On this episode of Connected Nation, we explore what it takes to connect some of the most rural areas across the country.   You'll hear from leadership at Capcon Networks and Irby Utilities, who are not shy about calling themselves "The Dream Team" when it comes to helping smaller ISPs grow.  Plus, we'll talk with a company that's benefitting from their guidance while doing the in-the-field, physical work daily to connect more Americans.   

Related Links:
Capcon Networks - https://www.capconnetworks.com/
Cullman Electric Cooperative - https://cullmanec.com/sprout 
Irby Utilities - https://www.broadband.irbyutilities.com/

In this episode of the Connected Nation Podcast, we explore a report addressing pivotal questions surrounding the digital equity landscape in the United States.

As the nation invests billions of tax dollars to bridge the connectivity gap, our guests, the authors of "Developing Digital Equity Theory of Change with Tech Goes Home," provide valuable insights. Join us as we delve into the report and seek answers to the crucial question: "How do we measure progress?"

Recommended Links:
DERC Website: https://dercenter.org/
TGH Website: https://www.techgoeshome.org/
Sangha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sangha-kang-le/
Colin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinrhinesmith/

On this episode of Connected Nation,  we talk with the Chairman of the Board and Head of Development for Toptana Technologies - the first Native American-owned company that is about to build a new cable landing station.

Learn how the company is working to improve the quality of life for the Quinault Indian Nation and its neighbors by providing access to global internet connectivity and technologies. 

Related links:
Toptana Technologies website - https://www.toptanatech.com/

Tyson Johnston, Chairman of the Board and Head of Development for Toptana Technologies and Self-Governance Director for Quinault Indian Nation - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-johnston/ 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with three Connected Nation communications team members: our Senior Communication Specialist, Lily McCoy; Senior Marketing Specialist, Ashley Pino; and Communications Social Media Specialist, Grant Ahlbrand. 

Get a behind-the-scenes look into how the communications staff spreads the word about CN's varied work – including it’s on-the-ground programs and projects that are tackling digital inequities.  We’ll also look back on the greatest challenges and victories of 2023 when it comes to the team’s work within the broadband space.   

Related links -
Connected Nation website - https://connectednation.org/
Connected Nation
1. Twitter
2. Facebook
3. Linkedin
4. Instagram
5. YouTube 

On this episode of Connected Nation,  we talk with the CEO of Fiber Fast Homes – a company that works directly with real estate developers and builders to connect homes and rental buildings to lightning-fast internet.

Learn how the company approaches working with builders,  what’s next when it comes to connectivity to the home, and why some say having internet access at home is more important than having water piped to the home.

Related links:
Fiber Fast Homes’ website - https://www.fiberfasthomes.com/
Listen to the Airebeam podcast featuring CEO Ben Elkins 



 
 

On this episode of Connectede Nation, we are joined by Ben Elkins, CEO of AireBeam Internet.  He shares his mission to bring fiber to the rural communities of Arizona with the capabilities of a massive ISP and the personality of a small-town organization.

Ben speaks with our host, Jessica Denson, about the wide range of groups AireBeam serves, the unique challenges of focusing on rural communities, and the importance of serving the modular home market (RV parks).

Recommended Links:
Website - https://airebeam.com/
Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/AireBeam
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/airebeam/
Ben's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-elkins-0b6b70/

On this episode of Connected Nation, we complete our coverage of the US Broadband Summit taking place in Washington, DC.

Among our guests: Quinn Jordan, who founded the Mississippi Broadband Association; Donald Long Knife who built broadband access from the ground up for his tribe in Montana; and Gigi Sohn, who has a long history of public service, including with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),  co-founding Public Knowledge, and  now leading the American Association for Public Broadband as its Executive Director. 

Related links:
U.S. Broadband Summit website - https://www.usbroadbandsummit.com/

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with broadband leaders across the country including the founder of SHLB and those leading Puerto Rico’s Broadband Program.  

Topics ranged from solving the ‘people problem’ the broadband industry is having right now to changing how federal officials approach awarding billions of dollars in funding. And it all happened at a little event dubbed “Broadband and Brews.”

Related links:
U.S. Broadband Summit website - https://www.usbroadbandsummit.com/

From industry insiders to government officials, many leaders in the broadband space believe we now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to close the Digital Divide in America.  That’s because there is finally a perfect storm – of sorts – with funding and understanding of why access and affordability to high-speed internet are critical.

On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you inside the Inaugural U.S. Broadband Summit where internet service providers, nonprofits, customers, legislative leaders, and many others have come together to discuss how to finally make closing digital inequities across the US a reality.
 
Related links:
U.S. Broadband Summit website - https://www.usbroadbandsummit.com/

On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus our attention on Teens Teach Tech - a program that's bridging generations by using the skills of teenagers to help adults take part in an increasingly digital world. 

Learn how one pastor, who is also in the Gospel Hall of Fame, leveraged the program to help thousands of adults and teens. 

Related link:
Teens Teach Tech - https://connectednation.org/programs/teens-teach-tech