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Connected Nation

182 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago -

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.

Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org. 

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Episodes

This is how to monitor and verify that billions in broadband dollars are spent as promised

April 17, 2024 11:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation (CN), we explore how CN's Engineering and Technical Services team  is helping states monitor broadband infrastructure builds and, most importantly, verifying that the billions of dollars set aside to help the most underconnected Americans are spent as promised. Related links: Learn more about CN's services by clicking here See the team in action here->watch the YouTube video Broadband Communities Summit 2024 - https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/broad...

Nearly $43B for broadband: How CN helps states track broadband spending

April 17, 2024 11:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation (CN), we explore how CN's Engineering and Technical Services team  is helping states monitor broadband infrastructure builds and, most importantly, verifying that the billions of dollars set aside to help the most underconnected Americans are spent as promised. Related links: Learn more about CN's services by clicking here See the team in action here->watch the YouTube video Broadband Communities Summit 2024 - https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/broad...

Innovative solutions for underserved populations: A conversation with Kwikbit Internet's CEO

April 10, 2024 19:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

On today's two guest episode we are first joined by Joe Costello, the founder and CEO of Kwikbit Internet – an internet service provider with a mission to help some of the most underserved populations in the country. Learn how the company is focusing on bringing access to everyone from rural communities to inner city households – by using what it calls “flexible deployment.” BONUS: Following Joe, we are joined by Brad Randall of Terrapinn. Brad and Jessica preview the upcoming Broadband ...

Unlocking telehealth potential: State policy spotlight

April 03, 2024 18:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MB

A recently released report examines how states are approaching reforms to telehealth laws – from allowing access to specialists across borders to creating more flexibility for innovation.   On today's installment of the Connected Nation podcast, we’ll talk with one of the co-authors of the research project – which provides a report card of sorts on how states are doing. Find out if your state is among the top performers – or the lowest. Recommended Links: The Cicero Institute Website Agen...

Lights! Camera! Action! Internet? One filmmaker shares how taking her craft online changed her work, opened new doors for moviemaking

March 20, 2024 11:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MB

In recognition of Women's History Month, we're putting a spotlight on women who are leaders in tech or leveraging technology in new ways.  On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with award-winning writer, producer, and director Jessica Mathis (aka Divinity Rose) about taking her craft online in the days of and following the pandemic. Learn how it changed her approach to making her critically acclaimed project titled “Triggered.”  Plus, we explore how it’s informed her screenwriting...

A technology-based model for mental health: How it's improving quality of care, expanding treatment options

March 13, 2024 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

In recognition of Women's History Month, we're putting a spotlight on women who are leaders in tech or leveraging technology in new ways.   On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with the CEO and co-founder of Oria Health, Amanda Havard.  Learn how the company is addressing the critical need for more mental health practitioners in rural America; why its approach is both improving quality of care and expanding treatment options; AND where Oria Health recently expanded its service...

Unveiling the hybrid network model: GeoLinks' vision for connectivity

March 06, 2024 20:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

On today's episode of the Connected Nation podcast, we welcome Ryan Adams, the President and Chief Operations Officer of GeoLinks, a California-based telecommunications company. Ryan shares what he believes in standing in the way of helping millions more Americans, AND we explore the hybrid network model he says can connect the hardest to reach communities in the U.S. Recommended Links: GeoLinks Website Ryan's LinkedIn 

Breaking barriers: Black tech leaders' vision for digital equity

February 21, 2024 19:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

On today's episode we celebrate and mark Black History Month by exploring issues important to African Americans relating to broadband, technology, and the Digital Divide. We welcome guests that are leaders in a variety of areas in tech for a round table discussion on everything from the misuse of the term “diversity” to the future of Black tech in America.   Recommended Links: Sabrina Morton: Sabrina's LinkedIn Sabrina's Company Doug McCullough: Doug's LinkedIn Color Coded Labs Black Te...

A call to action for closing the digital access, design, and use divides

February 14, 2024 18:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

On Season 5 Episode 5, we walk through the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan. It examines how technologies can raise the bar for elementary and secondary students – and offers solutions already being utilized by schools, districts, and states to close digital inequities in learning.  We are joined today by one of those who helped author that plan, Zac Chase, who is a Digital Equity Impact Fellow within the Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology. Recommended Li...

"If it doesn't exist, let's invent it." Discover the mindset of innovation with a Google insider.

February 06, 2024 17:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

On this episode, we are joined by an amazing guest that is a US Army Veteran, IT Adjunct Professor at South University and Technical Program Manager at Google. We discuss his time in Iraq, his 18 years of experience in the "Game of Thrones" world of telecommunications and what it is like to work at Google. As he is our first guest of Black History Month, Demarkus also shares his experience as an African-American in telecommunications and what can be done to provide more opportunities for Af...

