In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, hosted by Brad Hine, Jason Pond, a veteran in the broadband industry, discusses his new venture, Mountain Freedom Coaching. Jason reflects on his experience with Grizzly Broadband, which he sold to a local power cooperative, emphasizing the transition from wireless to fiber technologies and the strategic advantages of such partnerships. He introduces his holistic business coaching approach, aimed at enhancing leadership, financial acumen, operations, and personal growth among ISP leaders. Jason highlights the importance of self-development in achieving effective leadership and customer satisfaction, advocating for a supportive community that fosters growth and efficiency in the broadband sector.

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo is live from Connected Britain 2024, joined by Dan Gledhill, Senior Vice President of Broadband at Harmonic. Dan shares his journey of helping broadband operators deploy faster, more efficient networks, and the innovative steps Harmonic is taking to reshape the fiber broadband landscape.

Tune in as they discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of open access networks, the convergence of fiber and cable technologies, and the importance of customer experience in shaping the future of broadband. From rural broadband in the U.S. to high-density fiber deployments in the UK, Dan provides insights into the trends, lessons, and transformations driving the industry forward.

This episode of the Broadband Bunch features host Brad Hine broadcasting live from Mountain Connect 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Brad is joined by Jess Gilbert, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Matanuska Telecom Association (MTA) based in Palmer, Alaska. Jess discusses MTA's unique challenges and initiatives in extending broadband in rural Alaska, including their innovative approach to integrating eSports into their community engagement and their adaptation to local wildlife and environmental considerations in infrastructure projects. The episode explores the evolving landscape of rural broadband deployment, particularly how MTA is addressing the needs of a younger demographic while respecting cultural and ecological sensitivities unique to Alaska.

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch podcast, host Pete Pizzutillo is live from Connected Britain 2024, joined by John Duncan, the Connected Places Lead for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. John shares insights from his journey across public and private sectors, his role in driving connectivity and digital inclusion for Greater Manchester, and the innovative use of IoT in social housing. They explore the challenges and opportunities of bridging the digital divide, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, and the region’s vision for future-proofing its digital infrastructure. Tune in for a discussion on the intersection of technology and community development in the UK.

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, recorded live from Connected Britain 2024, host Pete Pizzutillo interviews Dan Bloch, Senior Vice President of Global Solutions at Calix. Dan shares insights into the rapidly evolving broadband landscape, discussing Calix's transformation from a hardware-focused company to a software-driven solutions provider. He talks about industry trends like the shift towards persona-based services, the importance of customer-centric innovation, and the need for broadband providers to move beyond just offering connectivity. Dan also explores the impact of government funding on broadband expansion and the challenges of differentiating services in competitive markets like the U.S. and the U.K.

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo interviews Rafael Jaron, CEO of Concept for Change and Grovana, at Connected Britain 2024. Rafael shares his journey from a long-standing career in telecom, notably with Nokia, to pioneering initiatives in sustainability through tree planting. The conversation explores how telecommunication companies are integrating environmental strategies into their business models, and the impact of sustainable practices on global carbon reduction.

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Charlie Ashton, Director of Business Development at Napatech, live from Connected Britain 2024. They dive into the world of smart network interface cards (smartNICs) and how Napatech's technology accelerates network performance by offloading packet processing from CPUs. The conversation explores the current state of 5G, the evolving role of AI in network traffic growth, and the potential convergence of wired and wireless networks, all while reflecting on market trends in both the US and Europe. Charlie also shares insights on how Napatech's solutions are enhancing private 5G networks for industries like broadcasting and video surveillance.

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo chats with Ned Brody, founder of Actifai. They discuss Actifai's inception and its focus on using artificial intelligence to solve real-world business problems in various industries, including broadband. Ned explains the nuances of AI beyond the buzz, emphasizing its practical applications rather than just theoretical possibilities. The conversation sheds light on how Actifai uses AI to enhance customer service and operational efficiencies specifically in the broadband sector, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in AI’s impact on industry solutions.

In this episode, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Ian Ginn, founder of IFG Consulting Europe, live from Connected Britain 2024. They discuss the challenges of scaling telecom software in a fragmented European market, the rise of alternative networks, and the importance of network documentation for investment and growth. Ian also shares insights on rural connectivity, service differentiation, and lessons US operators can learn from Europe’s telecom landscape.

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend at Mountain Connect 2024. They discuss the unique broadband challenges faced by Northern California, including regulatory hurdles, difficult topography, and infrastructure needs. Zach shares insights on how local governments are addressing these issues and the innovative solutions being implemented to improve connectivity for residents.