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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 2026 and 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. In addition, the podcast received Awards of Distinction in the same category in 2025, 2023, and 2022.
Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org. Interested in being one of our sponsors? Email us at info@connectednation.org.
Episodes
267 episodes
Why some broadband providers will not survive the next wave
Broadband is growing fast but not everyone is keeping up. In this episode of Connected Nation, industry veteran Scott Sampson breaks down the biggest mistakes ISPs are making and explains why AI, consolidation, and new funding ar...
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Breaking barriers, closing gaps: Connected Nation's bid for a world record
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking about Connected Nation's attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the "longest internet literacy livestream" a 25-hour global event focused on building essential digital skills. ...
Why broadband providers can no longer build networks the same way
Broadband is shifting fast and the old rules no longer apply. In this episode of Connected Nation, Harmonic’s Jeff Glahn explains how providers are rethinking the way networks are built, upgraded, and managed. From plug-and-play soluti...
How “labor-light” design is changing how broadband gets built
Building broadband faster isn’t just about technology. It’s about how you design it.In this episode of Connected Nation, Clearfield’s Anis Khemakhem explains how “labor-light” fiber solutions, modular design, and practical innov...
How one state’s unique approach to broadband is saving lives
Broadband isn’t just about faster speeds. It’s reshaping how communities access healthcare, education, and innovation.In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson talks with Tracy Doaks of MCNC and Dr. John Graham of...
Bridging the “donut holes” in broadband access
Some communities are still falling through the cracks of broadband expansion.In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson talks with Bo Coughlin, President of eNCore, about the persistent “donut holes" in Nort...
A cost-effective answer to some of the biggest problems for some of the nation's smallest ISPs
What happens when powerful technology becomes accessible to smaller broadband providers? At Fiber Connect 2026, we talk with Ian Oliver of Globema about the software, automation, and AI tools helping tier-two and tier-three ISPs wor...
Tailor-made home internet that you can take with you
What happens when broadband networks become smart enough to manage themselves?Recorded live at Fiber Connect 2026, this episode of Connected Nation features Randy Van Buren of Motive Software Solutions for a fascin...
Why a defense-tech giant is the next big player in broadband deployment
What happens when a company trusted with defense, medical, and transportation tech turns its focus to broadband? Recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson talks with leadership from Kontron about th...
Solving broadband deployment challenges at Mountain Connect
On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re previewing Mountain Connect 2026 — and a timely, solution-driven opportunity for ISPs to overcome deployment challenges and accelerate broadband expansion nationwide. Listen as we discuss ...
They shipped what?! Inside one company’s strangest and biggest freight jobs
In this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Heneways Freight Services executives Larne Davis and Caleb Buchel to explore the fast-moving world of global shipping — and the role it plays in keeping broadband projects on track.Fr...
How a visit from the FBI inspired the next generation of global wireless tech
Imagine never having to ask for a Wi-Fi password ever again. In this episode, recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, we meet Mario Soave of CleverFi. He shares how a personal brush with the FBI inspired him to rein...
Done planning and "ready to go": How Michigan is navigating the BEAD process
What happens when a massive federal broadband program gets paused, rewritten, and restarted?On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Michigan’s Chief Connectivity Officer, Eric Frederick, about navigating the BEAD program's "adm...
Can America solve the broadband affordability problem?
How do we solve America’s broadband affordability gap while also protecting critical infrastructure?During the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson sat down with Neo Network Development's Founder and CEO Vince Arag...
The connectivity lifeline for schools, libraries, and hospitals
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Joseph “Joey” Wender, Executive Director of SHLB. The conversation explores the future of the Universal Service Fund, the ongoing fight to close the homework gap, cybersecurity challenges facing...
The hidden gap in broadband deployment
The infrastructure is being built, but is the workforce ready? During the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson sat down to discuss the growing need for digital skills training. We break down the areas that require immedia...
The upcoming AI divide that nobody is talking about
What is the next big disruptor threatening to widen the Digital Divide? In this episode, recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson tackles the urgent state of U.S. broadband policy with Nokia lead...
Creating longevity for rural communities: How CBS Oregon is transforming connectivity
In 2013, nine rural telephone companies came together with one goal: bringing urban-level connectivity and services to rural communities. On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a representative from CBS Oregon to discuss how that...
The gold rush of broadband
On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a strategic advisor who works with ISPs and co-ops across the country to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the broadband industry. From overcoming fears around AI to h...
“When is my broadband coming?” Colorado’s plan to connect rural communities
Broadband isn't just about infrastructure; it's about human equity. Sitting down at the Connected America Conference, Colorado Broadband Director Brandy Reitter explains the harsh realities of closing the Digital Divide. From mounta...
Why rural landowners may be the missing link in broadband deployment
Rural broadband doesn’t just happen in a vacuum—it happens on rural land. But how do we turn landowners into essential infrastructure partners?Connected Nation's host Jessica Denson sits down with David Christophersen of the Rural Tower ...
Tech expert advice: AI trends that matter, getting cloud right, and building sustainable infrastructure
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're joined by a tech leader who's helped global enterprises modernize the cloud, harness AI for real-time decisions, and even rethink sustainable infrastructure for EV charging. We'll talk abou...
Why this is a critical moment to be at the world’s largest fiber conference
At a defining moment for broadband, many believe fiber is at the center of what comes next. In this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson speaks with Fiber Broadband Association President and CEO Gary Bolton about why this is ...
From India to the U.S.: The global push to transform broadband
On this episode of Connected Nation, we chat about a new "attraction" at the Connected America Conference - an India pavilion. Find out why companies from the other side of the globe were here to talk American connectivity. Recom...
Inside Connected America: Why broadband growth depends on collaboration
On this episode of Connected Nation, we are live at the Connected America Conference in Dallas. We speak with Rob Chambers, Managing Director of Total Telecom about what’s next for Connected America and why face-to-face collaboration is critica...