Rural Broadband Today
36 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -Rural Broadband Today is a new podcast focused on one of the most important issues facing Rural America. It tells the stories of those working to bring broadband internet access within reach of every citizen. This interview-style show presents conversations with elected officials, industry experts and business leaders at the forefront of America’s efforts to solve the rural broadband challenge.
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Episodes
Rule Changes Expand Fiber Options in Washington, With Will O’Donnell
March 02, 2023 10:57 - 32 minutes - 75 MBAs far as electric utilities go, Jefferson PUD is relatively young. That hasn't stopped them from taking some unique steps to bring broadband to rural and geographically challenging areas of Northwest Washington.
Highlights from the Rural Electric Cooperative Broadband Benchmarking Report
February 16, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 101 MBRural broadband build-outs by electric cooperatives have been remarkably successful, according to a recent report from NRTC and NRECA. Despite rising labor and material costs, most co-ops report higher than expected take rates and a 9% internal rate of return. Notably, among the 88 co-ops surveyed, serving their community was the biggest motivational factor listed, with revenue lagging significantly behind. Two of the report’s architects share more insights in this episode. The full...
Despite Fiber Funding, Poor Areas Could Still Be Left Behind, With Jordana Barton-Garcia
February 02, 2023 12:00 - 57 minutes - 131 MBEven with the huge amount of funding coming in to expand broadband, Jordana Barton-Garcia says impoverished regions like tribal lands, the Mississippi Delta, the border region of Texas and central Appalachia could still be left on the wrong side of the digital divide if policymakers and ISPs don't focus on digital equity.
Are Broadband Labels the Strings Attached to Funding?, With Jeff Smith
January 10, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 56.1 MBWhile broadband providers enthusiastically welcome government funding to build and expand networks, Vantage Point’s Jeff Smith details some of the transparency requirements that come with it.
Implementing BEAD & Digital Equity Programs in Tennessee, With Paige Shapiro and Carrie Huckeby
December 01, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 56.7 MBIn this crossover episode with “Lead Tennessee Radio,” Paige Shapiro, Tennessee’s federal program officer for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity programs, discusses how these programs aim to ensure all people and communities have the skills, technology and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of the digital economy.
Louisiana is Dishing Out GUMBO Grants to Built Broadband, With Thomas Tyler
November 16, 2022 15:29 - 24 minutes - 55.3 MBGUMBO is more than just the best new acronym in the industry. The program has catapulted Louisiana's broadband office forward into a leading role across the country.
The Challenges of Rural Broadband in Texas, With Mark Seale and Craig Cook
March 29, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 41.9 MBTexas has seen great strides in expanding broadband infrastructure across the state. However, challenges with changing legislation, geography, supply chain issues and funding are hindering the important work. In this episode, Mark Seale, executive director of the Texas Telephone Association, and Craig Cook, general manager at HCTC, discuss these challenges that Texas is facing in deploying rural broadband and how they hope to overcome them.
Looking Back on a Ten-Year Electric-Telco Broadband Partnership in Minnesota, With John Twiest
March 15, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 35.1 MBJohn Twiest, CEO of Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, discussed a decade old partnership Arrowhead has with CTC to provide broadband in rural Minnesota.
Thinking Outside the Box to Fund a Fiber Build, With Fred Johnson
February 24, 2022 16:04 - 37 minutes - 84.9 MBFred Johnson, CEO of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, discusses how FTC expanded into surrounding cities to help fund the fiber build in its cooperative service area.
Broadband Mapping for Rural America, With Bill Price
November 19, 2021 14:12 - 27 minutes - 62.2 MBThe path forward for efficient and effective development of broadband in rural America depends largely on the accuracy and completeness of maps that depict the unserved and underserved areas of the country. Before becoming Vice President of Government Solutions at LightBox, Bill Price headed up Georgia’s ambitious mapping program. He joins “Rural Broadband Today” to discuss the future of that program and broadband availability, accessibility and affordability.
The Challenges of Rural Broadband, With John Greene
September 16, 2021 09:00 - 37 minutes - 86.2 MBJohn Greene, CEO of New Lisbon Telephone Company, co-led a session at the 2021 Fiber Connect conference discussing rural broadband challenges. In this episode, John points out several problems with providing broadband to rural communities, including obstacles and issues at the local, state and federal levels.
The Adventure of Building a Broadband Network, With Kara Mullaley
September 07, 2021 14:11 - 12 minutes - 27.6 MBBuilding a fiber network is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Kara Mullaley, Corning’s market development manager, was a 2021 Fiber Connect conference panelist on the topic of "Rural Electric Utilities Choose Their Own Broadband Adventure." In this episode, Kara recaps key issues that new ISPs should consider when choosing their own broadband adventure.
