The Broadband Bunch

Hosted by Pete Pizzutillo

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486

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Broadband Bunch, a podcast about broadband and how it impacts all of us. Join us to learn about the state of the industry and the latest innovations and trends. Connect with the thought leaders, pioneers and policymakers helping to shape your future through broadband. The Broadband Bunch is sponsored by: ETI Software: www.etisoftware.com VETRO: www.vetrofibermap.com

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60 recent

June 16, 202644 min

Episode 496: Rob Lawrence of Microsoft on Agentic AI Governance and Organizational Readiness

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Rob Lawrence, Technology Strategist at Microsoft, to separate the reality of agentic AI from the growing hype surrounding autonomous systems. As organizations race to experiment with AI agents, Rob argues that the biggest challenges aren't the models themselves—they're the operating environments, governance frameworks, data quality, accountability structures, and organizational readiness required to deploy them successfully. Pete and Rob discuss why many AI pilots succeed while production deployments struggle, the return of disciplines like project portfolio management and process engineering, and why data governance may be the most important prerequisite for successful AI adoption. Rob also talks about the role of identity and permissions, the risks of poorly governed agents acting on flawed data, and why organizations need better observability into AI-driven workflows. Along the way, he shares advice for CIOs, CTOs, and broadband operators looking to move beyond experimentation and build a responsible foundation for agentic AI.

June 9, 202626 min

Episode 495: Anis Khemakhem on Fiber Innovation, Workforce Development, and Network Resilience

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2026, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Anis Khemakhem, Chief Commercial Officer at Clearfield, to discuss the state of fiber broadband deployment, workforce development, and infrastructure innovation. Anis shares his journey from engineer to industry leader and explains how Clearfield has built its reputation by solving practical challenges for broadband operators while maintaining a strong commitment to underserved communities and workforce training initiatives. Anis tells about several of Clearfield’s latest product announcements, including the new Nova platform designed for data center and next-generation network environments, as well as a newly launched fiber-focused pedestal portfolio. He also discusses how operators can balance long-term network planning with rising material and labor costs, navigate BABA compliance requirements, and prepare for increasing demand driven by AI, edge computing, and hyperscale data centers. Anis highlights the importance of industry partnerships, supply chain collaboration, and resilient network design as broadband providers work to meet growing connectivity demands. The episode ends with a discussion on attracting the next generation of broadband professionals and how innovative training tools can help bridge the industry's workforce gap.

June 2, 20261 hr 1 min

Episode 494: Rhyan Neble on Agentic AI, Telecom Automation, and the Age of Intelligent Operations

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo welcomes Rhyan Neble for a conversation about the evolution of artificial intelligence, agentic frameworks, and what these technologies mean for broadband operators. Drawing on decades of experience building telecom networks, OSS/BSS platforms, and software solutions, Rhyan explains how AI has progressed from a simple assistant to a true workforce multiplier capable of accelerating software development, automating complex workflows, and helping organizations solve problems that once required large teams and months of effort. Rhyan also shares practical advice for broadband providers looking to prepare for the next wave of AI adoption. Topics include open APIs, operational runbooks, AI agents as employee assistants, governance frameworks, security considerations, and the growing importance of data accessibility. They discuss both the opportunities and risks of AI, offering a balanced look at how operators can use these tools to improve efficiency, streamline reporting, surface operational insights, and empower employees while maintaining human oversight.

May 28, 202634 min

Episode 493: Josh Turiano Explains Blue Stream Fiber’s AI Strategy

This episode of The Broadband Bunch, sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap, features a live conversation from Fiber Connect 2026 with Josh Turiano, Chief Innovation and AI Officer at Blue Stream Fiber. Josh joins host Pete Pizzutillo to share how Blue Stream Fiber is approaching AI adoption inside a broadband operator environment, from improving troubleshooting workflows and technician productivity to building internal GPT tools that help teams scale without dramatically increasing headcount. The discussion explores the importance of clean data, organizational readiness, and why successful AI adoption starts long before deploying a chatbot. Josh also dives into the broader future of AI infrastructure in telecom, including edge inference, network automation, resiliency concerns tied to hyperscalers, and the growing need for broadband providers to rethink how AI workloads are distributed. He explains how Blue Stream Fiber rolled out AI across departments, the lessons learned from early experimentation, and why operators that invest in data organization and practical AI workflows today may be better positioned to compete tomorrow. The conversation offers a look at how AI is already reshaping broadband operations while highlighting the cultural and operational changes still ahead for the industry.

