Wavelengths

Hosted by Amphenol Broadband Solutions

Business Science

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Wavelengths, a podcast with Amphenol Broadband Solutions.

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45 recent

September 24, 2024Episode 138 min

Creating and Enhancing Network Resilience Can Curtail Threats From Natural Disasters

Richard Murtha, of Kinetic by Windstream, discusses how broadband networks can be fortified to endure natural disasters.

August 27, 2024Episode 140 min

In Bridging Together, Utilities and Broadband Partnerships are Shaping the Future of Connectivity

Bill Major, CEO at FiberLight, discusses the evolving landscape of utilities and broadband partnerships, and how it's the key to modernizing.

June 11, 2024Episode 159 min

Navigating the Future of Telecommunications: Demand Forecasting, Government Programs, and Artificial Intelligence

Bill O'Donnell and Barry Holt of Amphenol Broadband Solutions, discuss how the telecommunications industry is responding to increased changes.

April 17, 2024Episode 141 min

Rural Broadband Infrastructure is Foundational for the Next Wave of Agricultural Technology

Curt Blades, SVP of Agriculture Services & Forestry at AEM discusses agriculture technology, and rural broadband infrastructure's importance.

February 20, 2024Episode 147 min

Bridging the Digital Divide Will Depend Heavily on the Future of Rural Broadband Expansion

High-speed internet access is synonymous with economic prosperity, however, the disparity in broadband infrastructure between urban and rural communities has never been more pronounced. As the digital revolution marches on, the divide widens, leaving rural communities deep in the shadows of technological advancement. But this stark reality centers an urgent call to action, spearheaded by initiatives like BEAD funding, which is aimed at revitalizing rural broadband infrastructure. Amidst this backdrop, the critical question looms: How can rural communities navigate the complex maze of broadband expansion to bridge the digital divide effectively? For another insightful episode of Wavelengths, an Amphenol Broadband Solutions podcast, host Daniel Litwin is joined by Brant Carter, Director of Industry Products at Sitetracker. The two unraveled the intricacies of broadband expansion in rural areas. This episode also explored the challenges, opportunities, and innovative strategies pivotal for the successful deployment of rural broadband infrastructure. In this episode, Litwin and Carter delved into: ● The current state of rural broadband expansion and the unique challenges rural communities face, from geographical constraints to resource limitations. ● Exploring actionable strategies for rural telcos to navigate the complex landscape of broadband deployment. ● The Role of BEAD Funding and examining its impact on the rural broadband landscape and how it shapes the future of connectivity in rural America. Brant Carter is the Director of Industry Products at Sitetracker. With a distinguished career at the company, he has a wealth of experience in telecommunications infrastructure. His role includes deploying critical infrastructure across various sectors, managing multi-billion dollar projects globally. This has allowed Carter to be positioned as a leading voice in telecommunications infrastructure.

January 9, 2024Episode 151 min

Nuances of BEAD Funding: A Roundtable Discussion

In a timely and important episode about the deployment and execution of federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding, several telecommunications experts weighed in on the program’s future. With 2023 coming to a close, this conversation about BEAD comes at the right time as it marks a year filled with substantial updates and progress in broadband infrastructure initiatives. The BEAD initiative, part of a broader effort to revitalize and expand broadband infrastructure in the U.S., has seen significant progress over the year. Now, with all states and territories having submitted their BEAD funding proposals, this episode delves into the critical phase of this transformative project. The stakes are high as this funding aims to reshape and improve America's digital landscape. This subsequently raises the question, how effectively are the BEAD funds being managed and allocated, and what are the broader implications for U.S. broadband infrastructure? For a new episode of "Wavelengths," an Amphenol Broadband Solutions podcast, host Daniel Litwin brought together an impressive panel for a major roundtable discussion on BEAD funding. He was joined by Zachary Raley, SVP and Advisor to the CEO of Amphenol, Ben Elkins, CEO of AireBeam, and Diana Goovaerts, Executive Editor, Fierce Telecom and Silverlinings. The episode made a deep dive into the state of BEAD funding, exploring its achievements, challenges, and future trajectory. Several points tackled during the episode included: An evaluation of the successes and obstacles encountered in implementing BEAD funding. Assessing the strategic adequacy of proposals submitted by all 56 states and territories. Insights into the expected long-term effects of BEAD funding on U.S. broadband expansion. Zachary Raley is a seasoned advisor at Amphenol and its SVP. He has a unique perspective on equipment and hardware essential for broadband expansion. Ben Elkins is the CEO of AireBeam and provides an operator's viewpoint and is an expert on the success of the BEAD program in Arizona. Diana Goovaerts offers an editorial lens, discussing the broader context and critical issues surrounding BEAD funding.

