In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are thrilled to welcome Aaron Meyerson, the Chief Innovation Economy Officer and Director of Broadband for the City of Newark. We will discuss how the city is working to bring an open-access network and high-speed internet to every citizen, regardless of their income or zip code. This ambitious initiative has made Newark a leader in digital equity, and we are excited to hear more about how they are making it happen. Our interview with Aaron was recorded at Connected America, sponsored by Total Telecom. Connected America brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the future of connectivity. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more: https://newarkfiber.org/#home

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Amanda Hofer, Assistant GM from Central Texas Telephone, a rural broadband provider, at the first-ever Connected America event hosted by Total Telecom. Amanda's experience as a fiber provider in rural areas brings a unique perspective to our discussion on the challenges and solutions of bridging the digital divide in central Texas. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the broadband bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

https://www.centex.net/

IIn this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Gerry Lawlor, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Hexvarium. Gerry co-founded Hexvarium with the vision of making broadband network investments more efficient, impactful, and profitable. Hexvarium's proprietary HexMAPP platform and algorithms take the guesswork out of broadband network investments, enabling investors, utilities, municipalities, and businesses to quickly determine how and where to build fiber networks for the highest possible impact and the best possible return to investors. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

https://hexvarium.com

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Claire Andonov, a leading telecommunications attorney with Herman & Whiteaker. In addition to her role as a Principal at Herman & Whiteaker, Claire is dedicated to helping rural broadband vendors stay informed of the latest rules and regulations in the industry through her work with the NTCA.

Claire leads the charge representing associate members by chairing, the Associate Member Advisory Council or AMAC which provides valuable insights, education, and tailored programs that keep members up to date with the latest trends and insights in the telecommunications industry. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Brandy Reitter, Executive Director, Colorado Broadband Office. Brandy will share her insights and experiences working towards Colorado’s ambitious goal of 99% connectivity by 2027. We’ll also discuss the challenges and opportunities of expanding broadband access in rural and underserved areas. From telehealth to education to tribal connectivity learn how The Centennial State is working towards closing the digital divide and bringing connectivity to all Coloradans. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

https://broadband.colorado.gov/

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Dr. Roberto Gallardo, the Director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development, and an Associate Professor in the Agricultural Economics Department at the University of Purdue. Roberto is a renowned expert in the field of regional development, with a focus on the intersection of technology and economic development. He has spent his career studying the impact of technology on communities, particularly those in rural areas, and advocating for equitable access to broadband and other digital resources. One of Roberto's most significant contributions to this field has been his work on tracking the digital divide. He and his team at the Purdue Center for Regional Development have developed a powerful data-driven approach to measuring broadband availability and adoption at the local level. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

https://pcrd.purdue.edu

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we are joined by Jeff Moore of Wave7 Research, a well-known industry analyst, and expert on the fixed wireless landscape. Jeff recently gave a presentation on the latest trends in the industry at WISPAmerica 2023 and we're excited to have him on the show to share some of his insights with us. WISPs have a home-field advantage due to their community-focused efforts, local knowledge, and customer-centric service. They can win in areas where Verizon and T-Mobile are not focused on. From the rapid growth of wireless to the advantages of local WISPs, we'll discuss some key themes and takeaways from Jeff's session. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

https://wave7research.com/

In this episode, we are joined by Richard Bernhardt, Senior Director of Spectrum and Industry at WISPA, the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association. With over 20 years of experience in the wireless industry, Richard has been at the forefront of shaping policies and regulations that affect WISPs, small businesses, and rural communities. We'll also talk about the latest developments in the industry, including spectrum allocation and the impact of new technologies like 5G and CBRS. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more: https://www.wispa.org/

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, we’re excited to welcome Nathan Stooke, the CEO of Wisper ISP. Nathan is a pioneer and industry leader, with over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and wireless industries. We chat about the evolution of WISPAMERICA, and the direction of the industry, particularly in the area of fixed wireless. We also discuss the latest trends, innovations, and challenges facing WISPs today, and explore what’s on the horizon for this rapidly evolving industry. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more: https://wisperisp.com

To learn more: https://www.wispa.org

In this episode, we are joined by Cassidy Hjelmstad, CEO and General Manager of SRT Communications, a telecommunications company based in Minot, North Dakota. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation, Cassidy has spearheaded SRT's all-fiber build, positioning the company as a leader in high-speed internet, phone, and TV services in the region. Cassidy's leadership is rooted in her cooperative values, which prioritize putting members first and investing in the communities they serve. Click the link below to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

https://www.srt.com