エピソード

  • Episode 489: How Christy Batts Helped Turn CDE Lightband Into a Broadband Success Story

    Episode 489: How Christy Batts Helped Turn CDE Lightband Into a Broadband Success Story
    2026/04/30
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Christy Batts, Chief Broadband Officer at CDE Lightband, about one of the earliest municipal fiber success stories and the realities behind building it. The conversation focuses on the decisions that mattered most—from early technology missteps and partner selection to the operational discipline required to scale. Christy shares how a strong business plan, combined with a focus on processes and customer acquisition, helped CDE Lightband grow quickly and pay off its debt years ahead of schedule. They discuss how the market has evolved, from triple-play services to high-capacity broadband and business solutions like hosted PBX. Christy explains how managing a high-churn market, investing in scalable infrastructure, and maintaining a strong local presence have been key to long-term success. For operators preparing for new builds or funding opportunities, this episode offers insight into what to prioritize, what to avoid, and how to build a network that can keep up with demand.
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    37 分
  • Episode 488: Jessica Koch and Patrick Mulhern on Light Years Ahead at Fiber Connect 2026

    Episode 488: Jessica Koch and Patrick Mulhern on Light Years Ahead at Fiber Connect 2026
    2026/04/21
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo is joined by Jessica Koch and Patrick Mulhearn to preview Fiber Connect 2026 and what makes it a must-attend event for the broadband industry. They discuss how the conference reflects a major shift in the market, from building fiber infrastructure to exploring what that infrastructure enables, including AI, data centers, telehealth, gaming, and precision agriculture. The conversation highlights this year’s theme, “Light Years Ahead,” and the growing importance of collaboration across operators, policymakers, and technology providers. With expanded content focused on real-world applications and future demand, Fiber Connect 2026 is positioned as a hub for ideas, innovation, and the next phase of broadband growth.
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    26 分
  • Episode 487: How John Capobianco Is Rethinking Network Automation with AI

    Episode 487: How John Capobianco Is Rethinking Network Automation with AI
    2026/04/16
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo explores the IT infrastructure, automation, and AI systems that power the subscriber experience. He is joined by John Capobianco, Head of AI and Developer Relations at Itential, for a conversation about what is happening inside the network. John explains how network automation has progressed from early scripting to AI-driven orchestration. Real-world examples show how changes that once required days can now be completed in minutes, reducing risk and minimizing human error. Core network orchestration emerges as a critical priority, carrying just as much weight as innovation at the access layer. AI agents take a central role in the discussion, with a focus on how they enable autonomous operations such as detection, remediation, and closed-loop workflows. The conversation also highlights the rise of DIY automation, open-source innovation, and model context protocol, which allows engineers to interact with complex systems using natural language. Trust, guardrails, and workforce impact round out the episode. John shares practical guidance for operators looking to adopt AI, emphasizing simple starting points that build confidence and deliver immediate value.
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    47 分
  • Episode 486: Steve Schwerbel on Fixed Wireless Policy and State Broadband Strategy

    Episode 486: Steve Schwerbel on Fixed Wireless Policy and State Broadband Strategy
    2026/04/07
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, Jeff Boozer chats with Steve Schwerbel who leads state-level policy for WISPA. Recorded live at ISP America, the conversation centers on how broadband policy has shifted from federal oversight to state-level execution—and why that shift matters more than ever as BEAD funding moves toward deployment. Steve shares his path into broadband policy and discusses how states are balancing technology choices, funding strategies, and real-world deployment challenges. Steve and Jeff talk about the role of fixed wireless, the push for technology-neutral funding, and the growing tension around affordability and contract requirements under BEAD. Steve also looks ahead to what comes next, including how states may address gaps left after BEAD, rethink long-term funding models, and respond to emerging pressures like AI infrastructure and data center growth. The takeaway is clear: broadband policy is no longer just about access—it is about sustainability, flexibility, and making the right decisions for each unique environment.
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    30 分
  • Episode 485: Marcelo Cataldo on Building a Future Ready Digicel Across the Caribbean

