In this episode, we chat with Tyler Ashner, Broadband Services Manager at Swank Construction, about the company's strategic move into the fiber optics industry. Tyler shares his journey from military engineering to leading Swank’s role in Pennsylvania's $100 million statewide fiber optic deployment, emphasizing the company's expertise in microtrenching, traffic control, and quality craftsmanship. We explore the challenges and opportunities within the broadband sector, including the impact of the BEAD program, integration of DOT funds into smart highway projects, and labor shortages. Tyler also highlights Swank's vision for sustaining growth in the fiber optics sector and their plans for future infrastructure projects. Click the link below to listen now. Also subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more: https://swankco.com

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Katie Curtis, CIO of Great Plains Communication, at this year’s Fiber Connect. Katie discusses the challenges and opportunities of integrating cloud-based architecture, the importance of data quality, and the impact of digital transformation on the customer experience. She emphasizes the necessity of investing in modern technology to remain competitive and how Great Plains Communication is setting a foundation for future growth through strategic system upgrades. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more: https://gpcom.com

In this episode Brad Hine speaks with Robert Griffin, a Tribal Leader of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He discussion centers around the challenges of improving connectivity in rural areas, the nation’s ambitious goal of reaching 80% broadband coverage by 2027, and the importance of partnerships and grant funding in achieving these objectives. Additionally, Robert reflects on the Choctaw Nation’s rich history, including their contributions as Code Talkers, and how this legacy influences their current technological initiatives. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more: https://www.choctawnation.com/services/home-internet-connectivity/

In this episode, Pete Pizzutilo chats with Brian Snider and John Sullivan, the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Revenue Officer of DXTel, at from Fiber Connect 2024. The guys share their personal journey from network operators to leaders at DXTel, highlighting how their unique platforms and managed services, give ISPs flexible, effective marketing solutions to take on the big incumbent carriers. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more: https://dxtel.net

In this episode, Brad Hine chats with Lori Adams, VP Broadband Policy and Funding Strategy at Nokia, to discuss the latest updates on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Lori provides valuable insights into how states like Louisiana are navigating the complex process, from securing Volume Two approvals to managing multiple funding streams simultaneously. With the pressure on states to meet tight deadlines and the looming challenge of limited construction resources, Lori offers a candid look at the hurdles and opportunities ahead. Click the link below to listen! Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

Can Lessons from Global Markets Unlock Success in U.S. Fiber Deployment?

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo interviews Greg Wilson, CEO of Ripple Fiber, at FiberConnect. Greg shares insights on his journey from the South African fiber market to leading Ripple Fiber’s expansion in the U.S. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in different markets, Ripple Fiber’s strategy for identifying underserved areas, and their commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Greg also highlights the importance of innovation in overcoming market challenges and how Ripple Fiber plans to grow its presence across multiple states. Click now to listen. Also subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more:https://www.ripplefiber.com

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo engages in a lively conversation with Curtis Dean, Executive Director of the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN), from FiberConnect 2024. Dean offers a candid reflection on the event, sharing his thoughts on the importance of hallway conversations, the challenges and opportunities surrounding middle mile infrastructure, and the complexities of the BEAD program for small providers. The discussion dives into the critical role of public-private partnerships, the hurdles faced by rural providers, and the potential impact of recent legislative changes on broadband deployment. Dean emphasizes the need for strategic planning and collaboration to navigate the evolving landscape of community broadband. Click now to listen. Also subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more: https://broadbandaction.com

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Heather Moyer, Founder and CEO of HNM Systems, at Fiber Connect 2024. HNM Systems offers staffing and engineering services for Telecom, Utilities, and IT organizations. Heather discusses with Pete the critical workforce challenges the broadband industry faces, including labor shortages and the need for better industry branding. Heather also reflects on her company’s mission to positively impact three million lives and emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, and mentorship. Click now to listen. Also, subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

To learn more: https://hnmsystems.com/about-us/

In this episode, Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Joe Pellegrini, President and COO of Great Plains Communications, from FiberConnect 2024. The conversation delves into the critical role of middle mile infrastructure in the broadband industry, exploring its challenges, innovations, and the strategic importance it holds for connectivity. Pellegrini discusses how Great Plains Communications has leveraged its extensive network to build and operate middle mile infrastructure, the financial considerations behind these projects, and the evolving role of partnerships in an increasingly competitive market. The discussion highlights the importance of middle mile networks in enabling last-mile connectivity and ensuring the capacity and reliability required for modern broadband services. Click the link below to listen. Also subscribe to the Broadband Bunch on your favorite podcast so you never miss an episode.

To learm more: https://gpcom.com

In this episode, Brad Hine welcomes Rhyan Neble, VP of Product Innovation at ETI Software, to discuss the emerging regulatory landscape facing broadband providers. With a focus on the new FCC requirements, including broadband nutrition labels, transparency reporting, and broadband data collection (BDC) reporting, Ryan provides in-depth insights into how these regulations are affecting the industry. He shares how ETI Software is innovating to help providers navigate and comply with these complex mandates, emphasizing the importance of integrating these requirements into a holistic data strategy to ensure compliance and maintain a competitive edge. 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://etisoftware.com