Connected Nation

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What is the next big disruptor threatening to widen the Digital Divide?  

In this episode, recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson tackles the urgent state of U.S. broadband policy with Nokia leadership. From emerging tech shifts to policy bottlenecks, we unpack the immediate actions required to secure connectivity for every American. 

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Lori Adams LinkedIn

Nokia Corporation website

Nokia Corporation LinkedIn

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In 2013, nine rural telephone companies came together with one goal: bringing urban-level connectivity and services to rural communities. On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a representative from CBS Oregon to discuss how that collaboration turned into a success story for rural broadband. 

She also shares insights from her role as chair of the planning committee for Fiber Connect 2026 and what attendees can expect from the industry’s biggest conversations moving forward.

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Jessica Koch LinkedIn

Consolidated Business Services website

Fiber Connect 2026 website

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a strategic advisor who works with ISPs and co-ops across the country to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the broadband industry. From overcoming fears around AI to helping employees embrace innovation, the conversation dives into the opportunities and challenges organizations face as technology rapidly evolves.

Straight from the Fiber Connect floor, this episode highlights valuable lessons learned from a program at MIT, insights into the future of connectivity, and why autonomous technology may play a major role in what comes next.

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Timothy Holden LinkedIn

Wavsys website

Failure to Quit website

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Broadband isn't just about infrastructure; it's about human equity. Sitting down at the Connected America Conference, Colorado Broadband Director Brandy Reitter explains the harsh realities of closing the Digital Divide. 

From mountain construction challenges and BEAD funding to AI opportunities and workforce shortages, Reitter breaks down exactly what it takes to bring reliable internet to rural Colorado—proving why high-speed access is about much more than just laying fiber.

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Brandy Reitter LinkedIn

Colorado Broadband Office website

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Rural broadband doesn’t just happen in a vacuum—it happens on rural land. But how do we turn landowners into essential infrastructure partners?

Connected Nation's host Jessica Denson sits down with David Christophersen of the Rural Tower Cooperative to discuss why the 'co-op' model is the secret weapon for accelerating BEAD funding, building community trust, and ensuring the future of American farming is fully connected.

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Rural Tower Cooperative

David Christophersen's LinkedIn

A Cooperative Approach to Broadband Deployment in Rural Areas (LinkedIn): 

Rural Tower Cooperative Launches Pre‑Screened Rural Parcels for Broadband Deployment (Total Telecom)

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we're joined by a tech leader who's helped global enterprises modernize the cloud, harness AI for real-time decisions, and even rethink sustainable infrastructure for EV charging. 

We'll talk about getting the cloud right, the AI trends that matter, and what all of this means for ISPs and states building next gen networks. 

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Chris Carter LinkedIn

Approyo website

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At a defining moment for broadband, many believe fiber is at the center of what comes next. In this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson speaks with Fiber Broadband Association President and CEO Gary Bolton about why this is a critical moment to be at the world’s largest fiber conference, Fiber Connect 2026.

From AI and data centers to healthcare, agriculture, and long‑term infrastructure decisions, the conversation breaks down what’s at stake — and why showing up means being in the room when big things happen.

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Fiber Broadband Association website

Fiber Connect 2026 registration

Gary Bolton LinkedIn

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we chat about a new "attraction" at the Connected America Conference - an India pavilion. Find out why companies from the other side of the globe were here to talk American connectivity. 

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Hardik Soni LinkedIn

Nav Wireless Technologies

Ravi Joni LinkedIn

Unified Reach

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we are live at the Connected America Conference in Dallas. We speak with Rob Chambers, Managing Director of Total Telecom about what’s next for Connected America and why face-to-face collaboration is critical to expanding broadband access nationwide.

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Connected America Conference

Total Telecom

Rob Chambers LinkedIn

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On today’s podcast, we’re diving into the world of digital transformation, RevOps, and how ISPs can streamline operations from customer service to infrastructure. 

We’re talking with leadership from one company working across North America and beyond — helping organizations connect their systems, automate workflows, and build the future of operational efficiency.

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Second Mile website

Hannah Collins LinkedIn

Second Mile blog (RevOps, HubSpot, Integrations)