May 14, 202630 min

Episode 492: Chattanooga’s EPB Fiber Success Story with Katie Espeseth

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Katie Espeseth, Vice President of New Products at EPB, about how Chattanooga became one of the most recognized community broadband success stories in the United States. Katie shares how EPB’s original mission was never just about broadband speeds. The focus centered on economic development, grid modernization, and improving quality of life across Chattanooga through long-term infrastructure investment. Katie and Pete talk about how EPB accelerated its fiber deployment, paid off debt ahead of schedule, and evolved from early GPON deployments to offering symmetrical 25 gig services across its footprint. Katie also explains how EPB approaches affordability, customer experience, and future technologies like quantum networking while continuing to support economic growth and innovation in the region. The episode highlights lessons for utilities, municipalities, and broadband providers preparing for the next generation of infrastructure investment and AI driven connectivity demands.

May 6, 202647 min

Episode 491: How John Hill Is Using AI to Transform Customer Data and Growth at GVTC

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with John Hill from GVTC to talk about how broadband providers can move beyond AI hype and start applying it in practical, meaningful ways. John tells about his path into telecom and how GVTC has evolved from a rural provider into a fast-growing fiber network. The conversation highlights how AI is already reshaping marketing, customer analytics, and forecasting, with real examples of how John uses AI tools to dramatically reduce analysis time and uncover new business insights. They also discuss the cultural and operational shifts required for successful AI adoption. John emphasizes that progress starts with curiosity, experimentation, and strong collaboration between business and IT teams. Rather than forcing top-down mandates, GVTC encourages employees to explore AI in their own workflows and share results across the organization. The episode underscores a clear message for broadband operators: companies that embrace AI now—through better data practices, agile thinking, and a willingness to adapt—will be better positioned to compete, grow, and negotiate from strength in an increasingly competitive fiber market.

April 30, 202636 min

Episode 490: How Christy Batts Helped Turn CDE Lightband Into a Broadband Success Story

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Christy Batts, Chief Broadband Officer at CDE Lightband, about one of the earliest municipal fiber success stories and the realities behind building it. The conversation focuses on the decisions that mattered most—from early technology missteps and partner selection to the operational discipline required to scale. Christy shares how a strong business plan, combined with a focus on processes and customer acquisition, helped CDE Lightband grow quickly and pay off its debt years ahead of schedule. They discuss how the market has evolved, from triple-play services to high-capacity broadband and business solutions like hosted PBX. Christy explains how managing a high-churn market, investing in scalable infrastructure, and maintaining a strong local presence have been key to long-term success. For operators preparing for new builds or funding opportunities, this episode offers insight into what to prioritize, what to avoid, and how to build a network that can keep up with demand.

April 21, 202625 min

Episode 489: Jessica Koch and Patrick Mulhern on Light Years Ahead at Fiber Connect 2026

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo is joined by Jessica Koch and Patrick Mulhearn to preview Fiber Connect 2026 and what makes it a must-attend event for the broadband industry. They discuss how the conference reflects a major shift in the market, from building fiber infrastructure to exploring what that infrastructure enables, including AI, data centers, telehealth, gaming, and precision agriculture. The conversation highlights this year’s theme, “Light Years Ahead,” and the growing importance of collaboration across operators, policymakers, and technology providers. With expanded content focused on real-world applications and future demand, Fiber Connect 2026 is positioned as a hub for ideas, innovation, and the next phase of broadband growth.

April 16, 202647 min

Episode 488: How John Capobianco Is Rethinking Network Automation with AI

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo explores the IT infrastructure, automation, and AI systems that power the subscriber experience. He is joined by John Capobianco, Head of AI and Developer Relations at Itential, for a conversation about what is happening inside the network. John explains how network automation has progressed from early scripting to AI-driven orchestration. Real-world examples show how changes that once required days can now be completed in minutes, reducing risk and minimizing human error. Core network orchestration emerges as a critical priority, carrying just as much weight as innovation at the access layer. AI agents take a central role in the discussion, with a focus on how they enable autonomous operations such as detection, remediation, and closed-loop workflows. The conversation also highlights the rise of DIY automation, open-source innovation, and model context protocol, which allows engineers to interact with complex systems using natural language. Trust, guardrails, and workforce impact round out the episode. John shares practical guidance for operators looking to adopt AI, emphasizing simple starting points that build confidence and deliver immediate value.

April 7, 202629 min

Episode 487: Steve Schwerbel on Fixed Wireless Policy and State Broadband Strategy

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, Jeff Boozer chats with Steve Schwerbel who leads state-level policy for WISPA. Recorded live at ISP America, the conversation centers on how broadband policy has shifted from federal oversight to state-level execution—and why that shift matters more than ever as BEAD funding moves toward deployment. Steve shares his path into broadband policy and discusses how states are balancing technology choices, funding strategies, and real-world deployment challenges. Steve and Jeff talk about the role of fixed wireless, the push for technology-neutral funding, and the growing tension around affordability and contract requirements under BEAD. Steve also looks ahead to what comes next, including how states may address gaps left after BEAD, rethink long-term funding models, and respond to emerging pressures like AI infrastructure and data center growth. The takeaway is clear: broadband policy is no longer just about access—it is about sustainability, flexibility, and making the right decisions for each unique environment.