Tier 4 markets. Doug discusses how Duos Edge is deploying modular data center clusters in communities where connectivity, available compute, and traditional data center capacity have historically been limited. After initially deploying 300-kilowatt pods, the company discovered growing demand for 1- to 15-megawatt facilities from customers looking for capacity to run GPU clusters. By targeting stranded power and partnering with local schools, healthcare systems, governments, and carriers, Duos is creating infrastructure that can improve connectivity while bringing new revenue, tax dollars, and AI workloads into local communities. The conversation explores why edge computing is becoming increasingly important as inference, autonomous vehicles, agriculture, and other AI-driven applications require compute closer to the end user. Doug explains how Duos is deploying more than 2,000 GPUs in modular environments, using closed-loop cooling systems that require very little additional water, and protecting high-value equipment with a patented clean-room entry system designed to reduce dust, pollen, and other contaminants. He also shares how Duos Technologies Group combines Duos Edge with Infrastructure Technologies Group, which provides critical infrastructure equipment to data center operators. Looking ahead, Doug sees enormous opportunity in bringing smaller, distributed GPU clusters closer to where data is created and consumed. Rather than competing for massive gigawatt-scale campuses, Duos is focused on rapidly deploying repeatable 1- to 15-megawatt sites across the country. Underpinning that growth is a team-first culture built around passion, accountability, execution, and doing what you say you will do—principles Doug believes are essential for founders, leaders, and companies navigating the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure market. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Seth Arndorfer, CEO of DCN, shares how an unexpected career journey from agriculture and college rodeo to telecommunications led him to the forefront of one of the industry's most exciting growth opportunities. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience, Seth explains how DCN has evolved into a critical provider of fiber connectivity, supporting government agencies, enterprises, wireless carriers, and now hyperscale data center developments across North Dakota. Seth discusses why North Dakota is emerging as an attractive destination for hyperscale infrastructure, pointing to the state's abundant energy resources, cool climate, underutilized power capacity, and extensive fiber network. He explains how DCN's collaborative model, built on partnerships among rural broadband providers, has created one of the nation's most connected states and positioned it to support the next generation of AI-driven digital infrastructure. The conversation explores the growing importance of backbone fiber capacity, the Heartland Cyber Project, and the long-term investments required to support hyperscalers as demand for AI, cloud computing, and high-capacity connectivity continues to accelerate. Seth also shares how DCN is addressing workforce challenges by investing in local talent development through partnerships with schools, colleges, and industry, building the next generation of networking and cybersecurity professionals. Looking ahead, Seth believes the future of connectivity will depend on a diverse technology ecosystem where fiber, satellite, and emerging solutions work together. As AI continues reshaping digital infrastructure, he sees North Dakota playing an increasingly important role by combining reliable connectivity, strategic infrastructure investments, and a collaborative approach to supporting long-term growth. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Ilissa Miller, Founder and CEO of iMiller Public Relations, shares how nearly three decades in digital infrastructure have given her a unique perspective on the evolution of data centers, connectivity, and the growing challenges surrounding AI-driven infrastructure development. Drawing on her experience as a communications strategist, industry advisor, and Chair of OIX's Digital Infrastructure Framework Committee, Ilissa explains why the future of digital infrastructure depends as much on trust, transparency, and community engagement as it does on technology. Ilissa discusses the changing role of iMiller Public Relations, from shaping industry messaging and introducing new concepts like edge data centers and master-planned data center developments to helping organizations build stronger relationships with the communities where they operate. She emphasizes that successful projects begin with listening, educating, and creating fact-based conversations that address public concerns before misinformation and fear take hold. The conversation explores some of the industry's most pressing issues, including AI infrastructure, responsible data center growth, site selection, zoning, power, water usage, and the balance between economic development and community interests. Ilissa explains why developers must prioritize thoughtful planning, transparent communication, and responsible resource management to earn public trust while supporting the next generation of digital infrastructure. Looking ahead, Ilissa believes the future of data center development will be shaped by collaboration between developers, communities, policymakers, and infrastructure leaders. As AI continues driving unprecedented demand for digital infrastructure, she believes the organizations that succeed will be those that combine innovation with responsible growth, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and a long-term commitment to building infrastructure that benefits both industry and the communities it serves. