Connected Nation

Hosted by Jessica Denson

Business News

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Episodes

256

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 3023 min

How a visit from the FBI inspired the next generation of global wireless tech

Send us Fan MailImagine 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 reinvent how we connect on the go. We explore his vision for 'teleporting' your home network to any location and why this startup is one you’ll likely be using in just a few years. Recommended links:Mario Soave LinkedInMario email - mario.soave@cleverfi.comCleverFi pitch videoCleverFi website

June 8, 2026Episode 2928 min

Done planning and "ready to go": How Michigan is navigating the BEAD process

Send us Fan MailWhat 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 "administrative slog." Learn how Michigan is using everything from Great Lakes subsea cables to AI literacy to finally get shovels in the ground and close the Digital Divide.Recommended links:Eric Frederick LinkedInMichigan High-Speed Internet Office (MiHi)

June 3, 2026Episode 2834 min

Can America solve the broadband affordability problem?

Send us Fan MailHow 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 Aragona to discuss innovative approaches to broadband deployment, public-private partnerships, and the company’s vision for a nationwide fiber infrastructure network.Recommended links:Neo Network Development's websiteVince Aragona's LinkedInFiber Instructure Network Map - https://nndi.us/innovative-solutions/fiber-solutionsNational Broadband Master Plan - https://nndi.us/innovative-solutions/nbmp

June 1, 2026Episode 2733 min

The connectivity lifeline for schools, libraries, and hospitals

Send us Fan MailOn 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 community institutions, and how reliable connectivity can be life-changing, and even lifesaving, for communities across the country.Recommended links:Joseph Wender LinkedInSHLB website

May 27, 2026Episode 2617 min

The hidden gap in broadband deployment

Send us Fan MailThe 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 immediate focus and why digital literacy is the 'hidden gap' that could determine the success of broadband deployment across the U.S. Recommended links:Heather Gate LinkedInConnected Nation website

May 20, 2026Episode 2517 min

The upcoming AI divide that nobody is talking about

Send us Fan MailWhat 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 leadership. From emerging tech shifts to policy bottlenecks, we unpack the immediate actions required to secure connectivity for every American. Recommended links:Lori Adams LinkedInNokia Corporation websiteNokia Corporation LinkedIn

May 19, 2026Episode 2422 min

Creating longevity for rural communities: How CBS Oregon is transforming connectivity

Send us Fan MailIn 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 collaboration turned into a success story for rural broadband. She also shares insights from her role as chair of the planning committee for Fiber Connect 2026 and what attendees can expect from the industry’s biggest conversations moving forward.Recommended links:Jessica Koch LinkedInConsolidated Business Services websiteFiber Connect 2026 website

May 19, 2026Episode 2329 min

The gold rush of broadband

Send us Fan MailOn 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 helping employees embrace innovation, the conversation dives into the opportunities and challenges organizations face as technology rapidly evolves.Straight from the Fiber Connect floor, this episode highlights valuable lessons learned from a program at MIT, insights into the future of connectivity, and why autonomous technology may play a major role in what comes next.Recommended links: Timothy Holden LinkedInWavsys websiteFailure to Quit website

May 13, 2026Episode 2233 min

“When is my broadband coming?” Colorado’s plan to connect rural communities

Send us Fan MailBroadband 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 mountain construction challenges and BEAD funding to AI opportunities and workforce shortages, Reitter breaks down exactly what it takes to bring reliable internet to rural Colorado—proving why high-speed access is about much more than just laying fiber.Recommended links:Brandy Reitter LinkedInColorado Broadband Office website

May 6, 2026Episode 2145 min

Why rural landowners may be the missing link in broadband deployment

Send us Fan MailRural 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 Cooperative to discuss why the 'co-op' model is the secret weapon for accelerating BEAD funding, building community trust, and ensuring the future of American farming is fully connected.Recommended links:Rural Tower CooperativeDavid Christophersen's LinkedInA Cooperative Approach to Broadband Deployment in Rural Areas (LinkedIn): Rural Tower Cooperative Launches Pre‑Screened Rural Parcels for Broadband Deployment (Total Telecom)