    Episode 485: Marcelo Cataldo on Building a Future Ready Digicel Across the Caribbean
    2026/03/31
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap, Pete Pizzutillo chats with Marcelo Cataldo, CEO of Digicel Group. Marcelo shares what it takes to lead a telecom operator across the Caribbean. Marcelo tells us about his journey through global telecom and the challenges of stepping into leadership during a major transition for Digicel. He discusses financial restructuring, a sharper operational focus, and a renewed commitment to core telecom services. He also explains how disciplined investment and resilient infrastructure support long term growth across 25 markets. The conversation explores the realities of operating across geographically dispersed island nations, where logistics, culture, and climate shape network strategy. Marcelo highlights how connectivity supports economic development by enabling education, strengthening small businesses, and expanding digital access across the region. Looking ahead, the discussion outlines how focused telecom investment, fiber expansion, and energy innovation such as solar powered networks position Digicel for long term success.
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    25 分
  • Episode 485: Caelan Grant on Disrupting ISPs with Fibeo’s Customer-Owner Approach

    Episode 485: Caelan Grant on Disrupting ISPs with Fibeo’s Customer-Owner Approach
    2026/03/24
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch host Pete Pizzutillo and Caelan Grant, founder and CEO of Fibeo—a new kind of broadband provider aiming to challenge the traditional ISP model from the ground up. Caelan shares his professional background in broadband and customer operations, along with the frustrating personal experience that sparked the idea for Fibeo. That moment led him to reimagine what an internet provider could be: one built around people, service, and long-term value rather than short-term profits. Instead of following the usual infrastructure-heavy or investor-first model, Fibeo is building a “customer-owner” approach that gives customers a real stake in the business. Hear about the problems facing today’s broadband market, including poor customer service, lack of meaningful differentiation, and a race to the bottom on price. Caelan explains why Fibeo chose a virtual ISP model, how its ownership structure is designed to return value to customers, and why he believes the future of broadband should be more accountable, more personal, and more sustainable.
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    37 分
  • Episode 484: Jason Thune on Bringing Fiber to Every Corner of Hawaii

    Episode 484: Jason Thune on Bringing Fiber to Every Corner of Hawaii
    2026/03/17
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Jason Thune, Vice President of Fiber Strategy and Deployment at Hawaiian Telcom, to tell all about one of the most ambitious broadband initiatives in the country—making Hawaii the first fully fiber-enabled state. Jason has nearly three decades of experience and manages more than $68 million in federal funding. He shares what it takes to build and scale a world-class network across one of the most geographically complex environments on earth. Hear the real-world challenges of deploying fiber across islands shaped by lava flows, rainforests, and extreme elevation changes. Jason highlights the role of partnerships, logistics planning, and technology flexibility in reaching even the most remote communities while maintaining affordability and performance, including statewide multi-gig service offerings. Jason shares stories of how connectivity is transforming rural communities, enabling telehealth access, supporting education, and fueling local entrepreneurship. This episode goes beyond infrastructure to focus on bridging the digital divide, strengthening communities, and redefining what’s possible for broadband in even the most challenging environments.
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    33 分
  • Episode 483: Steve Smith on Building Live Oak Fiber and Bringing New Fiber Networks to the Southeast

    Episode 483: Steve Smith on Building Live Oak Fiber and Bringing New Fiber Networks to the Southeast
    2026/03/10
    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Steve Smith, Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Live Oak Fiber, to discuss how one of the fastest-growing regional fiber networks in the Southeast came to life. With more than 25 years in the telecom industry, Steve shares the journey from consulting and go-to-market strategy to launching a greenfield fiber build backed by major infrastructure investment. What started as a business plan and a small team in 2022 has quickly grown into a network serving tens of thousands of customers across southern Georgia and northern Florida. Steve explains how Live Oak identified underserved growth markets, built resilient underground fiber infrastructure designed to withstand severe weather, and scaled rapidly to more than 40,000 subscribers and 200,000 homes passed. Brad and Steve discuss how thoughtful market selection, strong operational leadership, and strategic financial partnerships helped Live Oak move from startup to a major regional broadband provider in just a few years. But the real story goes beyond infrastructure. Steve shares how Live Oak’s “fiercely local” philosophy—engaging with community events, supporting local businesses, and building authentic relationships—has become a key driver of the company’s success. This episode highlights how broadband providers can build both resilient networks and meaningful community impact—featuring stories of hurricane-tested infrastructure and Connect Four showdowns with local students.
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    42 分