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, David Pash, CEO of SiteSee, shares how his unconventional journey from engineering, construction, and commercial leadership led him into telecommunications with a mission to transform how wireless infrastructure is planned, managed, and monetized. As an investor turned CEO, David explains how SiteSee evolved from an early digital twin innovator into a telecom-focused software company helping tower owners and mobile network operators make faster, more confident infrastructure decisions through AI-powered digital twins. David discusses the origins of SiteSee and how customer feedback shaped the company's evolution from an RF planning tool into a platform that creates a trusted digital representation of towers and rooftops. He explains the concept of a "decision-ready digital twin" and how it enables customers to inspect, simulate, validate, and optimize infrastructure remotely, dramatically reducing planning time while improving engineering accuracy and operational efficiency. The conversation explores the measurable business impact of SiteSee's technology, including faster colocation approvals, reduced site visits, improved engineering productivity, accelerated time to revenue, and significant cost savings. David emphasizes that the true value of digital twins extends beyond visualization, helping infrastructure owners monetize assets, improve customer experience, and increase enterprise value through smarter workflows and AI-driven decision-making. Looking ahead, David sees digital twins becoming deeply integrated into the workflows of tower companies worldwide. As AI continues reshaping telecommunications, he believes the future belongs to organizations that embrace intelligent automation, customer-driven innovation, and technology that enables faster decisions, safer operations, and more profitable infrastructure management. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Joel Ogren, Founder and CEO of Assured Communications, shares the remarkable journey that took him from serving in the United States Marine Corps to leading a global communications infrastructure company focused on building resilient, mission-critical networks. Drawing on more than two decades of military leadership, including roles supporting the White House and the Department of Defense, Joel explains how his experience managing high-assurance communications systems shaped his approach to ensuring connectivity in some of the world’s most complex environments. Joel discusses the evolution of Assured Communications from a small consulting practice into a global infrastructure partner delivering services across subsea cable systems, terrestrial networks, satellite connectivity, data centers, and strategic project development. A central theme throughout the conversation is the importance of taking a holistic view of infrastructure -one that considers not only technology, but also regulation, geopolitics, environmental factors, community engagement, and long-term economic impact. The discussion explores the realities of managing large-scale infrastructure projects, including permitting challenges, risk management, stakeholder alignment, and the difficult decisions leaders sometimes must make to pause or redirect projects before significant capital is invested. Joel also highlights the growing importance of resilience, emphasizing that successful networks are not those that never fail, but those designed to recover and continue operating when disruptions occur. Looking ahead, Joel sees tremendous opportunity in Asia as AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation continue to drive demand for connectivity and data infrastructure. He believes the future belongs to organizations that combine technical expertise, trusted partnerships, disciplined execution, and a long-term commitment to building reliable communications systems that support global growth. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Christopher Lightfoot, Vice President of Future Infrastructure, shares a deeply personal and professional journey that has shaped his leadership philosophy and approach to building high-performing teams. From starting his career as a cell site technician and working through roles at AT&T, Mastec, Ericsson, Google Fiber, and private equity-backed ventures, Christopher offers a candid perspective on leadership, collaboration, and the future of digital infrastructure. A life-changing cancer diagnosis became a defining moment in his career, teaching him the value of teamwork, humility, and seeking diverse perspectives when solving complex challenges.  At Future Infrastructure, Christopher is helping drive the company’s evolution into a comprehensive telecommunications and infrastructure solutions provider. He explains how Future combines expertise across fiber deployment, wireless networks, power infrastructure, and emerging data center opportunities, creating a unique position within the rapidly growing digital infrastructure ecosystem. A major theme throughout the conversation is the convergence of fiber and data centers. Christopher discusses how hyperscale growth is driving demand for integrated infrastructure solutions and why organizations that can connect power, fiber, and construction capabilities under one umbrella will be best positioned to support the next wave of expansion. The discussion also explores one of the industry's most persistent challenges: breaking down internal silos. Christopher explains how improving communication, collaboration, and cross-functional alignment allows organizations to better serve customers, unlock growth opportunities, and deliver true end-to-end solutions. Beyond infrastructure, Christopher emphasizes the importance of culture, workforce development, and servant leadership. He shares how Future Infrastructure focuses on creating clear career paths, fostering teamwork, prioritizing safety, and helping employees understand the larger purpose behind their work. Looking ahead, Christopher sees a future defined by speed, adaptability, and customer-centric execution. As demand for fiber, data centers, and digital infrastructure continues to accelerate, he believes the companies that succeed will be those that combine technical excellence with strong culture, continuous learning, and a relentless commitment to exceeding customer expectations. