Connected Nation

Hosted by Jessica Denson

Business News

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Episodes

276

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 14, 2026Episode 5022 min

From 4,000 survey responses to $47 million: Bastrop County’s broadband journey

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with Norma Mercado, executive director of Bastrop County Cares, about the community-driven effort to bring broadband to underserved areas of Bastrop County, Texas. We discuss how local collaboration helped secure $47 million in broadband funding, the importance of digital skills and devices, and how Bastrop County is working to build a more connected community. Related links: Bastrop County Cares website Norma Mercado LinkedIn

October 7, 2026Episode 4919 min

Fort Bend County is turning broadband access into opportunity

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with the broadband program administrator from Fort Bend County, Texas, about the county's efforts to connect residents and businesses across the area. We discuss broadband deployment, digital literacy, adoption, and learn what it takes to turn internet access into real-world opportunity for an entire community. Related links: Fort Bend County, Texas website Circhelle Scott LinkedIn Heather Gate LinkedIn Connected Nation digital literacy programs

September 29, 2026Episode 4825 min

Beyond connectivity: How broadband can empower Native nations and build stronger communities

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with a tribal economic development leader who is working to create new opportunities for Native nations and underserved communities. We discuss tribal self-determination, workforce development, broadband, infrastructure, and what it takes to build community-driven solutions that support long-term economic goals. Related links: NDN Development Group website Brandon Dinsmore LinkedIn

September 16, 2026Episode 4739 min

Minnesota's broadband chief on turning years of planning into instant impact

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re heading to Minnesota—a state that has long been recognized as a national leader in broadband planning and investment. We’ll explore Minnesota’s broadband journey, the challenges of connecting communities across its diverse landscape, and the lessons its experience can offer other states as they enter the next phase of broadband deployment. Related links: Bree Maki LinkedIn Minnesota Office of Broadband Development

September 8, 2026Episode 4638 min

Turning big broadband dreams into reality in Illinois

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation we're talking with a broadband policy leader who is helping guide connectivity expansion efforts in one of the nation's most diverse states. We discuss broadband policy, digital equity, workforce development, and find out what it takes to move from broadband planning to real world deployment in the state of Illinois. Related links: Shawna Taets LinkedIn Illinois Office of Broadband webpage

September 2, 2026Episode 4522 min

Bridging legacy infrastructure with modern connectivity solutions

Send us Fan Mail How are service providers modernizing voice services, and what happens to critical systems still relying on copper lines? On this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson talks with Ooma’s Michael Abenhaim about building flexible, cloud-based voice solutions, and how tools like AirDial are helping bridge the gap between legacy infrastructure and next-generation connectivity. Related links: Ooma's website Michael Abenhaim's LinkedIn Company on LinkedIn

August 27, 2026Episode 4423 min

Bringing fiber to rural America: Fidium’s community-first approach

Send us Fan Mail Fiber is more than a technology—it can be a pathway to opportunity in rural communities. On this episode of Connected Nation, Fidium’s Sarah Davis shares how the company is taking a fiber-first approach to connecting rural communities across 21 states. The conversation explores Fidium’s community-first strategy, public-private partnerships, BEAD-funded projects, and the different approaches needed to build resilient fiber networks in places ranging from rural Maine to Florida and Texas. Davis also explains why listening to communities first—and meeting them where they are—has been key to Fidium’s success. Related links: Fidium's website Fidium's LinkedIn Sarah Davis' LinkedIn

August 26, 2026Episode 4320 min

The real battle in broadband is not speed it is loyalty

Send us Fan Mail In broadband, better speeds alone are no longer enough to win. In this episode of Connected Nation , Calix’s Teresa McGaughey explains how service providers are shifting their focus to customer experience, retention, and smarter operations. The conversation explores how AI driven platforms, targeted marketing, and automation can help providers reduce churn and compete in an increasingly crowded market. Related links: Calix's website Company's LinkedIn Teresa McGaughey's LinkedIn

August 19, 2026Episode 4220 min

The hidden problem slowing down AI in broadband

Send us Fan Mail AI is everywhere in broadband but it only works if the data behind it is right. In this episode Connected Nation , IQGeo’s George Hughes explains how providers can improve data quality, reduce mistakes in the field, and use automation to streamline everything from design to operations. The conversation also explores how AI and automation together are laying the groundwork for more efficient, more reliable networks. Related links: IQGeo website IQGeo on LinkedIn George Hughes' LinkedIn

August 12, 2026Episode 4128 min

Why some broadband providers will not survive the next wave

Send us Fan Mail 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 are reshaping the market. Find out what he thinks it will take to survive what comes next. Related links: Scott Sampson's LinkedIn