From industry insiders to government officials, many leaders in the broadband space believe we now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to close the Digital Divide in America.  That’s because there is finally a perfect storm – of sorts – with funding and understanding of why access and affordability to high-speed internet are critical.

On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you inside the Inaugural U.S. Broadband Summit where internet service providers, nonprofits, customers, legislative leaders, and many others have come together to discuss how to finally make closing digital inequities across the US a reality.
 
Related links:
U.S. Broadband Summit website - https://www.usbroadbandsummit.com/

On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus our attention on Teens Teach Tech - a program that's bridging generations by using the skills of teenagers to help adults take part in an increasingly digital world. 

Learn how one pastor, who is also in the Gospel Hall of Fame, leveraged the program to help thousands of adults and teens. 

Related link:
Teens Teach Tech - https://connectednation.org/programs/teens-teach-tech

You’ve heard of smart tvs, smart phones, and smart homes – and even smart cities in urban areas.  On this episode of Connected Nation, we explore similar ideas for rural America and it includes Smart Towns, Smart Education, and Smart Business.

We talked with those leading these programs during the ConneXions 2023 Conference hosted by Calix and found out what exactly those offerings can do.

Related Links:
Calix website - https://www.calix.com/
SmartBiz - https://www.calix.com/press-release/2022/10--october-/calix-announces-smartbiz-ninth-managed-service.html

The broadband space has traditionally been a male-dominated industry – but that’s changing and more and more women are filling positions in the industry at all levels from the C-Suite to entry.

On this episode of Connected Nation, we go inside the 2023 Calix Connections conference to talk with some of those women about why they’re drawn to the broadband industry – and what they want us all to know.  

This marks Connected Nation's 100th episode.  On this episode, we focus on the critical need to approach closing the Digital Divide on Native American lands with respect, humility, and long-term commitment.
 
We'll discuss the issue Calix's  senior engagement manager for tribal and indigenous communities and with a representative from the first tribally-owned telecommunications company in the U-S, which was founded more than 65 years ago.

Related links:
CRST Telephone Authority - https://www.crstta.com/
Tribal Broadband Bootcamps - https://www.tribalbroadbandbootcamp.com/

On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss what resources families can access to combat the harmful effects of social media on the mental health of America’s youth. 

It’s a problem that’s grown so large and so serious that the US Surgeon General recently issued a call for urgent action to policymakers, technology companies, researchers, families, and others to protect teenagers and children online.

We’ll talk to two companies that are answering that call AND learn how they're working together to deliver access to critical technology in small towns.

Related links:
Surgeon General advisory on social media
About Calix - https://www.calix.com/
About Tombigbee Fiber - https://www.tombigbeefiber.com/

Press release - https://www.calix.com/press-release/2023/august/tombigbee-fiber-prioritizes-protecting-children-from-social-media-dangers-launching-bark.html

Press release - https://www.calix.com/press-release/2023/september/tombigbee-fiber-connects-9-school-football-fields-with-calix-smarttown.html

Today, we speak with Tillman Infrastructure, a rapidly growing, carrier-trusted tower company that develops, owns, and operates assets providing connectivity infrastructure to communities across the United States.

We discuss the challenges for expanding that critical infrastructure – find out what it really takes to connect small towns and farmlands.

External Links:
Website: https://www.tillmaninfrastructure.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tillman-infrastructure-llc/

 
 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss new research that focuses on who is directly impacted by the Digital Divide and WHY they are still not getting online – even if offered financial assistance. 

Learn what the new data shows about the challenges, opportunities, and attitudes for closing the digital equity gap. Plus, we’ll discuss what those findings mean for shifting how organizations and government agencies approach the problem moving forward.

Related links:
Mind the Gap: Closing the Digital Divide through affordability, access, and adoption
AT&T Connected Learning 
AT&T ScreenReady
National PTA: Ready, Tech, Go!

On this episode of Connected Nation, we ask “what if we could bridge the Digital Divide around the world by 2030?”  That means connecting more than three billion people who do not have internet access. 

The CEO and Founder of World Mobile says it’s doable but only if we make networks that are “by the people, for the people.”  He explains what needs to be done, how it will work, and what this means for the future of broadband connectivity.

Related links: |
International website - https://worldmobile.io/
US website - https://worldmobile.us/
World Mobile’s blog
World Mobile secures license spectrum in the US - https://worldmobile.io/blog/post/world-mobile-secures-licensed-spectrum-in-the-usa
Micky “Mr. Telecom” Watkins’ LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/micky-mr-telecom-watkins-a17b5b4b/

Twitter:
World Mobile - https://twitter.com/WorldMobileTeam
Micky Watkins - https://twitter.com/MrTelecoms

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldMobileTeam/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldmobilegroup 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Amdocs about new research that shows a new kind of Digital Divide is surfacing in the U.S.  Plus, we explore the future of connectivity including how to more easily manage all those high-tech, wifi-enabled devices we're adding to our offices, businesses, and homes.
 
Related links: 
Amdocs website - https://www.amdocs.com/
Digital Divide Research - https://www.amdocs.com/insights/research/research-how-are-digital-divide-and-connected-home-changing