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Dan Leaf, Founder and CEO of GUGLI, shares how his journey from telecom integrator to technology innovator led him to build a platform focused on one critical mission: ensuring public safety communication systems work when lives depend on them. Drawing from decades of experience deploying wireless and critical communication infrastructure, Dan offers a compelling look at how technology, automation, and real-time visibility are transforming public safety systems and smarter infrastructure. GUGLI was born from a major gap Dan identified while installing emergency communication systems across commercial properties: once deployed, these systems were often forgotten, leaving building owners and first responders with little visibility into whether they would function during an actual emergency. Dan explains how GUGLI evolved into a real-time monitoring platform that combines hardware, software, cloud infrastructure, and automation to continuously monitor these mission-critical systems. A major theme throughout the conversation is the growing push toward smarter, more proactive infrastructure management. Dan highlights how emerging mandates—such as New York’s upcoming fire code requirements—are driving the need for real-time system monitoring, automated alerts, and cloud-based oversight for public safety communication networks. He also explains how evolving NFPA standards are reinforcing the importance of visibility, compliance, and faster response times. The discussion also explores GUGLI’s expansion into AI-driven permitting, blockchain-enabled compliance systems, and 3D building visualization technology. Dan shares how these tools can dramatically reduce permitting timelines, improve code enforcement consistency, and give property owners and first responders real-time insight into system health and building conditions. Beyond public safety, Dan emphasizes the broader applications of this technology across hospitals, schools, manufacturing facilities, data centers, and commercial real estate—where connectivity failures can create both operational and life safety risks. Looking ahead, Dan sees a future where critical communication systems are fully automated, continuously monitored, and seamlessly integrated into the broader digital infrastructure ecosystem—creating smarter, safer, and more resilient buildings around the world. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Vincent Cioci, CEO of Luck Grove, shares how the company is scaling from a small fiber engineering firm into a rapidly growing infrastructure partner supporting fiber expansion, MDU deployments, and hyperscale data center growth. Drawing from his own journey—from field surveyor to CEO—Vincent offers a grounded and energetic perspective on what it takes to build infrastructure, teams, and culture in one of the fastest-growing sectors in digital infrastructure. Luck Grove’s growth has been driven by a strong focus on execution, responsiveness, and building internal capabilities. Vincent explains how the company evolved from a three-person operation into a fully integrated engineering and construction organization by intentionally building scalable systems, bringing operations in-house, and investing heavily in workforce development. A major theme throughout the conversation is the next phase of fiber expansion. Vincent describes the industry as entering the “second half” of the buildout—moving beyond rapid expansion into more strategic deployments focused on filling coverage gaps, activating underserved MDUs, and maximizing existing infrastructure investments. At the same time, Luck Grove is expanding into hyperscale data center environments, where specialized fiber and structured cabling expertise are becoming increasingly critical. The discussion also explores one of the industry’s biggest challenges: workforce shortages. Vincent highlights the urgent need for skilled engineers, project managers, technicians, and construction crews—and explains how Luck Grove responded by building an internal engineering training program capable of developing telecom professionals from scratch in just weeks. Beyond infrastructure, Vincent emphasizes the importance of company culture, transparency, and responsiveness. He shares how Luck Grove prioritizes communication, accountability, and employee engagement to create an environment where people want to grow and stay long-term. Looking ahead, Vincent sees continued opportunity at the intersection of fiber, data centers, and electrical infrastructure, as increasing demand for connectivity and AI drives even greater pressure on power systems and digital infrastructure nationwide. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Jeff Uphues, CEO of DC BLOX, shares how the company is reshaping digital infrastructure in the Southeast through a focused, vertically integrated strategy built on data centers, fiber networks, and cable landing stations. With more than 35 years in the communications industry, Jeff offers a candid look at scaling DC BLOX from a $5 million startup into a multi-billion-dollar platform serving hyperscalers and enterprise customers.  