Connected Nation

Connected Nation

By Jessica DensonBusinessNewsTech NewsNon-Profit
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Connected Nation episodes

  • Google partners to set industry standards for data center infrastructure

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    On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Google's Head of Global Quality and Commissioning to discuss how industry leaders are coming together to set standards for data center infrastructure.  

    Find out how your company can get involved and why setting a standard now is important for AI in the future. 

    Related links:
    Google
    Gino Tozzi's Linkedin
    Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) details data center quality management 
     

    12 min
  • The new blueprint for building broadband networks

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    On this special episode of Connected Nation, we talk to leadership from the broadband program office at Cisco Systems. 

    Learn about the new blueprint they're taking for building the networks that power your connectivity. Plus, we talk about AI, AI pods, and the company's broadband innovation centers. 

    Recommended links:
    Robin Olds' LinkedIn
    Cisco webpage

    21 min
  • Mapping Joy: How Connected Nation is building a more connected, inclusive, and joyful future

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    On this episode of Connected Nation, we have a special guest - Chairman and CEO of our national nonprofit, Tom Ferree. 

    We'll discuss what it means to map joy in the workplace AND find out how Connected Nation can help broadband leaders do everything from tackle AI to more easily tracking BEAD compliance.

    Recommended links: 

    Tom Ferree Linkedin

    Canopy Good Business Summit

    Connected Nation website


    34 min
  • From the badlands to the prairies: Montana’s Broadband Director shares her approach to connecting Big Sky Country

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    On this episode of Connected Nation, we're taking you to Big Sky Country for a conversation with the Montana State Broadband Director. We ask her how she and her team are implementing the ConnectMT Broadband Program in a place that attracts people because it's wild and rural. 

    Recommended links: 

    Montana Broadband Office website

    Misty Ann Giles Linkedin

    BEAD Program (NTIA webpage) 

    32 min
  • Now or never: How one industry veteran is building a people-first future in broadband

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    On this episode on Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Calix ConneXions 2025, taking place in Las Vegas Nevada. 

    We talk with one man who just struck out on his own in the telecom and broadband industry. Find out how he's planning to leverage his 25 years in the business to help others and why he believes it was "now or never."

    Editor's note: The host, Jessica Denson, misspoke and said Mr. Rene had 35 years in the business. It is actually 25. 

    Recommended links: 

    Calix ConneXions 2025

    Waypoint 33 website

    Randall Rene LinkedIn

    26 min
  • New game. New rules. The show broadband providers don't want to miss

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    On this episode on Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from rom Calix ConneXions 2025, which took place in Las Vegas in mid-October.  

    We sat down with the Corporate VP of Marketing for Calix to discuss innovating customer success, implementing a smarter AI, and using a little showmanship to drive the messages home.

    Recommended links: 

    Calix ConneXions 2025

    Scott Neuman Calix Corporate Vice President of Marketing LinkedIn

    25 min
  • Investing in connection: How Mac Mountain helps businesses build better broadband

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    On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Mac Mountain. 
    A recently launched company that's taking a unique approach to expanding broadband by helping other businesses grow. 

    Listen and find out how the model works and what led to this non-traditional approach to expanding access to more homes and businesses.

    Recommended links: 

    Mac Mountain Website

    Alex Rozek LinkedIn

    Scott Sampson LinkedIn

    46 min
  • Connecting the land of 10,000 lakes

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    On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Bree Maki, Executive Director, Office of Broadband Development, Minnesota.  She explains why the state was already well on its way to connecting everyone *before* BEAD.  

    Plus, we find out what state broadband leaders across the country are sharing with one another AND learn about the unique challenges of building out broadband in the land of 10,000 lakes. 

    Recommended links: 

    Minnesota Broadband Office Website

    28 min
  • From Alabama to the Navajo Nation: The company that's putting rural communities first

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    On this episode of Connected Nation, we begin our coverage from Calix ConneXions 2025, taking place in Las Vegas Nevada. 

    We talk with Jacob Smithee, the Director of IT from a Co-op in Alabama, about the challenges of bringing high speed internet to extremely rural areas. Plus we find out what he hopes for connectivity in his state and how his company recently helped the Navajo Nation with a completely different problem.

    Recommended links: 

    Calix ConneXions 2025

    Flash Fiber website


    17 min

About Connected Nation

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This is Connected Nation – an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the Digital Divide to simply improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact…