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Connected Nation
This is Connected Nation – an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the Digital Divide to simply improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our communities.
The podcast was honored in 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. The podcast also received an Award of Distinction in 2023 and the same in 2022.
Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org.
Episodes
174 episodes
Why ISPs should evolve into experience providers—and who can help
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Calix – a company that “helps broadband service providers simplify, innovate, and grow.” Learn how the company is shifting the focus from being a service provider to ...
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Season 6
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Episode 11
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31:31
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Celebrating five years: Exploring our best interviews and topics since 2020
On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re doing things a little bit differently. That’s because March 24, 2025 marks our five year anniversary since launching.We’ll take you through the very distinct moment in time we got started, ...
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Season 6
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Episode 10
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27:49
Tackling transitions: From being bought by another company to handling BEAD under a new administration
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Connected America conference, where we dive into the latest in broadband innovation and policy. First, we hear from Belden Precision Optical Technologies, a comp...
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Season 6
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Episode 9
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20:36
How the startup mentality is influencing broadband innovation
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Connected America in Irving, Texas, by exploring the Startup Village, where innovation is driving connectivity forward. First, we sit down with Huw Rees from NetExpe...
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Season 6
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Episode 8
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15:50
The company whose innovation is inviting competitors to work together in the same space
We’re live from Connected America, exploring how internet exchange points (IXPs) improve connectivity across the U.S.! Host Jessica Denson chats with De-CIX's Kelly Sieben, who uses a fun marble demo to explain how IX...
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Season 6
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Episode 7
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19:08
Beyond access: Learning the digital skills to thrive online
Imagine living in today’s digital world without knowing how to access the internet, use a computer, or even navigate a mobile phone. It may surprise you to learn that this is a reality for millions of Americans.On this episode, we explor...
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Season 6
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Episode 6
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33:11
Get a little help navigating the broadband landscape in 2025
Navigating the broadband landscape in 2025 is no easy task—especially as new policies, technologies, and funding opportunities emerge. In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson sits down with an Editor at TotalTeleco...
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Season 6
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Episode 5
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18:50
Beyond wires and towers – the human infrastructure of broadband
Broadband isn’t just about fiber and wireless networks—it’s about people. In this episode of Connected Nation, we explore a groundbreaking research project that examines the individuals and programs working to close the Digital Divide.
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Season 6
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Episode 4
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54:27
Telehealth experts on the future of senior healthcare in a tech-driven world
Telehealth has transformed how older adults access healthcare, but significant barriers still exist. In this special roundtable episode of Connected Naton, we're joined by a panel of telehealth experts to discuss how technology, innovation, and...
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Season 6
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Episode 3
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54:15
Ready, set, build: Tackling the challenges of large broadband buildouts now and in the future
The new year has arrived - bringing the long-awaited start of broadband expansion under the Broadband Equity Access and Development Program (BEAD). However, as all U.S. states and territories prepare to build simultaneously, new challenges are ...
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Season 6
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Episode 2
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31:49
Planning, prioritizing, delivering: How Aurigo simplifies infrastructure challenges
State leaders across the US are about to embark on a massive undertaking to expand the nation’s broadband infrastructure – thanks to bipartisan legislation that funds the work. On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the...
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Season 6
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Episode 1
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43:06
Behind the stories: 2024 highlights from the Connected Nation communications team
On today’s podcast – we’re doing something special to wrap up an incredible year.We're bringing in the award-winning communications team that works behind the scenes daily to spread the word about Connected Nation’s impactful programs an...
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Season 5
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Episode 54
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45:13
Fiber to the Future: Centranet and Sac and Fox Nation’s groundbreaking partnership
Today, we’re diving into an incredible story of technology and connection happening right here in the United States. We’re thrilled to welcome leadership from Centranet, a company that delivers cutting edge internet via a fiber broadban...
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Season 5
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Episode 53
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18:02
Sounds of the Summit: He’s never worked in broadband but that’s not stopping him. Meet the man trying to connect Encinitas, California.
On this episode of Connected Nation, we conclude our coverage of the Broadband Communities Summit West. Learn how a relatively new nonprofit is helping community organizations bridge the Digital Divide; explore another company's unique ap...
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Season 5
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Episode 52
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26:48
Sounds of the Summit: Today's perceptions in telehealth and Hawaii's vision for full connectivity
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Communities Summit West conference. We discuss new trends in telehealth with a leading researcher on the topic and talk to a representative from Hawaiian T...
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Season 5
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Episode 51
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16:21
Sounds of the Summit: Upcoming trends in digital inclusion and how one ISP is revolutionizing local connectivity
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our live coverage at the Broadband Communities Summit West conference. We talk with the Executive VP of Digital Inclusion for Connected Nation, about trends that are happening within the digital ...
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Season 5
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Episode 50
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16:50
Sounds from the Summit: Why 100% connectivity is a moving target in the Sunflower State
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our live coverage at the Broadband Communities Summit West conference. You'll hear from the Interim Director of the Kansas State Broadband Office as he discusses Middle Mile vs. Last Mile, BEAD d...
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Season 5
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Episode 49
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14:45
Sounds from the Summit: Episode #1
On our first episode of BBC Summit coverage, you'll hear from one man who says he knows what the number one issue many of the broadband leaders are having.Also joining us, a state broadband director who says "by the time BEAD is done, t...
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Season 5
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Episode 48
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20:31
Behind the 5G revolution: Verizon leadership on the company's role in shaping the future of connectivity
On today’s podcast, Verizon's CRO for the Global Enterprise & Public Sector, Massimo Peselli, joins us to discuss the technology of 5G including what’s myth and what’s reality. Plus, we look at how global leaders are tackling th...
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Season 5
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Episode 47
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39:58
Broadband Nation Expo: The role of mapping and data analytics in expanding broadband access
Today's episode is a bonus interview from our coverage at the 2024 Broadband Nation Expo.We were joined by Justin Fazzari, Senior Broadband Strategist at Sanborn. We speak about Justin's background, some of his daily activities and what...
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Season 5
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Episode 46
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14:24
Broadband Nation Expo 2024: Understanding the importance of BEAD funding & how it impacts all Americans
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our live coverage at the Broadband Nation Expo. During the "Broadband and Brews" event hosted by Connected Nation, Vernonburg Group, and Sandborn our host Grant Ahlbrand speaks with three broadba...
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Season 5
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Episode 45
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38:07
Broadband Nation Expo 2024: How broadband connectivity can help individuals become successful in the digital age
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our live coverage at the Broadband Nation Expo. We talk with two experts about the importance of broadband in many aspects of everyday life. Learn how connectivity is bringing more people togethe...
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Season 5
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Episode 44
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29:14
On the road: Inside Broadband Nation Expo 2024 (Part 1)
On this episode of Connected Nation, we begin our coverage from Broadband Nation Expo. At this broadband conference attendees learn from 120+ industry and government leaders as they discuss relevant topics and supply them with tangible takeaway...
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Season 5
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Episode 43
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23:56
From open Wi-Fi to "visionary" broadband laws: How the western US is addressing digital access differently
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership at Total Telecom about a new event that’s focused on connecting “every community in the Western US with next-generation communications infrastructure.”From cutting-edge techno...
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Season 5
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Episode 42
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25:52
Where innovators and leaders unite: Previewing the upcoming 2024 Broadband Nation Expo
Today, we’re gearing up for one of the most exciting events in the broadband space – the 2024 Broadband Nation Expo in Washington, D.C. On this episode, we are joined by leadership at Questex to discuss why this expo is where leaders an...
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Season 5
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Episode 41
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19:10