DC BLOX’s approach is rooted in deep regional focus, targeting underserved, high-growth markets and building strong local relationships while connecting globally. Jeff explains how the company evolved from smaller edge deployments into large hyperscale campuses by listening closely to customer needs and expanding capabilities over time. A key theme is the impact of AI, which is driving unprecedented demand and fundamentally changing data center design. From liquid cooling to flexible power configurations, today’s infrastructure must support a wide range of high-density workloads. This shift has also intensified one of the industry’s biggest challenges: power. Jeff highlights the growing complexity of securing energy, including massive upfront investments and navigating utility constraints. Beyond infrastructure, Jeff emphasizes culture, built on transparency, trust, teamwork, and tenacity, as a core driver of success. He also underscores the importance of community engagement, helping local stakeholders understand the economic and social value data centers bring. Looking ahead, Jeff sees continued growth with no clear slowdown, as hyperscalers, AI companies, and enterprises drive the next wave of digital infrastructure expansion. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Rich Berliner, Founder of the Connected Digital Infrastructure Association (CDIA), shares a forward-looking perspective on how the industry is evolving from siloed technologies into a fully integrated, “connected” digital infrastructure ecosystem. With more than 40 years in telecom and construction, Rich brings a unique lens on how the convergence of wireless, fiber, real estate, and AI is reshaping the future of connectivity. CDIA was born from the evolution of the in-building wireless space into something much broader. Rich explains how enterprise customers—especially in real estate—no longer want fragmented solutions like DAS alone, but instead demand fully integrated offerings that combine connectivity, cybersecurity, software, and infrastructure into a single, cohesive strategy. This shift is driving greater collaboration across the industry and redefining how solutions are delivered. A key theme is the growing importance of “connected” infrastructure, where fiber, wireless, public safety systems, and building technologies must all work together seamlessly. Rich highlights how enterprise decision-making now involves multiple stakeholders—from IT to finance to operations—making it critical for providers to approach customers with a needs-based, consultative mindset rather than a product-first pitch. The conversation also explores a major technological shift: the move from CPU-based systems to GPU-driven computing, led by companies like NVIDIA. Rich explains how this transition is enabling distributed data centers and what he calls the “new edge”—a model where compute is deployed across towers, rooftops, and localized environments instead of centralized mega facilities. Looking ahead, Rich sees CDIA playing a vital role as an educational and networking hub—bringing together telecom, real estate, and technology leaders to better understand and navigate this rapidly changing landscape. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube

In this episode, Patrick Halley, President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), shares a comprehensive view of the evolving wireless infrastructure landscape—highlighting the critical intersection of policy, investment, and emerging technologies like AI that are shaping the future of connectivity. Drawing from his leadership at WIA, Patrick offers a front-row perspective on the companies building, owning, and operating the networks that power our increasingly digital world. Today, WIA represents the full wireless ecosystem—from tower companies and carriers to OEMs and service providers—advocating for policies, education, and industry collaboration that enable continued growth. Patrick explains how the organization plays a central role in advancing infrastructure deployment through federal and state advocacy, workforce training programs, and flagship events like ConnectX. Patrick breaks down one of the most important realities in the industry: despite being in a cyclical phase, wireless infrastructure investment remains strong, with $65 billion in annual spending and continued growth in tower deployments. He emphasizes that relentless demand for data—driven increasingly by mobile-first behaviors—continues to fuel both new builds and co-location strategies across the network. A major theme throughout the conversation is the rise of AI and its growing impact on wireless networks. Patrick highlights that AI already accounts for a meaningful share of network traffic, a number expected to grow rapidly as consumers and enterprises rely more heavily on AI-powered applications. From simple mobile queries to complex AI agents handling everyday tasks, this shift is fundamentally increasing demand for faster, more robust wireless infrastructure. The discussion also explores the policy landscape, where spectrum availability and permitting reform remain top priorities. Patrick outlines ongoing efforts to free up additional spectrum, streamline deployment through predictable and transparent permitting processes, and ensure the regulatory environment supports continued innovation and investment. Looking ahead, Patrick remains bullish on the industry’s long-term outlook. While acknowledging recent workforce challenges and layoffs tied to the tail end of the 5G build cycle, he explains how future growth—driven by 6G development, AI expansion, and increasing wireless adoption—will create new opportunities across the ecosystem. He also highlights the growing demand for roles in adjacent areas like fiber and data center infrastructure. Finally, Patrick shares how WIA is addressing workforce development through its Telecommunications Education Center and registered apprenticeship programs—equipping the next generation with the skills needed across wireless, fiber, and emerging technologies. From AI-driven demand to spectrum policy and workforce transformation, this episode offers a timely and insightful look at what’s next for wireless infrastructure—and why the foundation being built today will define the connected world of tomorrow. Subscribe, leave a review, and stay connected. Visit Broadstaff at broadstaffglobal.comFollow Broadstaff on InstagramFollow Broadstaff on LinkedInConnect with Carrie Charles on LinkedInFollow Let's Get Digital with Carrie Charles on LinkedInWatch full episodes of Let's Get Digital on YouTube