September 30, 2025Episode 130 min

Shaping the World of Education: The Broadband Industry’s Impact on Academia, Part 2

In Part 2 of this Wavelengths conversation, host Daniel Litwin continues his discussion with Chuck Girt, Chief Technology Officer at FiberLight, diving deeper into the broader ecosystem of education connectivity. While Part 1 focused on building resilient networks inside the classroom, this episode looks outward, examining how education networks must extend into homes, public spaces, and communities to truly close the digital divide. Girt shares how funding shifts, cybersecurity challenges, and new technology trends are reshaping how districts think about connectivity beyond school walls. With decades of experience in telecommunications and education infrastructure, Girt outlines a blueprint for designing networks that support students wherever learning happens, from classrooms to Chromebooks at home to roaming connections in libraries and community centers. Key Discussion Highlights: • Extending Learning Beyond School Walls: Girt emphasizes that education doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Reliable fiber must power home connectivity, bus Wi-Fi, and community hotspots to ensure equitable access for all students. • The Funding Pendulum: The episode explores how shifting definitions of “community anchor institutions” and the push-and-pull of BEAD, E-Rate, and state funding complicate planning—but also create new opportunities for strategic investment. • Cybersecurity in the Age of AI: With ransomware attacks on schools rising 23% year-over-year, Girt stresses that security must be built into network design, supported by operators, MSPs, and AI-driven defenses that protect students and their data. • The Eduroam Example: Expanding secure roaming networks for students introduces new benefits—and new risks. Girt explains how smart certificate management and network-wide threat detection can safeguard roaming access. • Last Mile Upgrades that Matter: From moving content closer to the edge, to modernizing in-building infrastructure, Girt outlines practical, district-level strategies that deliver immediate improvements while waiting for larger-scale rollouts. • Trends to Watch: Looking ahead, Girt sees AI as the most powerful driver of education connectivity, enabling immersive learning, VR classrooms, and cross-institution collaboration that demands higher bandwidth. This episode offers practical insights for school district CIOs, administrators, and broadband providers alike. Girt makes clear that future-ready education networks require not just classroom connectivity, but a holistic approach that extends into communities, anticipates cybersecurity threats, and leverages funding to fuel long-term growth.

August 4, 2026Episode 130 min

Smarter Infrastructure Strategies for the Next Broadband Era Pt. 2

In this episode of Wavelengths, the Amphenol Broadband Solutions podcast, host Daniel Litwin continues his conversation with PJ Jayawardene, CEO and Founder of Consult Systems, diving deeper into the practical strategies service providers can use to respond to mounting network demand without relying solely on expensive, long-term infrastructure rebuilds. As broadband operators face increasing pressure from bandwidth growth, customer expectations, AI-driven traffic patterns, and competitive market dynamics, the traditional “rip-and-replace” mindset is becoming harder to justify. Instead, many providers are being challenged to maximize the value of existing assets, extend the lifespan of current infrastructure, and pursue targeted upgrades that create meaningful business outcomes while preserving future flexibility. In Part 2 of this discussion, Jayawardene explores where operators can find the highest-impact opportunities for network improvement, why higher-frequency deployments require a new level of operational discipline, and how lessons from hyperscale and AI infrastructure can help shape the next generation of broadband networks. Most importantly, he reframes network upgrades as business decisions—not just engineering decisions—arguing that successful operators will be those that create customer loyalty through reliability, incremental innovation, and thoughtful infrastructure investments. Key Discussion Highlights: • Start Where Density Creates Opportunity: Jayawardene recommends focusing first on densely populated residential markets and high-value enterprise environments where demand is strongest and competition is fiercest. These areas provide the greatest opportunity to generate revenue quickly while validating upgrade strategies before broader deployment. • Plan Beyond the Next Upgrade Cycle: Rather than solving for the next capacity milestone alone, operators should build upgrade roadmaps that accommodate future growth. The discussion highlights how technologies such as higher-frequency coax, DWDM, and coherent optics can be layered incrementally to extend the useful life of existing infrastructure while preparing for future demands. • Network Evolution Doesn't Have to Be All-or-Nothing: One of the central themes of the episode is that broadband upgrades are rarely binary choices. Existing fiber, coax, and optical infrastructure can often coexist with newer technologies, allowing operators to pursue targeted improvements rather than disruptive full-scale replacements. • Higher Frequencies Demand Greater Precision: Moving toward 4 GHz, 6 GHz, and beyond creates new opportunities for capacity expansion, but it also introduces stricter engineering requirements. Signal attenuation, impedance matching, frequency planning, shielding, and connection quality all become significantly more critical as frequencies increase. • The Hidden Risk of Small Infrastructure Problems: As networks push into higher-frequency environments, seemingly minor issues—loose connectors, improper torque, poorly terminated lines, or inadequate shielding—can dramatically impact performance. The episode emphasizes that network cleanliness and operational discipline become increasingly important as capacity grows. • Audit Existing Assets Before Expanding Capacity: Before investing heavily in upgrades, operators should evaluate whether current infrastructure is performing as intended. Jayawardene advocates for examining passive and active components, identifying quality issues, cleaning up interconnects, and eliminating unnecessary vulnerabilities before introducing additional complexity. • Reduce Truck Rolls Through Strategic Planning: A recurring operational theme is efficiency. Rather than revisiting the same infrastructure multiple times, operators should coordinate network cleanup, component upgrades, and future-proofing efforts simultaneously—minimizing labor costs while maximizing long-term value. • Lessons From AI and Hyperscale Infrastructure: While service providers and hyperscalers operate at different scales, many of the innovations emerging from AI infrastructure—including advanced optics, power distribution strategies, edge architectures, and high-density fiber deployments—offer valuable lessons for broadband operators looking to modernize their own networks. • Technology Decisions Must Become Business Decisions: Jayawardene explains how his perspective has evolved from evaluating technology based solely on performance to assessing how technology investments drive revenue growth, customer retention, operational efficiency, and long-term asset value. The best upgrades, he argues, are those that pay for themselves while enabling future opportunities. • Customer Loyalty Is the Ultimate Differentiator: Looking ahead three to five years, Jayawardene believes the most successful providers will be those that move beyond competing solely on pricing and bundles. Reliability, seamless experiences, and consistent service quality will become the defining factors that create customer loyalty and sustainable growth. This episode shifts the broadband upgrade conversation from infrastructure replacement to infrastructure optimization. By focusing on targeted investments, operational discipline, and customer-centric decision-making, service providers can create immediate value today while positioning their networks for the demands of tomorrow.

