On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re talking about what Albert Einstein called “spooky action at a distance” – quantum physics.
 
Find out which southern city just went “Quantum;"  how the “science of matter” will likely impact jobs, education, and new business opportunities for us all; AND how you can take part in a unique challenge that will have you easily explaining physics to your neighbors and friends.

Related links:
GigCityGoesQuantum.com
Press release on event
Qubitekk website - https://qubitekk.com/
EPB Chattanooga website - https://epb.com/

On this episode of Conneced Nation, we focus on a new program that’s flipping the script by asking teenagers to TEACH adults in their communities new skills.  It's called Teens Teach Tech.

Learn how the program uses technology to empower older adults, how the teens themselves benefit, and what you can do to get youth in your community involved. 
 
Related Links:
Learn more on the Teens Teach Tech webpage  
Follow Teens Teach Tech on Instagram
Additional free programs: Digital Literacy and Learning &  Achievery

The big business news this week is that Lyft's co-founders are resigning, and David Risher has been named as the new CEO.   In light of these headlines, we're taking you into the vault of Connected Nation. 

In this one-on-one interview, recorded in November 2021, Risher shares details on how he found his way to becoming a  Microsoft Executive and later an Amazon Senior Vice President. Plus, learn why he was moved to start a FREE program that uses technology to help one billion children around the world.
 
Related links:
Worldreader website 

Worldreader app: bebooksmart.com

Follow Worldreader and its founder on Twitter @worldreaders and @davidrisherWR

More about David Risher: https://www.worldreader.org/david-risher/

Pew Research study referenced in podcast - https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/06/22/digital-divide-persists-even-as-americans-with-lower-incomes-make-gains-in-tech-adoption/

Google, Samsung, META, Cisco— big names that are all part of the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), which is a global organization that connects people with the latest Wi-Fi initiatives.

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk one-on-one with leader of the WBA to get an industry perspective on everything from connecting rural America to understanding the potential impact of a new Wi-Fi standard—not just in the US but around the world.

Related links:
website - https://wballiance.com/

On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus on the question of how to effectively bring world-class internet access to smaller cities and rural areas across the US.
 
Learn how a new joint venture leveraging Internet Exchange Points may finally fill critical gaps in the system – that will not only speed up the internet in all corners of the country – but make it more affordable AND equitable. 
 
Related links:
IXP site - https://connectednation.org/ixp/

The 125 “target” locations for IXPs - https://connectednation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/CNIXP_target_location_list.pdf

On this episode of Connected Nation, we wrap-up our look at the Michigan Connected Future Tour—an ambitious 40-stop listening tour focused on  internet access in Michigan.

You'll  hear from two people in the ag industry about why internet connectivity on America’s ranches and farms is something every one of us should be concerned about.

Related links:
MI Connected Future Tour Schedule - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi/miconnectedfuture/mi-connected-future-tour-schedule
Michigan High-Speed Internet Office - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi

Part 1 - On the road with MIHI: 40 stops, thousands of miles, hundreds of opinions
Part 2 - On the road with MIHI: Hear from those who will help shape a statewide internet connectivity plan
Part 3 - On the road with MIHI: Tackling the question of affordable access for all 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we return to Michigan for part three of our look at the Michigan Connected Future Tour.  It’s an ambitious 40-stop listening tour being conducted by the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office, which is developing a five-year internet connectivity plan for the state.

You'll hear from two retirees about why senior citizens MUST be part of that plan and we’ll “eavesdrop” on the discussion group tasked with tackling affordable access for all.
 
Related links:
MI Connected Future Tour Schedule - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi/miconnectedfuture/mi-connected-future-tour-schedule

Michigan High-Speed Internet Office - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi

Part 1 - On the road with MIHI: 40 stops, thousands of miles, hundreds of opinions
Part 2 - On the road with MIHI: hear from those who will help shape a statewide internet connectivity plan

On this espisode of Connected Nation, we have a special guest in honor of Black History Month – Brelis Spiller, a man who must keep his cool in one of the most technologically advanced and stressful environments in the world as an air traffic controller.

Learn how he handles all that pressure. Plus, we'll discuss his role in getting more black youth interested in the aviation industry AND ask why he believes equitable access to technology and the internet is critical for all children.
 
pushing tin youtbue

Related links:
Website - https://obap.org/
Camps - https://obap.org/outreach-programs/ace-academy/#ACElist
WAVE3-TV story - Aviation program really taking off
WDRB-TV story - Summer program teaches kids about careers in aerospace
Brelis Spiller’s LinkedIn account
"Pushing Tin" scene (visualizing air traffic control) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drX435G0SZo

On this episode of Connected Nation,  we return to Michigan for part two of our look at the MI Connected Future Tour.  It’s an ambitious 40-stop listening tour being conducted by the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office, which is developing a five-year internet connectivity plan for the state.

In part two, you’ll hear directly from, local residents, business owners, school leaders, internet service providers, and others whose opinions are helping to shape that plan. 

Related links:
MI Connected Future Tour Schedule - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi/miconnectedfuture/mi-connected-future-tour-schedule

Michigan High-Speed Internet Office - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi

Part 1 - On the road with MIHI: 40 stops, thousands of miles, hundreds of opinions

 
 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you into the heart of Michigan where the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) recently launched an ambitious 40-stop broadband listening tour.

For the first time on our show, we’re going into the field to hear what residents, business owners. teachers, and other local stakeholders have to  say about the impact of being disconnected in America— and what can be done to fix it.
 
Related links:
MI Connected Future Tour Schedule - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi/miconnectedfuture/mi-connected-future-tour-schedule

Michigan High-Speed Internet Office - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi