Jason's Industry Insights

What if the biggest challenge in high-speed connectivity wasn’t digging trenches or laying fiber, but simply getting through a mile of air? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Chaffee and Jim Olson from Attochron, a team on a decades-long mission to finally solve the “last mile” problem with a technology that’s left an entire industry skeptical: free space optics.

With stories of failed startups, laser breakthroughs inspired by lightning research, and a crash course in why “fog” isn’t the real enemy, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it takes to disrupt telecom dogma.

From the skepticism of venture capitalists to the promise of carrier-grade connections delivered by femtosecond lasers, you’ll get a front-row seat to the innovation, persistence of bringing a moonshot idea to market.

Will Attochron finally break the curse that’s haunted free space optics for decades? Tune in to find out how the third leg of connectivity is being built - not with wire, but with light.

Jim will be on my Broadband Innovation panel at the upcoming Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference, in Rama, Ontario - June 9-11, 2025,

The full video interview can be found on my YouTube Channel.

For more information on Attochron:

Visit Attochron's Web Site.

Find Tom Chaffee, Founder/CEO and Jim Olson, SVP Sales and Marketing on LinkedIn

And check out my new website at https://www.verityaptus.ca/

Finally, please remember to follow, like and share from your podcast player of choice!

Thanks for listening!

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Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights Newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/

I speak with Gord Reynolds and delve into the complexities of Ontario's broadband journey, discussing the barriers to construction, the impact of legislative changes, the mechanisms of funding and subsidies, and ongoing challenges to continue to close the Digital Divide.

We explore the challenges faced by municipalities and internet service providers, the viability of wireless versus fiber solutions, and the role of satellite internet.

The discussion also touches on community engagement, Gord's upcoming panel at the Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference, and we close out with the one question that really gets people thinking and results in some real personal reflections.

You can contact Gord on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordreynolds/

You can find his books on Amazon

https://a.co/d/izXHWs9 (Building Tomorrow's Ontario)

https://a.co/d/b18SeJ9 (Essays on Canada's Energy Systems)

For more information about the Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference, please see https://crrbc.ca/eastern-canada-2025

And check out my new website at https://www.verityaptus.ca/

Finally, please remember to follow, like and share from your podcast player of choice!

Thanks for listening!

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Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights Newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Paul Dickinson delve into the transformative potential of fiber optic sensing technology.

They discuss its applications across various sectors, including security, utilities, and municipal and smart city applications, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education in driving adoption.

Dr. Dickinson shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting the need for collaboration among stakeholders to maximize the benefits of this technology.

The discussion also briefly touches on the role of BEAD in expanding fiber infrastructure in the US, and the opportunity to integrate fiber optic sensing as a part of a larger ecosystem, providing real-time awareness and intelligence, enabling the community beyond broadband.

Paul also shares an example of Texas811 as a visionary call centre and a clearinghouse for fiber optic sensing telemetry and coordination.

Some key takeways from the conversation:

• Fiber optic sensing technology enhances real-time monitoring.
• Awareness is crucial for technology adoption.
• The technology has applications in security and utilities.
• Municipalities can benefit from shared infrastructure costs.
• Business cases are essential for driving adoption.
• Innovations in call centers can improve damage prevention.
• The technology can save lives in emergency situations.
• Diverse applications require tailored solutions from vendors.
• The future of fiber optic sensing is promising and impactful.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Fiber Optic Sensing

07:25 Understanding the Technology Behind Fiber Optic Sensing

16:09 Applications and Market Awareness of Fiber Optic Sensing

19:00 Municipalities and Smart Infrastructure

21:16 Business Cases in Utility Markets

23:05 The BEAD Initiative and Fiber Deployment

25:03 Fiber vs. Alternative Technologies

27:16 Applications of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing

29:30 Innovations in Call Centers and Damage Prevention

33:19 Future Considerations for Infrastructure Development

35:23 Overcoming Barriers to Adoption

You can contact Paul at [email protected]  or find him on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulrdickinson/

Make sure to check out FOSA, the Fiber Optic Sensing Association at https://fiberopticsensing.org/page/about-us

Please remember to follow, like and share from your podcast player of choice!

Thanks for listening!

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Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights Newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/

(I'm apologizing for the sound quality on this one. No idea what happened there!)

In this episode of Jason's Industry Insights, I discusses the current state of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), Private Equity placement and the dynamic of valuation in the telecom sector with David Pickett, a chartered business valuator.

We explore the factors influencing M&A and valuations, and the shift in infrastructure ownership among telecom providers. From the M&A boom of 2020/2021 to reduced valuations in 2025, the conversation also touches on the hesitance of private equity in greenfield projects and the emerging opportunities in data center economics, particularly in rural areas.

The episode concludes with insights on future trends and the evolving landscape of the telecom industry.

You can contact David on LinkedIn and in person at the upcoming Canadian Rural And Remote Broadband Community Conference

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Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/ and don't forget to like, share and subscribe to this podcast.

With the first conference of the 2025 series fast approaching (June), I wanted to speak with Amedeo Bernardi, the founder of the Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference to revisit the origins of the conference, how it has evolved and continues to innovate every year, and the importance of networking and collaboration in addressing broadband challenges in rural areas. The challenge of closing the #DigitalDivide is still alive and well.

The conversation highlights the shift in conference themes, the structure of the event, and the diverse demographics of attendees. We discuss the panels and workshops planned for the upcoming conference, innovations in rural broadband, and the future direction of the conference amidst changing policies and technologies.

Sponsorship opportunities are available, with booth space quickly selling out.

For more information, please see https://crrbc.ca/ or contact Amedeo at [email protected]. Make sure to mention that you heard him on the podcast!

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Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/ and don't forget to like, share and subscribe to this podcast.

In this episode, I discuss the Model Context Protocol (MCP) with John Capobianco, exploring its implications for AI integration and network observability. Think of MCP as the USB of AI Integration.

Watch the episode with Video at https://youtu.be/vYF-vZnpQ4M

We delve into the concept of vibe coding, the practical applications of MCP in networking, and the future of technology with this new protocol. The conversation highlights the potential for innovation, and the transformative impact of MCP on pretty much any aspect of day-to-day life. We get into MCP repositories, live examples of how MCP is used, how to get started with MCP, some security concerns and, of course, what we can expect in the future.

I had a great time both speaking with and learning from John, as always. This stuff is cool.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:55 Understanding Vibe Coding and AI Operations

05:28 Defining Model Context Protocol (MCP)

08:23 MCP as a Universal Connector

11:20 Practical Applications of MCP

14:17 Security and Integration of MCP

16:53 Future of Networking with MCP

20:03 Innovations and Predictions for MCP

24:37 AI-Driven Tool Selection and Augmentation

26:17 Innovative Personal Applications of AI

27:56 Cloud-Hosted MCPs and Global Collaboration

29:53 Web Searching and Automation Tools

31:46 Security and Trust in MCPs

33:15 Getting Started with MCPs and Learning Resources

34:43 The Future of AI and Human Collaboration

37:46 VibeOps and the Evolution of Network Management

40:51 Exciting Developments at Selector.AI

Visit Selector.AI to learn more. You can contact John Capobianco on LinkedIn

Make sure to check out Jason's Industry Insights, the weekly newsletter with curated Telco, Broadband, Space and AI Market Intelligence and Insights.

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Broadband testing isn’t as simple as checking upload and download speeds. In this episode, I speak with Michael McCallen, CEO of Cheetah Networks, about the biggest challenges in broadband performance testing, why traditional methods often fall short and how they solve the problem with a home-grown Canadian solution.

We uncover key obstacles, including:

🔹 Inconsistent Testing Methods – Why results can vary wildly depending on how and when tests are run.

🔹 Lack of Real-World Performance Metrics – Speed tests don’t tell the full story of your actual experience.

🔹 Privacy Concerns – Who really owns your broadband performance data?

🔹 Community Blind Spots – How lack of local engagement leads to bad policy and poor service.

🔹 Government Standards – The gap between regulations and real-world broadband issues.

With the growing demands for connectivity, accurate broadband testing is more critical than ever. Listen in to learn what’s broken—and what needs to change.

00:00 Introduction to Performance Testing in Broadband

01:51 Cheeta Networks' Journey in Telecom

04:56 Challenges with Current Broadband Testing Methods

07:47 Cheetah Networks' Innovative Solutions

10:20 Understanding Quality of Experience

13:09 Use Cases for Performance Data

15:51 Community Engagement and Data Utilization

18:36 Privacy and Data Ownership

20:58 Business Models and Flexibility in Service Delivery

22:57 Understanding Stakeholders in Broadband Services

25:47 Government Procurement and Community Engagement

28:26 Broadband Nutrition Labels

32:15 Customer Acquisition Strategies and Market Expansion

35:10 Community Empowerment and Data Utilization

Visit Cheetah Networks to learn more. You can contact Michael McCallen on LinkedIn or by email - [email protected]

Make sure to check out Jason's Industry Insights, the weekly newsletter with curated Telco, Broadband, Space and AI Market Intelligence and Insights.

Sharing is caring! If you enjoy this Podcast, please share it with others - and don't forget to hit the subscribe button on your player of choice!