Could this be the "easy button" for ISP development?

January 29, 2024 21:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we explore what it takes to connect some of the most rural areas across the country.   You'll hear from leadership at Capcon Networks and Irby Utilities, who are not shy about calling themselves "The Dream Team" when it comes to helping smaller ISPs grow.  Plus, we'll talk with a company that's benefitting from their guidance while doing the in-the-field, physical work daily to connect more Americans.    Related Links: Capcon Networks - https://www.capco...

From theory to action: What new data tell us about tracking digital equity milestones

January 17, 2024 18:00 - 56 minutes - 38.5 MB

In this episode of the Connected Nation Podcast, we explore a report addressing pivotal questions surrounding the digital equity landscape in the United States. As the nation invests billions of tax dollars to bridge the connectivity gap, our guests, the authors of "Developing Digital Equity Theory of Change with Tech Goes Home," provide valuable insights. Join us as we delve into the report and seek answers to the crucial question: "How do we measure progress?" Recommended Links: DERC Web...

Connecting continents: The Native Nation that's about to make broadband history

January 02, 2024 19:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation,  we talk with the Chairman of the Board and Head of Development for Toptana Technologies - the first Native American-owned company that is about to build a new cable landing station. Learn how the company is working to improve the quality of life for the Quinault Indian Nation and its neighbors by providing access to global internet connectivity and technologies.  Related links: Toptana Technologies website - https://www.toptanatech.com/ Tyson Johnst...

Getting the word out: Simple ways nonprofits can use the internet to reach a wider audience

December 12, 2023 19:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with three Connected Nation communications team members: our Senior Communication Specialist, Lily McCoy; Senior Marketing Specialist, Ashley Pino; and Communications Social Media Specialist, Grant Ahlbrand.  Get a behind-the-scenes look into how the communications staff spreads the word about CN's varied work – including it’s on-the-ground programs and projects that are tackling digital inequities.  We’ll also look back on the greatest challeng...

Why some say access to the internet at home is more important than running water

December 04, 2023 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation,  we talk with the CEO of Fiber Fast Homes – a company that works directly with real estate developers and builders to connect homes and rental buildings to lightning-fast internet. Learn how the company approaches working with builders,  what’s next when it comes to connectivity to the home, and why some say having internet access at home is more important than having water piped to the home. Related links: Fiber Fast Homes’ website - https://www.fiber...

"This is a once in a lifetime thing." A look into Arizona's fastest growing fiber to home and fixed wireless provider

November 27, 2023 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

On this episode of Connectede Nation, we are joined by Ben Elkins, CEO of AireBeam Internet.  He shares his mission to bring fiber to the rural communities of Arizona with the capabilities of a massive ISP and the personality of a small-town organization. Ben speaks with our host, Jessica Denson, about the wide range of groups AireBeam serves, the unique challenges of focusing on rural communities, and the importance of serving the modular home market (RV parks). Recommended Links: Website...

U.S. Broadband Summit: Discussing State, Native, and Publicly-owned broadband solutions

November 17, 2023 03:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we complete our coverage of the US Broadband Summit taking place in Washington, DC. Among our guests: Quinn Jordan, who founded the Mississippi Broadband Association; Donald Long Knife who built broadband access from the ground up for his tribe in Montana; and Gigi Sohn, who has a long history of public service, including with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC),  co-founding Public Knowledge, and  now leading the American Association for Public ...

Broadband and Brews: Bringing together industry insiders

November 16, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with broadband leaders across the country including the founder of SHLB and those leading Puerto Rico’s Broadband Program.   Topics ranged from solving the ‘people problem’ the broadband industry is having right now to changing how federal officials approach awarding billions of dollars in funding. And it all happened at a little event dubbed “Broadband and Brews.” Related links: U.S. Broadband Summit website - https://www.usbroadbandsummit.com/

Improving connectivity across America: Go inside the Inaugural U.S. Broadband Summit

November 15, 2023 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MB

From industry insiders to government officials, many leaders in the broadband space believe we now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to close the Digital Divide in America.  That’s because there is finally a perfect storm – of sorts – with funding and understanding of why access and affordability to high-speed internet are critical. On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you inside the Inaugural U.S. Broadband Summit where internet service providers, nonprofits, customers, legisla...

