In this episode, host Brad Hine reports live from the show floor at Connected America 2025 in Irving, Texas. He’s joined by returning guest Brad Randall, editor at Total Telecom and chair of the event. Together, they unpack the energy on the expo floor and dive into the rapidly evolving broadband landscape.

From the political uncertainty surrounding the BEAD program to equity concerns and the future of infrastructure investment, this conversation captures the mood of the industry in real time. They discuss the impact of policy shifts, the challenges federal agencies face under the new administration, and how industry events like Connected America and the upcoming Broadband Communities Summit in Houston play a critical role in uniting stakeholders.