#BroadbandTesting #TelecomChallenges #InternetSpeeds #QualityOfExperience #CheetahNetworks #Connectivity

In this episode, I sit down with Philip Johnston, co-founder and CEO of StarCloud, a pioneering company at the forefront of orbital data centers. Philip makes a bold prediction: within 10 years, all data processing will be in space—and he’s on a mission to make that happen.

We dive into the game-changing advantages of space-based data centers, including unlimited solar power, passive cooling, and scalability—all of which could make terrestrial data centers obsolete. Philip breaks down the economic and engineering realities of launching massive compute infrastructure into orbit, tackling key challenges like thermal management, radiation shielding, and space debris.

He also shares insights into:

🚀 The role of optical communications and its potential to overcome bandwidth limitations.

🌍 The environmental impact, explaining why space-based computing is actually more sustainable than Earth-based data centers.

🛰️ The first steps—StarCloud’s upcoming launch and how their modular approach will scale computing in space.

🤖 The future of robotic maintenance and how humanoid robots could soon service infrastructure in space.

🧠 And yes, we even get into Dyson Spheres and Matryoshka Brains—the ultimate endgame of intelligent civilizations.

This conversation is a fascinating deep dive into the future of computing, energy, and space infrastructure. If you think the cloud is the future—think bigger.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to StarCloud and Orbital Data Centers

01:55 The Vision for Space-Based Data Centers

03:19 Use Cases and Applications of Orbital Data Centers

04:51 Technical Challenges in Space Data Centers

08:36 Engineering Solutions for Thermal Management

09:56 Radiation and Space Environment Considerations

11:09 Collision Avoidance and Space Junk Management

13:41 Customer Engagement and Market Positioning

14:57 Future of Data Centers in Space and Company Evolution

17:35 Exploring Space-Based Solar Energy

19:31 The Future of Power Demand

21:13 Industry Reactions and Perceptions

22:55 Challenges and Misconceptions

24:50 Environmental Impact and Sustainability

26:25 Business Model and Market Engagement

28:16 Technical Challenges and Team Building

30:06 Vision for the Future: Dyson Spheres and Beyond

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Visit Starcloud to learn more. You can contact Philip Johnston on LinkedIn

Make sure to check out Jason's Industry Insights, the newsletter

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In this episode, I chat with Tim Belfall from WestEnd WiFi in Stevenage, England. Tim is an expert in satellite broadband, and an authorized installer (integrator) fort Starlink.

We discuss Tim's background in telecommunications, his real-world experiences with Starlink, how its performance has changed over time, and the upcoming pricing changes that will impact customers.

We touch on the competitive landscape with emerging players like Kuiper and Thousand Sails. The conversation also touches on the future of satellite internet, mobility solutions, and Tim's thoughts on orbital data centres.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Satellite Broadband and Tim's Background

03:49 Starlink's Performance and Pricing Structure

06:57 Starlink's Market Position and Future Changes

11:12 Competition in Satellite Internet: Kuiper and Others

15:31 Mobility and Connectivity Solutions

20:02 Future of Satellite Internet and Data Centers

Visit WestEnd WiFi to learn more. You can contact Tim on LinkedIn

Make sure to check out Jason's Industry Insights, the newsletter

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In this episode, Alex Qi, CEO of Pontosense, joins me to chat about the innovative technology behind their human sensing solutions.

PontoSense focuses on using millimeter radar technology combined with AI to monitor human activity without the need for wearables, and without compromising personal privacy.

The discussion covers the origins of the company, its applications in automotive safety and assisted living, or "AgeTech" solutions that saves lives.

Alex emphasizes the importance of human data and suggests that "If we can get data about people, we can save lives."

The conversation concludes with insights into future applications and market strategies for PontoSense's technology.

Chapters

00:00 Introducing PontoSense: The Human Sensing Company

01:19 The Origin Story: From Wireless Technology to Human Sensing

04:15 Innovative Technology: Radar Solutions for Safety

09:54 Expanding Applications: From Cars to Assisted Living

15:41 Peace of Mind and Safety

17:07 Data Privacy and Trust

18:05 Unique Applications and Solutions

19:10 Wi-Fi Sensing and Its Limitations

19:59 Granularity in Health Monitoring

21:43 Healthcare Integration and Future Prospects

22:45 Market Approach and Accessibility

24:03 Technology Specifications and Usability

26:14 Emergency Response Features

27:01 Geographic Deployment and Expansion

Visit Pontosense to learn more. You can contact Alex on LinkedIn

Make sure to check out Jason's Industry Insights, the newsletter

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