In this episode of the Broadband Pulse podcast, we talked to Scott Mispagel, Senior Vice President, Network Engineering and Operations at Frontier Communications. During this episode, we talked about the ongoing progress Frontier has made in expanding its fiber broadband reach and customer base.

Frontier, which is being acquired by Verizon, has continued to enhance its standing in the fiber broadband market. As of the end of the second quarter, Frontier added 334,000 fiber passings to reach 8.5 million total locations passed with fiber.

As Mispagel sees it, “it has been a great highlight of my career to be a part of the company’s turnaround and bringing the life-changing technology that we bring to our customers.”

Key Moments in This Episode

Opening

0:07 Introduction of our guest

1:33 The 2025 Connect the Unconnected Award Scott Mispagel talks about being this year’s honoree.

2:39 Frontier's fiber broadband gains momentum How Frontier’s leadership has made fiber a key part of its strategy.

4:12 Permitting and supply chain challenges Frontier took a proactive approach as it scaled its fiber network.

6:39 Local community partnerships Frontier communicates the value of building out fiber.

8:26 Prioritizing fiber builds The service provider weighs factors such as population density and labor availability.

9:42 Frontier’s “Broadband for Good” Program How Frontier contributes fiber broadband service to community-led organizations like the Boys & Girls Club.

11:25 Frontier’s fiber technology vision The service provider participates in industry organizations like the ITU to drive new standards.

13:04 AI’s growing influence How AI is changing business trajectories.

15:16 Frontier’s middle mile vision Frontier sees the middle mile as the highways between every community.

17:21 Final Thoughts/closing Scott Mispagel shares his final thoughts and vision for Frontier’s fiber build program.

Meet our guest:

Scott Mispagel, Senior Vice President, Network Engineering and Operations at Frontier Communications Since July 2013, Scott Mispagel has served as Senior Vice President of Network Engineering and Operations at Frontier Communications. With a proven track record in strategic and technical leadership within the telecommunications sector, Mispagel has held several senior roles, including VP of Network Planning and Engineering, overseeing a large team of engineers responsible for nationwide voice and data network infrastructure. Earlier, Mispagel held several roles at Windstream Communications, advancing from Director of Data Engineering to Vice President of Network Technology Planning and Engineering. Mispagel also served on the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together North Texas from January 2019 to December 2021. Mispage holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Arkansas.

About the Podcast In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

In this latest issue of Building Broadband, we’re tracking new broadband deployments from Alaska Communications, BAM Broadband, Brightspeed, Dobson Fiber, Ripple Fiber, TDS and United Communications.

About the Podcast In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.

In this episode of the Broadband Pulse podcast, we talked with Mike Slovin, Vice President and General Manager of Smart Solutions.

Comcast Smart Solutions (CSS) helps cities to advise, help design, deploy, and support holistic smart technology ecosystems with a vetted and curated ecosystem of top smart technology collaborations to help create efficient and productive buildings and environments. Its offerings include Smart Buildings technology, Video Analytics, Smart Mobility, Digital Signage, and Smart Lighting solutions.

CCS recently announced a collaboration with the City of Tucker, GA, an Atlanta suburb, to upgrade the lighting infrastructure on the city’s public trail and park system with a smart solution designed to enhance visibility and connectivity. The City of Tucker selected Comcast Smart Solutions to implement a fully-integrated video analytics, Wi-Fi, and lighting solution into existing light fixtures along a portion of the city’s public trail that leads to Tucker Town Green, a recreational park. The project aims to strengthen both security protocols and connectivity by providing advanced video analytics and public Wi-Fi access to the area.

Along with Tucker, Comcast has been gaining momentum in other cities in Colorado, Florida, Utah and others.

Key Moments in This Episode

Opening

0:05 Introduction of guests

0:33 Comcast Smart Solutions smart city approach Mike Slovin, Vice President and General Manager of Smart Solutions, addresses how it helps cities solve specific business needs like improving sustainability, improving safety protocols or improving energy management.

2:57 Smart City trends How to address cities’ individual needs for managing infrastructure.

4:37 Tucker, Georgia’s work with Comcast Smart Solutions Comcast is monitoring the city’s new public trail.

6:47 Juganu’s multipurpose light fixtures How Jugano can help cities transform city spaces with what they call “digital intelligence.”

8:20 Targeted solutions approach Comcast crafts solutions that meet an individual city’s needs.

8:38 Dedicated internet connectivity How Comcast is leveraging its internet connectivity to support Tucker, Ga.’s smart city applications.

10:13 The status of the Tucker, Georgia deployment

11:13 Comcast’s smart city momentum Comcast Smart Solutions provides tailored service for every smart city opportunity.

12:10 The evolution of Comcast’s Smart Solutions Comcast changed the division name to Smart Solutions to reflect its diverse customer base.

13:17 Final Thoughts/Closing Comcast Smart Solutions’ Mike Slovin gives us his insight about new opportunities for the division.

Meet our guest:

Michael Slovin, Vice President and General Manager Smart Solutions A 30-year telecom and cable veteran, Slovin oversees integration of Comcast’s advanced connectivity options with industry-leading smart technology partners to enable the delivery of smart technology solutions to clients. Slovin has spent the last 18 years in corporate leadership positions at Comcast. His roles have included leading Xfinity Communities’ national accounts and direct sales channels and, most recently, serving as the Vice President of National Field Sales, managing the teams that transform individual multifamily properties into smart, connected communities, supporting millions of residents. Prior to Comcast, Slovin occupied various leadership positions with Sprint, Winstar and MCI Communications (now Verizon Communications).

About the Podcast In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and listen here.