July 14, 2026Episode 131 min

Smarter Infrastructure Strategies for the Next Broadband Era Pt. 1

In this episode of Wavelengths, the Amphenol Broadband Solutions podcast, host Daniel Litwin welcomes back PJ Jayawardene, CEO and Founder of Consult Systems, for a forward-looking discussion on how broadband providers can expand network capacity without waiting for large-scale infrastructure rebuilds. As AI adoption accelerates and hyperscale data centers compete for fiber, optics, power, and other critical resources, broadband providers face growing pressure to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity while navigating supply chain constraints and rising customer expectations. Rather than viewing these challenges as a reason to delay innovation, Jayawardene argues that operators should focus on maximizing the value of the infrastructure they already own. The conversation explores how technologies like coherent optics, DWDM, and higher-frequency coax can dramatically extend network performance while allowing providers to continue pursuing long-term fiber expansion strategies. Along the way, Daniel and PJ examine how customer expectations have evolved beyond speed alone toward reliability, why infrastructure decisions should be viewed through a business lens, and what lessons service providers can borrow from hyperscale AI infrastructure to remain competitive over the next decade. Key Discussion Highlights: • Reliability Has Become the New Competitive Advantage: Consumer expectations have shifted from simply demanding faster download speeds to expecting reliable, seamless connectivity everywhere. Providers that consistently deliver dependable experiences will strengthen customer loyalty and long-term retention. • AI Is Reshaping Broadband Infrastructure: Massive investments in AI data centers are consuming fiber, optics, power, and networking equipment, creating new supply chain pressures while forcing broadband providers to rethink how they expand capacity with limited resources. • Maximize Existing Assets Before Rebuilding: Rather than waiting for large-scale fiber deployments, operators can significantly increase network capacity by layering technologies like coherent optics, DWDM, and higher-frequency coax onto existing infrastructure. • Modernization Should Complement, Not Replace, Long-Term Plans: Infrastructure upgrades don't have to be an either-or decision. Providers can continue expanding fiber while simultaneously deploying technologies that unlock greater performance from today's networks. • Focus Investments Where They Create the Most Value: Dense residential markets and enterprise environments offer the greatest opportunity for targeted upgrades, allowing providers to improve customer experience, defend market share, and generate revenue that funds broader modernization efforts. • Operational Execution Drives Successful Technology Adoption: Beyond selecting the right technologies, providers must coordinate suppliers, train technicians, validate equipment, and develop deployment strategies that minimize disruption while accelerating adoption. • Higher Frequencies Require Greater Engineering Precision: Expanding into higher-frequency broadband introduces new challenges around attenuation, impedance matching, shielding, connector quality, and frequency planning, making network design and installation more critical than ever. • Strong Interconnects Build Stronger Networks: Before increasing network capacity, providers should evaluate the health of their existing connectors, passive devices, amplifiers, and electronics. A solid infrastructure foundation reduces maintenance costs while preparing networks for future upgrades. • Every Infrastructure Upgrade Should Future-Proof the Network: Whenever technicians are already in the field, providers should combine maintenance, component replacements, and future-ready upgrades into a single deployment to reduce truck rolls and maximize long-term return on investment. • Technology Investments Should Deliver Business Growth: Infrastructure decisions shouldn't be measured solely by technical performance. The most successful upgrades improve customer experience, lower operational costs, increase retention, and position providers for sustainable long-term growth. As broadband providers navigate unprecedented demand driven by AI, cloud computing, and evolving customer expectations, success will belong to organizations that modernize strategically rather than reactively. By extending the life of existing infrastructure while preparing for future expansion, operators can build more resilient networks that deliver both immediate performance gains and long-term competitive advantage.

