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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. 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? It includes your promotion airing on Connected Nation. Email us at [email protected] OR copy and paste the below link for a media kit: https://s3.amazonaws.com/connected-nation/6973971b-4f6e-4a55-937c-a84e7583fe6c/CN_PODCAST_PACKAGE_2026-FINAL.pdf

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It's game on: Calix on AI and the future of broadband

2026/10/18

Send us Fan Mail AI isn’t coming anymore. It’s here. Live from the 25th Calix ConnecXions Conference, Calix’s Scott Neuman explains why it’s "game on" for broadband providers and what that means for the communities they serve. Related links: Calix website Scott Neuman, SVP, Corporate Marketing

From 4,000 survey responses to $47 million: Bastrop County’s broadband journey

2026/10/14

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with Norma Mercado, executive director of Bastrop County Cares, about the community-driven effort to bring broadband to underserved areas of Bastrop County, Texas. We discuss how local collaboration helped secure $47 million in broadband funding, the importance of digital skills and devices, and how Bastrop County is working to build a more connected community. Related links: Bastrop County Cares website Norma Mercado LinkedIn

Fort Bend County is turning broadband access into opportunity

2026/10/07

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with the broadband program administrator from Fort Bend County, Texas, about the county's efforts to connect residents and businesses across the area. We discuss broadband deployment, digital literacy, adoption, and learn what it takes to turn internet access into real-world opportunity for an entire community. Related links: Fort Bend County, Texas website Circhelle Scott LinkedIn Heather Gate LinkedIn Connected Nation digital literacy programs

Beyond connectivity: How broadband can empower Native nations and build stronger communities

2026/09/29

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with a tribal economic development leader who is working to create new opportunities for Native nations and underserved communities. We discuss tribal self-determination, workforce development, broadband, infrastructure, and what it takes to build community-driven solutions that support long-term economic goals. Related links: NDN Development Group website Brandon Dinsmore LinkedIn

Minnesota's broadband chief on turning years of planning into instant impact

2026/09/16

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re heading to Minnesota—a state that has long been recognized as a national leader in broadband planning and investment. We’ll explore Minnesota’s broadband journey, the challenges of connecting communities across its diverse landscape, and the lessons its experience can offer other states as they enter the next phase of broadband deployment. Related links: Bree Maki LinkedIn Minnesota Office of Broadband Development

Turning big broadband dreams into reality in Illinois

2026/09/08

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

Bridging legacy infrastructure with modern connectivity solutions

2026/09/02

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

Bringing fiber to rural America: Fidium’s community-first approach

2026/08/27

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

The real battle in broadband is not speed it is loyalty

2026/08/26

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

The hidden problem slowing down AI in broadband

2026/08/19

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

Why some broadband providers will not survive the next wave

2026/08/12

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

Breaking barriers, closing gaps: Connected Nation's bid for a world record

2026/08/10

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

Why broadband providers can no longer build networks the same way

2026/08/05

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

How “labor-light” design is changing how broadband gets built

2026/07/29

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

How one state’s unique approach to broadband is saving lives

2026/07/22

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