Broadband Expansion Among TVPPA Members, With Doug Peters
September 01, 2021 16:53 - 30 minutes - 68.7 MBLocal power companies across seven states make up the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association — and many of them are expanding their services to offer broadband to their consumers. Doug Peters, president and CEO of TVPPA, joined us at Fiber Connect 2021 to discuss how local power companies are improving the quality of life in rural communities that lack a broadband connection, empowering them to access remote education, telehealth, work from home resources and more.
Tips from a Network Operator on Deploying Fiber, With Mark Freeman
August 24, 2021 09:00 - 25 minutes - 58.8 MBCullman Electric Cooperative launched Sprout Fiber in 2020. Mark Freeman, Cullman’s manager of network operations, was a 2021 Fiber Connect conference panelist on the topic of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Lessons Learned from Network Operators." In this episode, Mark discusses Sprout’s successes, plus challenges that other cooperatives looking to enter the fiber business should consider during the buildout phase of a network.
Broadband Today: Rural America’s Critical Connection, With Pam Becker
May 19, 2021 13:21 - 31 minutes - 71.6 MBDownload the free white paper at frs.org.
NTCA RTIME — Smart Rural Community Showcase Winners, With Josh Seidemann
March 29, 2021 12:22 - 29 minutes - 68.4 MBIn this interview, the last in a special four-part series sponsored by Corning, Josh Seidemann (VP of policy at NTCA) discusses the exceptional work of the broadband providers who received the 2020 Smart Rural Community Showcase Award: Hill Country Telephone Cooperative, Jefferson Telecom, LightStream and Mountain Telephone. These providers were recognized at the 2021 NTCA RTIME Online event.
NTCA RTIME Special Coverage, Part 3, With Laura Withers
March 29, 2021 12:20 - 17 minutes - 39 MBIn the third episode of this special four-part series sponsored by Corning, Laura Withers (VP of strategic communications at NTCA) and host Stephen V. Smith conclude their discussion of several informative sessions from the 2021 NTCA RTIME Online event. Part 1 (0:42 - 4:25) “Tips on Living in Isolation from the Man Who Spent a Year in Space” with Captain Scott Kelly Part 2 (4:26 - 10:17) “Impacts of a Cyber Breach” with Fayyaz Patwa, Kevin Beyer and Gary Owen Part 3 (10:18 - 15:58...
NTCA RTIME Special Coverage, Part 2, With Laura Withers
March 29, 2021 12:20 - 31 minutes - 73 MBIn episode two of this special four-part series sponsored by Corning, Laura Withers (VP of strategic communications at NTCA) recaps some of the motivating and informative sessions at the 2021 NTCA RTIME Online event. Part 1 (0:39 - 4:00) “Stop Being ‘A’ Leader. Start Being ‘THE’ Leader.” with Ryan Avery Part 2 (4:01 - 11:26) “The Ongoing, Unfolding, Unending Story of LEOs” with Larry Thompson and Augie Ponturiero Part 3 (11:27 - 16:10) “Survival of the Most Adaptable” with Josh ...
NTCA RTIME Special Coverage, Part 1, With Laura Withers
March 29, 2021 12:19 - 29 minutes - 67.4 MBIn this special four-part series sponsored by Corning, Laura Withers (VP of strategic communications at NTCA) recaps some of the motivating and informative sessions at the 2021 NTCA RTIME Online event. Part 1 (0:00 - 07:41) RTIME Virtual Overview with Laura Withers Part 2 (07:42 - 14:08) “It Is About More than Deployment” with Mike Romano, Kathryn de Wit, Dr. Christopher Ali Part 3 (14:09 - 16:29) “Not by the Sword and Shield, But by the Head and Heart” with Nadja West Part 4 (16...
Creative Partnerships and Funding Opportunities for Broadband Providers, With Kara Mullaley
March 05, 2021 15:29 - 32 minutes - 74.7 MBKara Mullaley, Market Development Manager for Emerging Markets at Corning, discusses how broadband partnerships and creative funding opportunities can help bridge the digital divide in rural America.
Building a Tech Ecosystem in the Appalachia Region, With Todd Cope
March 01, 2021 16:55 - 29 minutes - 67.5 MBTodd Cope, CEO of CentralApp, recently took a road trip across the U.S. to bring awareness to CentralApp’s mission — building a tech ecosystem of skilled remote workers in the Appalachian region who can help solve the tech worker deficit currently facing America.
How Should the FCC Define Broadband?, With Gary Bolton
January 13, 2021 21:11 - 34 minutes - 79.8 MBGary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, recently co-authored comments submitted to the FCC encouraging the agency to increase the speeds that qualify as broadband. In this interview, Bolton also shares why he thinks 2021 could be the biggest year ever for fiber investment.
