An estimated 10% of U.S. households lack broadband, and as many as 20% of constituents are unable to access city council, school board, and other public meetings online. In this conversation, David Plappert is joined by producer and guest host Joseph Lewin to explore why live streaming alone leaves too many people out and how phone access bridges the gap.

They discuss the limitations of current solutions, from manual conference lines to free services with hidden costs, and highlight how dedicated toll-free phone lines with automation remove barriers for marginalized groups, seniors, and people on the move. Using real-world examples—from truck drivers to school board parents—this episode underscores the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and simplicity in government meeting access.

📌 What We Cover

• Why 10% of U.S. households without broadband face immediate barriers to live streams
• How real-world scenarios like truck drivers, landscapers, and seniors highlight the access gap
• The role of phone access as a “least common denominator” for meeting participation
• Limitations of existing phone systems, including high administrative burden and PIN complexity
• Hidden costs of free conference call services for prepaid phone users
• How Phone Live automates access with dedicated toll-free numbers, live notifications, and archiving
• Ways phone-based access can increase transparency for school boards and public meetings
• Why automated phone solutions reduce IT workload while improving ADA compliance

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• PhoneLive.io