Why does America — the birthplace of the internet — have some of the slowest, most expensive broadband in the developed world? Hillari Lombard sits down with Christopher Mitchell, Director of the Community Broadband Networks Initiative at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, to unpack the root causes behind our bad connections.

From monopoly power and fake “fees” to the political roadblocks that stop cities from building their own networks, Hillari and Chris dig into how a handful of corporations have turned an essential utility into a cash cow — and what communities can do to fight back.

This episode explores why internet access isn’t just about streaming speeds — it’s about opportunity, education, and democracy itself.

If you’ve ever stared at a $100 Comcast bill and wondered, “How is this legal?” — this one’s for you.