Expanding Rural Broadband Through The EXTEND Act, With U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt
December 15, 2020 01:46 - 37 minutes - 85.2 MBRep. Robert Aderholt has introduced the EXTEND Act to support rural broadband development. The act would give states more time and flexibility to use coronavirus relief funding to build broadband networks.
The FCC Under a New Administration, With Doug Dawson
December 10, 2020 13:41 - 43 minutes - 99.9 MBDoug Dawson, President of CCG Consulting, joins the show to discuss what the FCC might focus on under a new presidential administration. He also explains how FCC policies are affecting broadband expansion in rural America.
Business Unusual: Lessons from a Drive-Through Annual Meeting, With Brandi Lyles
November 19, 2020 13:54 - 21 minutes - 48.5 MBFTC hosted its 2020 annual meeting in a drive-through format. Brandi Lyles, Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, joined the show to discuss what lessons they learned from the meeting, how they kept members engaged, and the history-making member participation.
Telehealth is More Than Health Care and RHAT’s Annual Meeting, With Jacy Warrell
November 03, 2020 18:51 - 28 minutes - 64.6 MBJacy Warrell, Executive Director of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, joins the show to discuss a few of the interesting and informative sessions at the upcoming RHAT Annual Conference. She also describes how broadband internet access may impact the overall health of a person and community.
RDOF, COVID and the FCC, With FCC Chairman Ajit Pai
October 15, 2020 17:24 - 37 minutes - 86.7 MBFCC Chairman Ajit Pai discusses the state of rural broadband, the upcoming RDOF auction, the impact of COVID-19, and how rural broadband providers are improving the lives of their customers.
Building Rural Broadband with the ReConnect Program, With Karen Jackson-Furman
October 05, 2020 15:41 - 28 minutes - 65.4 MBKaren Jackson-Furman, COO of Ardmore Telephone, discusses Ardmore’s recent receipt of a USDA ReConnect grant-loan combo, along with creative ways rural broadband providers can operate more efficiently while improving customer service.
The Other Homework Gap, With Dr. Christopher Ali
September 22, 2020 14:06 - 33 minutes - 77.2 MBDr. Christopher Ali, who is an associate professor in the Department of Media Studies at the University of Virginia, discusses the college homework gap and what COVID-19 has taught us about the digital divide.
Texting Cows and Agribots: How Broadband Is Reshaping America’s Farms, With Candes Spencer
August 17, 2020 18:22 - 19 minutes - 45.2 MBCandes Spencer, Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Comstar Supply, joins the show to discuss five key technologies — all powered by broadband — that are impacting the future of farming in rural America.
Local Schools and Rural Broadband Providers Working Together on Broadband Access, With Dr. Allen Pratt
August 05, 2020 14:10 - 27 minutes - 63 MBDr. Allen Pratt, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association, discusses four steps local school districts and broadband providers can take together to ensure every child has the internet access they need to succeed.
Asking the Governor to Veto a Rural Broadband Bill, With Jeff Arnold
July 16, 2020 22:00 - 24 minutes - 57.2 MBJeff Arnold, Executive Director of the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives, discusses the grassroots efforts it took to persuade the Louisiana governor to veto a bill that would have likely limited broadband access to Louisiana's underserved citizens.
Broadband Access and the Homework Gap, With Mike Romano
July 15, 2020 13:26 - 24 minutes - 55.6 MBMike Romano, Senior VP of Industry Affairs and Business Development for NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, discusses two distinctive broadband access problems and a five-step plan that could help solve the homework gap schools and students will likely face again this fall.
Investing CARES Act Money in Broadband, With Fred Johnson
July 09, 2020 19:27 - 25 minutes - 59.5 MBFred Johnson, CEO and Executive Vice President of FTC, has been appointed by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to the state's Broadband Working Group. This group is tasked with providing input on how to use federal CARES Act money to increase broadband coverage across the state.
Electric Co-ops Serving Broadband to Rural Mississippi, With Commissioner Brandon Presley
June 23, 2020 16:30 - 40 minutes - 92.3 MBTranscripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen Smith: And thank you for listening in to another episode of Rural Broadband Today. And I'm excited to have as our guest on the show Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley. Commissioner, we're delighted to have you on the show. Brandon Presley: I am glad to be with you. I appreciate the chance. For a long time, we've been needing to link up. Stephen Smith: Yeah, that's for sure. I've been following your...
A Pandemic Highlights Two Rural Americas, With Shirley Bloomfield
June 19, 2020 20:30 - 20 minutes - 46.3 MBTranscripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen Smith: Hello, I'm Stephen Smith. Welcome to our first episode of our new podcast. Now, some of our listeners may be familiar with the StoryConnect podcast. That's another show produced by WordSouth that focuses on the communications marketing issues. But there are often issues that we'd like to explore that go beyond marketing communications. And this new podcast really gives us a platform to explore those br...