On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Connected America in Irving, Texas, by exploring the Startup Village, where innovation is driving connectivity forward. 

First, we sit down with Huw Rees from NetExperience, a company revolutionizing managed Wi-Fi for apartments, student housing, and hotels. Then, we meet Yishai Amsterdamer, CEO of Litelinx, whose company is introducing smart fiber, a game-changing technology that streamlines deployment and maintenance. 

These startups are tackling some of broadband’s biggest challenges—tune in to learn how their solutions could shape the future of connectivity!

Recommended Links:

Huw Rees LinkedIn

NetExperience website

Yishai Amsterdamer LinkedIn

Litelinx website

We’re live from Connected America, exploring how internet exchange points (IXPs) improve connectivity across the U.S.! 

 Host Jessica Denson chats with De-CIX's Kelly Sieben, who uses a fun marble demo to explain how IXPs reduce latency and speed up internet access. Then, Ed d'Agostino dives deeper into why IXPs are critical for broadband expansion, how they impact everyday users, and why the U.S. is working to expand them beyond major cities.

Recommended Links: 

Kelly Sieben LinkedIn

Ed d'Agostino LinkedIn 

DE-CIX Website

Imagine living in today’s digital world without knowing how to access the internet, use a computer, or even navigate a mobile phone. It may surprise you to learn that this is a reality for millions of Americans.

On this episode, we explore the critical impact of digital literacy and how lacking essential skills affects everything from economic opportunities to health outcomes. Host Jessica Denson speaks with experts behind a new report that sheds light on the growing need for digital skills and what can be done to bridge the gap.

Tune in to learn why digital literacy is more important than ever—and what steps can be taken to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

Recommended Links:

READ THE REPORT HERE

Navigating the broadband landscape in 2025 is no easy task—especially as new policies, technologies, and funding opportunities emerge. In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson sits down with an Editor at TotalTelecom, to discuss the key broadband issues and opportunities state and local leaders should be watching.

They’ll explore the themes shaping the upcoming Connected America Conference in Dallas, Texas, on March 11-12, as well as the challenges and strategies for broadband expansion under a new administration.

Recommended Links: 

Brad Randall LinkedIn

Connected America 2025 Registration

Broadband isn’t just about fiber and wireless networks—it’s about people. In this episode of Connected Nation, we explore a groundbreaking research project that examines the individuals and programs working to close the Digital Divide. 

Jessica Denson is joined by Dr. Revati Prasad from the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society and Dr. Caroline Stratton from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) to discuss their findings, the challenges of digital inclusion, and what’s needed to ensure everyone has access to the internet. 

Tune in to learn why broadband is more than just technology—it’s about the people making it possible.

Recommended Links:

Human Infrastructure of Broadband 

Dr. Prasad's Summary

Dr. Revati Prasad LinkedIn

Dr. Caroline Stratton LinkedIn

Telehealth has transformed how older adults access healthcare, but significant barriers still exist. In this special roundtable episode of Connected Naton, we're joined by a panel of telehealth experts to discuss how technology, innovation, and collaboration can improve healthcare access for aging populations.

PRODUCTION NOTE: One of the guests, Tom Kamber had a previous engagement that he had to step out for around the 30:00 minute mark.

Recommended Links:
Tom Kamber LinkedIn
OATS Website

Anoush Khachikyan LinkedIn
LVING Website

Kari Gray LinkedIn
CTN Website

Marisa Rossetti LinkedIn
Alta Senior Living Website

The new year has arrived - bringing the long-awaited start of broadband expansion under the Broadband Equity Access and Development Program (BEAD). However, as all U.S. states and territories prepare to build simultaneously, new challenges are surfacing.

On this episode of Connected Nation, we’ll discuss these issues with a telecom industry leader covering topics ranging from strengthening the workforce to adopting best practices for rolling out large-scale broadband infrastructure.

Related links:
Matthew Langhoff Linkedin
MTA Solutions website

State leaders across the US are about to embark on a massive undertaking to expand the nation’s broadband infrastructure – thanks to bipartisan legislation that funds the work. 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the CEO and founder of Aurigo Software Technologies, a company that’s helped plan, build, and manage some of the world’s largest infrastructure projects.

We ask what common mistakes state leaders can avoid and what opportunities they should be looking for as they begin laying the foundation for universal broadband in America.

Recommended Links:
Balaji's LinkedIn
Aurigo Wesbite

On today’s podcast – we’re doing something special to wrap up an incredible year.

We're bringing in the award-winning communications team that works behind the scenes daily to spread the word about Connected Nation’s impactful programs and projects – tackling digital inequities from coast to coast.

 We’ll reflect on the biggest challenges, milestones, and victories of 2024, share personal highlights, and even give a glimpse of what’s to come in 2025.

Recommended Links:
Lily's Puerto Rico blog
Ashley & Grant's Interview w/ Marco & Alek
Kailynn's West Virginia story

Today, we’re diving into an incredible story of technology and connection happening right here in the United States.

We’re thrilled to welcome leadership from Centranet, a company that delivers cutting edge internet via a fiber broadband communitcations network.

We will hear more about Centranet and their recently announced partnership with Sac and Fox Nation to bring one of the fastest internet speeds in the world to a rural tribal community in Oklahoma.

Recommended Links:
Partnership Article
Centranet Website