"Don't just talk about it. Be about it." Meet the Hall of Famer who is helping thousands of adults learn digital skills

November 06, 2023 17:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus our attention on Teens Teach Tech - a program that's bridging generations by using the skills of teenagers to help adults take part in an increasingly digital world.  Learn how one pastor, who is also in the Gospel Hall of Fame, leveraged the program to help thousands of adults and teens.  Related link: Teens Teach Tech - https://connectednation.org/programs/teens-teach-tech

Small, smart towns: The company bringing smart technologies to rural America's schools, businesses, and towns

October 18, 2023 16:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

You’ve heard of smart tvs, smart phones, and smart homes – and even smart cities in urban areas.  On this episode of Connected Nation, we explore similar ideas for rural America and it includes Smart Towns, Smart Education, and Smart Business. We talked with those leading these programs during the ConneXions 2023 Conference hosted by Calix and found out what exactly those offerings can do. Related Links: Calix website - https://www.calix.com/ SmartBiz - https://www.calix.com/press-releas...

Women in telecom share why it's a great time to have more women working in broadband

October 17, 2023 13:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MB

The broadband space has traditionally been a male-dominated industry – but that’s changing and more and more women are filling positions in the industry at all levels from the C-Suite to entry. On this episode of Connected Nation, we go inside the 2023 Calix Connections conference to talk with some of those women about why they’re drawn to the broadband industry – and what they want us all to know.  

100th Episode: Talking tribal broadband with the nation's first tribally owned telecommunications company

October 16, 2023 21:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

This marks Connected Nation's 100th episode.  On this episode, we focus on the critical need to approach closing the Digital Divide on Native American lands with respect, humility, and long-term commitment.   We'll discuss the issue Calix's  senior engagement manager for tribal and indigenous communities and with a representative from the first tribally-owned telecommunications company in the U-S, which was founded more than 65 years ago. Related links: CRST Telephone Authority - https://w...

Behind the company that's taking on cyberbullies and creating "smart towns" in rural America

October 16, 2023 15:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss what resources families can access to combat the harmful effects of social media on the mental health of America’s youth.  It’s a problem that’s grown so large and so serious that the US Surgeon General recently issued a call for urgent action to policymakers, technology companies, researchers, families, and others to protect teenagers and children online. We’ll talk to two companies that are answering that call AND learn how they're working...

The nuts and bolts: How "dumb infrastructure" is the backbone of America's connectivity

October 16, 2023 14:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

Today, we speak with Tillman Infrastructure, a rapidly growing, carrier-trusted tower company that develops, owns, and operates assets providing connectivity infrastructure to communities across the United States. We discuss the challenges for expanding that critical infrastructure – find out what it really takes to connect small towns and farmlands. External Links: Website: https://www.tillmaninfrastructure.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tillman-infrastructure-llc/    

New national research points to opportunities and action steps to shrink the Digital Divide

October 09, 2023 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss new research that focuses on who is directly impacted by the Digital Divide and WHY they are still not getting online – even if offered financial assistance.  Learn what the new data shows about the challenges, opportunities, and attitudes for closing the digital equity gap. Plus, we’ll discuss what those findings mean for shifting how organizations and government agencies approach the problem moving forward. Related links: Mind the Gap: C...

Three billion people worldwide don’t have internet access, this is how one company says we can fix it

September 06, 2023 16:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we ask “what if we could bridge the Digital Divide around the world by 2030?”  That means connecting more than three billion people who do not have internet access.  The CEO and Founder of World Mobile says it’s doable but only if we make networks that are “by the people, for the people.”  He explains what needs to be done, how it will work, and what this means for the future of broadband connectivity. Related links: | International website - https://w...

Research: How the Digital Divide and the connected home are changing in America

August 25, 2023 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Amdocs about new research that shows a new kind of Digital Divide is surfacing in the U.S.  Plus, we explore the future of connectivity including how to more easily manage all those high-tech, wifi-enabled devices we're adding to our offices, businesses, and homes.   Related links:  Amdocs website - https://www.amdocs.com/ Digital Divide Research - https://www.amdocs.com/insights/research/research-how-are-digital-divide-and-c...

Grizzly bears, extreme weather, frozen ground: How one ISP is connecting people in the nation's last frontier

August 17, 2023 16:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus on the nation’s largest and most remote state – Alaska.  Hear from leadership at MTA Solutions about the challenges of working across a massive frontier and learn about the historic terrestrial fiber connection to the "lower 48" that the company just completed.    Related links: MTA Solutions website - https://www.mtasolutions.com/ Pres release: MTA Solutions creates historic terrestrial fiber connection from Alaska to Canada and Chicago

What Texans say it will take to better connect the second largest state in the nation

August 07, 2023 20:00 - 13 minutes - 9.42 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you deep into the heart of Texas as the state’s Broadband Development Office hosts a series of public meetings in both large and small communities.    Their goal is to collect input from local residents, business owners, community organizations, Internet Service Providers, and others to create a plan that will help expand and improve high-speed internet access across the state.    Hear from apublic official, a retired couple, and a small provide...

