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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
260 episodes
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...
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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...
Going the second mile: How a women‑founded RevOps firm is transforming ISPs
On today’s podcast, we’re diving into the world of digital transformation, RevOps, and how ISPs can streamline operations from customer service to infrastructure. We’re talking with leadership from one company working across North A...
Decentralize to stabilize: How distributed data saves money, protects privacy, and boosts resiliency
On this episode of Connected Nation, we’ll explore how StorX is disrupting traditional cloud storage with decentralized, blockchain-powered solutions—in what they say is delivering privacy, cost savings, and resilience through a global network ...
Preventing disaster before it strikes: The company that provides early warning signs that your network is at risk
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're back at the Broadband Nation Expo to talk about early warning signs, those little simple things that let you know that something's wrong with your broadband network before the whole network goes down. ...
Meet the VP of the Internet of Things
On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you back to the Broadband Nation Expo taking place in Orlando, Florida. This time we have a very special guest, the man who calls himself the Vice President of Internet of Things. Find out if he's se...
The craft of broadband compliance: How to avoid review after review after review
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with an expert in broadband compliance about what to do in advance to avoid going through review after review after review.Recommended links:
Is BEAD the worst thing to happen to rural America? Why one industry insider says "yes"
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from the Minnesota Telecom Alliance. Learn how they work with co-ops and family ISPs to help them stay ahead of the curve, what it's like working with the state broadband office in Mi...
The challenge of connecting a Native reservation with borders crossing Canada and the US
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Nation Expo taking place in Orlando, Florida. And we're doing so by telling a story from Montana, one of two tribes, two nations, and the effort to connect an enti...