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.

In this latest Broadband Pulse broadband roundup, we are tracking new deployments from several providers, including: Brightspeed, Comcast, C Spire, Fastbridge, Fidium, Greenlight Networks, Lumos Networks and Omni Fiber.

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 click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.

In this new podcast, we talked with Dave Sumi, CEO of Airvine, about new wireless-based opportunities for enterprise campuses and multi-dwelling unit (MDUs).

In this episode of the Broadband Pulse podcast, we talked with Dave Sumi, CEO of Airvine.

Airvine, which has gained traction in the broadband market with its multi-Gigabit-speed wireless Ethernet backhaul system for indoor connectivity, recently introduced outdoor connectivity options with the WaveCore Flex. The Flex offers Gigabit-speed wireless connectivity and eliminates the need for costly drilling through walls or floors and running cable from, for example, an IDF or MDF to end user terminals or IoT devices.

Key Moments in This Episode

Opening

0:05 Introduction of guests

0:42 Who is Airvine? Dave Sumi, CEO of Airvine, talks about the company’s approach to providing broadband wireless backhaul solutions for the enterprise.

1:46 The evolution of the campus market Airvine is seeing an uptick in connecting campus buildings wirelessly

2:52 Airvine’s new Wave core platform How Airvine’s WaveCore Flex addresses enterprise campus networks outside backhaul needs.

4:31 Campus switch vendor market How Airvine’s wireless products are compatible with traditional campus switch products

5:44 Non-invasive network installations Airvine enables broadband operators to deliver service without disruption, rapidly

6:48 The Multi-dwelling unit (MDU) market Service providers can upgrade existing MDU connectivity with wireless infrastructure. 8:36 Market adoption Airvine is finding opportunities in factory and warehouse settings

11:04 Supporting Internet of Things (IoT) Property owners can leverage wireless connectivity for building operations, such as leak detection.

11:53 Final thoughts Dave Sumi shares his closing thoughts on serving campus environments wirelessly.

Meet our guest:

Dave Sumi A 30-plus-year telecom veteran, Dave Sumi serves as the CEO of Airvine. Airvine has developed an indoor wireless system that rivals the reliability of existing cabling at a fraction of the deployment time and cost. He has extensive experience and contacts in wireless domains ranging from chips to systems, client devices to infrastructure, and hardware to software. Before becoming the CEO of Airvine, Sumi spent time at several other key wireless companies, including KYOCERA, Siklu, Proxim, SOMA Networks and Malibu Networks.

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 click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.

In this week's Broadband Pulse broadband roundup, we’re tracking new broadband deployments from a host of providers, including:

• Brightspeed
• Ezee Fiber
• Fidium
• Glo Fiber
• GoNetspeed
• IdeaTek
• RightFiber
• Surf Internet

These providers are all expanding broadband in various communities through a mix of venture capital and state funding sources.

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 click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.

In this episode, we talked with two key cable industry veterans about emerging trends--Lou Borrelli, CEO of NCTC and Grant Spellmeyer, president and CEO of ACA Connects.

Key Moments in This Episode

Opening

0:06 Introduction of guests Lightwave Editor in Chief Sean Buckley introduces Broadband Pulse’s latest guests--Lou Borelli, CEO of NCTC and Grant Spellmeyer, ACA Connects president and CEO.

The state of the independent cable operator market. 1:02 Lou Borrelli shares his perspective 2:15 Grant Spellmeyer gives his perspective

3:47 Highlights of the recent 2025 Independent Show. 4:13 Lou Borrelli discusses opportunities its members can use to expand and grow. 5:34 Grant Spellmeyer addresses the value of member-to-member interaction.

7:15 The influence of the Brendan Carr-led FCC. 7:37 Grant Spellmeyer talks about how the new FCC removes private sector investment uncertainty. 8:32 Lou Borrelli sees the opportunity to reduce regulatory burdens.

9:32 Fiber broadband trends 10:06 Lou Borrelli notes how NCTC’s members are aggressively rolling out fiber broadband. 11:45 Grant Spellmeyer says ACA Connect’s members are delivering competition to others. 12:10 The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program situation. 12:35 Grant Spellmeyer addresses changes to the BEAD program requirements. 14:24 Lou Borrelli expresses support for ACA Connect’s policy efforts in Washington, DC. 14:58 AI technology 15:25 Lou Borrelli discusses its new AI Center of Excellence. 17:22 Grant Spellmeyer looks at AI regulations.

18:22 Streaming and convergence 18:48 Lou Borrelli talks about how the video industry is evolving. 20:44 Grant Spellmeyer addresses how providers are adapting.

21:35 Final thoughts 21:22 Grant Spellmeyer gives his roundup. 22:06 Lou Borrelli touts the power of independent telcos and cable operators.

22:34 Wrap/Outro

Meet our guests:

Lou Borelli, CEO of NCTC A 40-plus-year cable television industry veteran, Lou Borrelli was named NCTC’s CEO in 2021. Before joining NCTC, Borrelli served as the CEO of Home and Entertainment for Digicel Group, which provides mobile phone, cable, and broadband services to 27 countries in the Caribbean, Central, and South America. He was responsible for cable and broadband strategy, policy, operations, content strategy and distribution rights for Digicel's sports and entertainment networks. Having owned and operated cable systems in second and third-tier markets, Borrelli has plenty of experience in the independent cable industry segment with an extensive understanding of the challenges facing operators of all sizes in today's competitive landscape. A founding partner of Marcus Cable, Borrelli and his colleagues were recognized as Cable Operator of the Year in 1998, and he was inducted into the Cable Pioneers in 2002.

Grant Spellmeyer, ACA Connects president and CEO Grant Spellmeyer oversees the daily operations and affairs of America's Communications Association (ACA Connects). Grant joined ACAC in 2022. Before coming to ACAC, he was VP of government affairs for US Cellular, where his primary duties included directing the federal and state legislative and regulatory efforts across the company’s 21-state operating territory on all policy matters. He joined U.S. Cellular in 2006 from ACA Connects Member company TDS Telecommunications. As part of the TDS enterprise, Grant served in a variety of wireless and wireline legal and regulatory roles for more than 20 years. Before that, Grant was an attorney in private practice in Madison, Wisconsin. Spellmeyer is a 1988 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, he holds an M.A. in public policy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. He also has an MBA from Northwestern University.

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 click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.

In this latest issue of Building Broadband, we’re tracking new broadband deployments from several regional and national broadband players, including:

• Brightspeed lights up fiber broadband in five new rural Ohio counties
• Comcast connects over 1,200 Montgomery County, Indiana locations
• Dobson Fiber expands fiber internet to Kingston, Oklahoma
• Greenlight Networks continues expansion across New York’s Orange County
• Home Telecom brings 5 Gbps fiber internet to South Carolina’s Nexton community
• IdeaTek lights gigabit fiber internet to Leoti and Tribune, Kansas
• KKR wraps acquisition of Metronet through joint venture

We’re also sizing up various broadband M&A deals that took place this week, including:

• BCE’s Ziply Fiber acquisition accelerates its fiber growth strategy
• Uniti wraps its Windstream merger, accelerating residential and business fiber strategy
• FBR Solutions ramps rural capabilities with Johnson Communications acquisition
• Amphenol deepens data center presence with $10.5 billion deal for CommScope’s CCS business

About the Podcast In the Lightwave+BTR 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 click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com/.