エピソード

  • Episode 446: Chris Draper with SafetAI on Responsible AI in Broadband and Utilities

    Episode 446: Chris Draper with SafetAI on Responsible AI in Broadband and Utilities
    2025/07/10
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Chris Draper, Board Chair at SafetAI, recorded live at day two of the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN) conference in Ames, Iowa. With broadband providers increasingly overwhelmed by promises of “AI-infused” solutions, Chris brings clarity and expertise to the conversation around artificial intelligence in utilities and broadband. Drawing from his experience in high-risk technology environments—from rocket science to compliance in legal and government tech—Chris discusses the need for intentional, ethical AI implementation. He explores the "art of the possible" while highlighting the real-world risks of AI systems operating faster than human oversight can manage. Listeners will gain insight into how AI can amplify human action when deployed responsibly—especially in rural broadband and utility environments—and why now is the time to establish ethical frameworks before regulatory mandates catch up. Chris also shares his philosophy on data responsibility, automation pitfalls, the importance of transparency, and how SafetAI is helping organizations make informed decisions about AI adoption.
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    47 分
  • Episode 445: Inside Tarana’s Mission to Close the Digital Divide with Carl Guardino

    Episode 445: Inside Tarana’s Mission to Close the Digital Divide with Carl Guardino
    2025/07/08
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Carl Guardino, Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy at Tarana Wireless, recorded at WISPAmerica 2025 in Oklahoma City. With a career spanning decades in public policy and leadership—including 24 years as CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group—Carl brings a deep understanding of how innovation, advocacy, and infrastructure intersect in the fight to bridge the digital divide. Carl shares Tarana Wireless’ origin story, which was born from a graduate research project at UC Berkeley by three international students determined to solve connectivity challenges in underserved communities. Now deployed in 24 countries and nearly every U.S. state, Tarana’s cutting-edge fixed wireless technology delivers high-speed, low-latency broadband—even in non-line-of-sight conditions—offering a compelling and cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber. The conversation describes the critical four “legs of the broadband table”: affordability, reliability, high speed, and low latency. Carl emphasizes the need for technology-agnostic, standards-based solutions—especially with $42.5 billion in BEAD funds at stake—and explains why real-world demonstrations and direct engagement with state officials, tribal communities, and local ISPs are essential to success.
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    39 分
  • Episode 444: Stephen Rose of Render on Ecosystems, Integration, and Fiber Deployment

    Episode 444: Stephen Rose of Render on Ecosystems, Integration, and Fiber Deployment
    2025/07/07
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live from Fiber Connect 2025, host Brad Hine sits down with Stephen Rose, CEO of Render Networks, for a conversation about the evolving broadband landscape and the role of intelligent infrastructure. Stephen shares his journey from global telecom operations to leading innovation at Render, drawing on past leadership roles at IBM, Nokia, and the Nobel Prize-winning Nokia Bell Labs. The discussion covers a wide range of topics—from Render's latest industry partnerships with EXFO and VETRO FiberMap, to the impact of AI and automation in fiber network deployment. Stephen emphasizes the need for data transparency, cross-industry collaboration, and scalable software ecosystems to address challenges like labor shortages, cost overruns, and operational inefficiencies. Listeners will also get insights into Render’s growing influence beyond telecommunications, including electric and utility sectors, and how Render’s platform continues to drive digital transformation even after network builds are complete.
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    28 分
  • Episode 443: Charlene Gavel on Rural Broadband, Fiber Expansion, and SaskTel’s Evolution

    Episode 443: Charlene Gavel on Rural Broadband, Fiber Expansion, and SaskTel’s Evolution
    2025/07/03
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, host Brad Hine welcomes Charlene Gavel, President and CEO of SaskTel, to the show. Fresh from her "Operator Lightning Talk" presentation titled Lighting Up Saskatchewan, Charlene shares the remarkable journey of SaskTel—from its origins as a provincial telephone department in 1908 to its current role as a cutting-edge technology leader in Canada. Charlene reflects on her personal career path, including her early days as a CFO and her connection to SaskTel through her father, a 30-year employee. She offers insight into the unique challenges of delivering high-speed fiber to a population of just over 1 million people spread across a landmass the size of Texas. Despite the lack of scale, Charlene highlights how SaskTel’s mission-driven approach as a Crown Corporation fuels innovation and prioritizes community outcomes. The conversation explores SaskTel’s transition from a traditional telco to a forward-thinking “techco,” emphasizing infrastructure automation, OSS/BSS innovation through SaskTel International, and the need to monetize fiber investments through value-added services. Charlene also offers advice to aspiring leaders—especially women in tech—about using their voice, following their passion, and building strong, collaborative teams.
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    21 分
  • Episode 442: Real Talk on Rural Broadband with Dr. Christopher Ali