Low latency is the new currency and DE-CIX wants to make sure rural America is rich with it

July 25, 2023 13:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk one-on-one with the Chairman & CEO of the DE-CIX group - the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges.  Learn how DE-CIX navigates operations across multiple continents, find out what “interconnection ecosystems” are and why they’re important, and explore the new partnership that’s focused on connecting rural communities across the US.  Related links: DE-CIX - https://www.de-cix.net/ Newby Ventures - https://www.newby-ventures.com/ Abou...

The customer and the co-op: Hear from both sides about why and how to better connect rural America

June 26, 2023 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.66 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we head into America’s Heartland once more as the “Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour” makes its final stops.  This time we sit down with a resident of Okmulgee, Oklahoma AND the local provider he came to see. Hear from both sides— the customer and the co-op— about what small towns really need when it comes to broadband access and how rural America can finally get better internet  service.   Related link: Oklahoma Broadband Office website - htt...

Internet for All: How groups are working together in Oklahoma to accelerate broadband expansion

June 01, 2023 12:00 - 13 minutes - 9.14 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with two ISPs that provide broadband to a myriad of western states AND with a nonprofit looking for partners to help “accelerate” how quickly people without high-speed internet get it.  Learn why these three organizations – two of them competitors – came together in Tulsa for an Internet for All event hosted by the Oklahoma Broadband Office.  Related Links: Oklahoma Broadband Office website - https://oklahoma.gov/broadband.html  “Let’s Get Dig...

The chicken or the egg: A workforce conundrum for America's broadband infrastructure

May 31, 2023 13:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus on a critical need within the  workforce – having more trained workers who can help expand and maintain America’s broadband infrastructure.    Learn why those who are laser focused on this issue are concerned that the federal rules around grant monies are not keeping up with the need and how they’d like ISPs and workforce development groups to step in and help. 

In their own words: A new perspective on internet access in America from Tribal Governments

May 24, 2023 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

On this espisode of Connected Nation, we get a new perspective on internet access in America – from the point-of-view of Tribal Governments.  A group of Tribal respresentatives share what they’re already doing to connect reservations across Oklahoma AND what support is needed from federal and state governments.     

"We will deliver!" The promise leadership in the Oklahoma Broadband Office just made

May 22, 2023 20:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation,  we check back in with the “Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour” as makes it’s way through the largest metropolitan area of the state – Oklahoma City.    This time we talk with a provider about the role of small ISPs in connecting rural America; a member of the Connected Nation team who says this mission is “personal”; and the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Broadband Office who promises, “We will deliver!” Related links: Oklahoma Broadband O...

Let's Get Digital: Why the pulse of America's Heartland depends on internet access

May 18, 2023 17:00 - 12 minutes - 8.75 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we head into the Heartland for the “Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour” – an 18-stop internet listening tour. You’ll  hear from those in far eastern Oklahoma about their unique broadband needs AND find out what state officials with the Oklahoma Broadband Office plan to do with all that feedback. Related links: Oklahoma Broadband Office website - https://oklahoma.gov/broadband.html “Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour” - https://oklahom...

In their own words: Teens share how they're helping adults learn digital skills and why it's important

May 03, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with a group of teenagers who are helping adults in their community learn the digital skills they need to access important resources and opportunities.   Find out how the teens who are part of the Adelante Hispanic Achievers are approaching this work; why it’s become a critical need within immigrant populations;  and how youth in YOUR area can bring the program to the community to both help local adults AND themselves.   Related Links: Adelante...

Gig City Goes Quantum: preparing for the next wave of education, jobs, business opportunities

April 24, 2023 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re talking about what Albert Einstein called “spooky action at a distance” – quantum physics.   Find out which southern city just went “Quantum;"  how the “science of matter” will likely impact jobs, education, and new business opportunities for us all; AND how you can take part in a unique challenge that will have you easily explaining physics to your neighbors and friends. Related links: GigCityGoesQuantum.com Press release on event Qubitekk webs...

From Baby Boomers to Gen Z: How teens are using their tech skills to help older adults

April 06, 2023 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

On this episode of Conneced Nation, we focus on a new program that’s flipping the script by asking teenagers to TEACH adults in their communities new skills.  It's called Teens Teach Tech. Learn how the program uses technology to empower older adults, how the teens themselves benefit, and what you can do to get youth in your community involved.    Related Links: Learn more on the Teens Teach Tech webpage   Follow Teens Teach Tech on Instagram Additional free programs: Digital Literacy a...

