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On this episode of Connected Nation, we tackle a topic impacting millions of students across the country — how to sustain digital access in K-12 education. 

As federal programs end, only 27% of states are ready to keep kids connected. Jessica Denson talks with Pam Lloyd, Ph.D., Strategic Advisor at Connected Nation, and Ji Soo Song, Director of Projects and Initiatives at SETDA, about a new report that outlines strategies to prevent students from falling behind. 

Together, they explore what must happen next to ensure every student has the online access they need to succeed — now and in the future.

Recommended Links: 

SETDA Report - The Universal Connectivity Imperative

Opinion Piece: Time for State Ed-Tech Leaders to Take Matters Into Our Own Hands

Production Note: There were issues with downloading Ji Soo Song's audio file and we apologize for moments of low audio quality. 

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In this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Connected America conference in Irving, Texas. 

Our host, Jessica Denson sits down with the Editor-in-Chief at Working Nation, to discuss the importance of digital skills in today’s workforce and how digital navigators are bridging the connectivity gap. 

Later, Jessica speaks with an individual from Lead for America about their efforts to support digitally disconnected rural communities through the American Connection Corps. 

Tune in to learn how these organizations are working to ensure all Americans have the skills and access needed to thrive in the digital age.

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Calix – a company that “helps broadband service providers simplify, innovate, and grow.” 

Learn how the company is shifting the focus from being a service provider to a “experience” provider, what exactly that means, and and how the unique approach is actually aiding in the response to natural disasters in the U-S. 

Recommend Links: 

• Bridget Watkins Linkedin
• Calix website

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re doing things a little bit differently. That’s because March 24, 2025 marks our five year anniversary since launching.

We’ll take you through the very distinct moment in time we got started,  how we’ve evolved since, and what are favorite episodes have been over the last five years. 

Related links:
Press release announcing five-year-anniversary 

First episode (S1, Ep. 1) - Telemedicine in a time of Coronavirus: What a recent study on telehealth can teach us

Some favorite episodes:
S1, Ep. 10 - Expert advice: An elementary school teacher shares her top 5 tips for parents

S1, Ep. 15 - FCC Chairman on "Digital Opportunity" for all Americans

S1, Ep. 22 - Gov. Jeb Bush: Broadband internet is an imperative, not a luxury

 S2, Ep. 17 - Why Michigan's new approach to expanding internet statewide may be the answer to universal access

S4, Ep. 4 - Pushing Tin: How one air traffic controller is helping introduce black youth to aviation

S5, Ep. 9 - One filmmaker shares how taking her craft online changed her work, opened new doors for moviemaking

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Connected America conference, where we dive into the latest in broadband innovation and policy. 

First, we hear from Belden Precision Optical Technologies, a company that was recently acquired by Belden, about how this shift is driving new opportunities in fiber connectivity. Then, we sit down with Eric Frederick, Chief Connectivity Officer of the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), to discuss how Michigan is navigating BEAD funding and broadband expansion in a time of transition. 

Don't miss these key insights into the future of connectivity!

Recommended Links:

Howard Trinh LinkedIn

Anna Depoian LinkedIn

Belden/Precision Wesbite

Takeover story

Eric Frederick LinkedIn

MIHI Website

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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