    Episode 442: Real Talk on Rural Broadband with Dr. Christopher Ali
    2025/07/01
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Dr. Christopher Ali, the Pioneers Chair in Telecommunications and Associate Professor at Penn State’s Bellisario College of Communications. Recorded live at the CBAN Spring Summit, the conversation explores the evolving landscape of broadband policy and BEAD funding. Dr. Ali offers a grounded perspective on what it will truly take to close the digital divide, emphasizing the need for realistic timelines, long-term infrastructure planning, and a balanced approach that integrates both fiber and wireless technologies. He discusses the vital role of middle-mile infrastructure, particularly the untapped potential of electric cooperatives to deliver broadband to underserved communities. The episode also touches on the importance of digital literacy, affordability, and the dangers of sunset clauses that can undermine ongoing connectivity. Dr. Ali shares insights into his upcoming “Broadband Stories” project, which aims to highlight the human impact of broadband through real-world narratives.
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    33 分
  • Episode 441: Justin Suhr of Great Plains Communications on FTTH, AI, and Rural Deployment Challenges

    Episode 441: Justin Suhr of Great Plains Communications on FTTH, AI, and Rural Deployment Challenges
    2025/06/30
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, host Brad Hine sits down with Justin Suhr, Senior Director of Construction Engineering at Great Plains Communications. With over two decades of experience in telecom and a deep background in fiber deployment and outside plant engineering, Justin shares insights on the company’s transformation from a 115-year-old telephone provider into a modern fiber-forward operator. They dive into the evolution of broadband deployment strategies in the face of paused BEAD funding, the shift toward multi-gigabit services, the role of AI and system integration in field operations, and the importance of digital transformation across construction and customer service. Justin also reflects on his personal journey in the industry, from field engineering to leadership, and how Great Plains is tackling both urban and rural broadband challenges through strategic planning, software integration, and a forward-thinking approach to workforce development.
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    22 分
  • Episode 440: Building Digital Equity with Deb Socia at CBAN 2025

    Episode 440: Building Digital Equity with Deb Socia at CBAN 2025
    2025/06/26
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at the CBAN Annual Conference in Ames, Iowa, host Brad Hine sits down with broadband leader and digital equity advocate Deb Socia. Recently retired from her role as CEO of The Enterprise Center in Chattanooga, Deb shares insights from her decades of experience supporting community broadband, digital inclusion, and infrastructure development. They discuss the importance of early and strategic marketing for broadband builds, challenges around funding and predictability for ISPs and nonprofits, and the evolving role of local ownership in fostering digital equity and community pride. Deb shares stories—from seniors learning to FaceTime their grandchildren to middle school students mapping free Wi-Fi hotspots—that highlight how connectivity transforms lives. They also touch on the value of storytelling and data in building stakeholder support, the influence of education on community tech adoption, and how to cultivate the next generation of broadband leaders. This conversation offers a blend of policy perspective, community insight, and actionable advice for anyone working to bridge the digital divide.
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    30 分
  • Episode 439: Heather Gold Talks BEAD, Fiber Strategy, and the Path Forward

    Episode 439: Heather Gold Talks BEAD, Fiber Strategy, and the Path Forward
    2025/06/24
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine welcomes back a true pioneer in the broadband space—Heather Gold, Principal at HBG Strategies and former President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association. With a career spanning over 40 years across XO Communications, Sprint, ALTS, NTS, and more, Heather shares unparalleled insights into the evolution of broadband, the regulatory landscape, and the current fiber deployment challenges facing the industry. Recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025, Heather reflects on her time at the helm of the FBA, the genesis of Women in Fiber, and key takeaways from the recent NTIA guidance and its impact on BEAD funding and rural broadband deployment. She also discusses the long-term ROI of fiber over alternative technologies like fixed wireless and LEO satellites, leadership lessons from her executive roles, and her advocacy journey from financial analyst to industry thought leader. From policy shifts to permitting bottlenecks and workforce gaps, this episode is packed with actionable insights, historical perspective, and candid advice—especially for emerging professionals in the telecom space.
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    41 分