From the vault: Lyft's new CEO on using technology to help others

March 30, 2023 14:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MB

The big business news this week is that Lyft's co-founders are resigning, and David Risher has been named as the new CEO.   In light of these headlines, we're taking you into the vault of Connected Nation.  In this one-on-one interview, recorded in November 2021, Risher shares details on how he found his way to becoming a  Microsoft Executive and later an Amazon Senior Vice President. Plus, learn why he was moved to start a FREE program that uses technology to help one billion children aro...

Google, Samsung, META: This organization gets some of the world's largest companies to work together

March 13, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MB

Google, Samsung, META, Cisco— big names that are all part of the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), which is a global organization that connects people with the latest Wi-Fi initiatives. On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk one-on-one with leader of the WBA to get an industry perspective on everything from connecting rural America to understanding the potential impact of a new Wi-Fi standard—not just in the US but around the world. Related links: website - https://wballiance.com/

Faster speeds, lower costs: How IXPs can bring world-class internet to smaller cities, rural areas

March 06, 2023 15:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus on the question of how to effectively bring world-class internet access to smaller cities and rural areas across the US.   Learn how a new joint venture leveraging Internet Exchange Points may finally fill critical gaps in the system – that will not only speed up the internet in all corners of the country – but make it more affordable AND equitable.    Related links: IXP site - https://connectednation.org/ixp/ The 125 “target” locations for IX...

On the road with MIHI: Why connecting America's farms, ranches is critical for us all

March 01, 2023 14:00 - 8 minutes - 6.04 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we wrap-up our look at the Michigan Connected Future Tour—an ambitious 40-stop listening tour focused on  internet access in Michigan. You'll  hear from two people in the ag industry about why internet connectivity on America’s ranches and farms is something every one of us should be concerned about. Related links: MI Connected Future Tour Schedule - https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi/miconnectedfuture/mi-connected-future-tour-schedule...

On the road with MIHI: Tackling the question of affordable access for all

February 27, 2023 11:00 - 10 minutes - 7 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we return to Michigan for part three of our look at the Michigan Connected Future Tour.  It’s an ambitious 40-stop listening tour being conducted by the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office, which is developing a five-year internet connectivity plan for the state. You'll hear from two retirees about why senior citizens MUST be part of that plan and we’ll “eavesdrop” on the discussion group tasked with tackling affordable access for all.   Related links: ...

Pushing Tin: How one air traffick controller is helping introduce black youth to aviation

February 17, 2023 22:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

On this espisode of Connected Nation, we have a special guest in honor of Black History Month – Brelis Spiller, a man who must keep his cool in one of the most technologically advanced and stressful environments in the world as an air traffic controller. Learn how he handles all that pressure. Plus, we'll discuss his role in getting more black youth interested in the aviation industry AND ask why he believes equitable access to technology and the internet is critical for all children.   p...

Pushing Tin: How one air traffic controller is helping introduce black youth to aviation

February 17, 2023 22:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

On this espisode of Connected Nation, we have a special guest in honor of Black History Month – Brelis Spiller, a man who must keep his cool in one of the most technologically advanced and stressful environments in the world as an air traffic controller. Learn how he handles all that pressure. Plus, we'll discuss his role in getting more black youth interested in the aviation industry AND ask why he believes equitable access to technology and the internet is critical for all children.   p...

On the road with MIHI: hear from those who will help shape a statewide internet connectivity plan

February 10, 2023 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.46 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation,  we return to Michigan for part two of our look at the MI Connected Future Tour.  It’s an ambitious 40-stop listening tour being conducted by the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office, which is developing a five-year internet connectivity plan for the state. In part two, you’ll hear directly from, local residents, business owners, school leaders, internet service providers, and others whose opinions are helping to shape that plan.  Related links: MI Con...

On the road with MIHI: 40 stops, thousands of miles, hundreds of opinions

February 09, 2023 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.14 MB

On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you into the heart of Michigan where the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) recently launched an ambitious 40-stop broadband listening tour. For the first time on our show, we’re going into the field to hear what residents, business owners. teachers, and other local stakeholders have to  say about the impact of being disconnected in America— and what can be done to fix it.   Related links: MI Connected Future Tour Schedule - https://www....

Why a path to citizenship should include training in digital skills

February 08, 2023 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

Imagine starting a new life in a new country unable to speak the language and unable to navigate the resources and services that could help you – simply because they are online. That’s the challenge for many individuals and families who immigrate to the US.   On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with one man who works directly with Immigrant populations about what can be done to better help and support our nation’s newest residents.   Related links:  Migration policy data - https:...

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