May 6, 2026Episode 141 min

The Europe Fiber Conversation: Market Standards, Strategy, and the Next Wave Pt. 2

In this episode of Wavelengths, the Amphenol Broadband Solutions podcast, host Daniel Litwin continues the European broadband deep dive with Carsten Engelke, Director of Technology at ANGA, and Dr. Anthony Basham, VP of Active Products for the EMEA region at Netceed and President of SCTE, focusing on one of the most critical—and often underestimated—dimensions of next-generation networks: resilience. As fiber cements its role as the backbone of Europe’s digital infrastructure, the conversation shifts beyond deployment and into durability. These networks are no longer just conduits for internet access—they underpin emergency services, energy systems, national security, and the broader digital economy. That shift raises the stakes: building fast networks is no longer enough. They must also be secure, resilient, interoperable, and adaptable to future technological change. Engelke and Basham explore how resilience must be designed into fiber networks from the outset—not retrofitted later—and why that requires a holistic approach spanning physical infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI-driven operations, workforce readiness, and global standards alignment. From network detection systems to autonomous maintenance, from interoperability gaps to lifecycle planning, this episode examines what it truly means to build broadband infrastructure that can stand the test of time. Key Discussion Highlights: • Fiber as Critical National Infrastructure: The conversation underscores that fiber networks now support far more than connectivity—they are foundational to public services, emergency response, energy systems, and national economies. This elevates resilience and security from optional considerations to core design requirements. • Resilience Requires a Holistic Approach: Basham emphasizes that resilience cannot be solved with a single technology or policy. It must integrate physical infrastructure protection, power redundancy, cybersecurity, supply chain integrity, and workforce preparedness into one cohesive strategy. • Cybersecurity Pressure Is Rising Fast: With increasing geopolitical tensions and regulatory frameworks like the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act and Cybersecurity Act, operators face growing pressure to implement advanced monitoring, detection, and response systems—often driven as much by compliance as by operational necessity. • AI and Network Detection Are Becoming Essential: As network traffic complexity grows beyond human-scale analysis, tools like Network Detection and Response (NDR) systems, machine learning, and behavioral analytics are becoming critical for identifying anomalies, threats, and performance issues in real time. • The Role—and Limits—of Automation: While AI enables proactive maintenance, self-healing networks, and smarter deployment planning, both guests stress that human expertise remains essential. Engineers will still design architectures, interpret edge cases, and make strategic decisions—AI acts as an augmentation layer, not a replacement. • Workforce Transformation and Training Challenges: As networks become more software-driven and AI-assisted, the industry must rethink how technicians are trained. Future roles will require a blend of traditional field skills and digital intelligence—making global, standardized training frameworks more important than ever. • Interoperability and Standards Are Still Gaps: The discussion highlights ongoing fragmentation across vendors and systems, particularly in fiber environments. Without stronger global standards and interoperability, operators risk increased complexity, higher costs, and slower adoption. • Designing for Long Life vs. Fast Rollout: A key tension emerges between speed and durability. Rapid fiber deployment has often prioritized rollout velocity over long-term resilience, but future networks must balance both—building passive infrastructure for decades-long endurance while allowing active components to evolve. • Lifecycle Thinking and Circularity: Sustainability plays a growing role in resilience strategy. Operators must plan for equipment reuse, replacement cycles, and energy efficiency—treating networks as long-term systems rather than one-time builds. • Global Coordination and Standardization: Both guests stress the importance of aligning European efforts with global standards bodies and international partners. Broadband infrastructure must operate seamlessly across borders, making interoperability and shared frameworks essential. This episode brings the European broadband conversation full circle—moving from deployment strategy to long-term viability. It highlights a critical shift in industry thinking: success will not be defined solely by how quickly fiber is rolled out, but by how well those networks can adapt, endure, and operate securely in an increasingly complex digital landscape.