Jason's Industry Insights

Jason Presement

Welcome to Jason's Industry Insights - your go-to podcast for crisp, 30-minute conversations with the fascinating folks shaping today's tech landscape. With a focus on broadband, telco, space communications and AI, we're talking to a diverse mix of professionals who impact these fields in big and small ways.

  1. 11 AOÛT

    Episode #15 - 1,000 Kilometers and Counting: YorkNet’s Fiber Playbook - Laura Bradley, General Manager, YorkNet

    Municipalities are taking broadband into their own hands. In this episode, I chat with Laura Bradley, General Manager of YorkNet, about how York Region is building and managing its own fiber network. Laura shares how YorkNet went from connecting a few buildings in 2002 to deploying over 1,000 kilometers of fiber today, why open access infrastructure matters, and how strategic planning is shaping the network’s future. The conversation also touches on unexpected challenges, lessons learned, and why local ownership of digital infrastructure can change the game for residents, businesses, and entire communities. You can reach Laura on LinkedIn Subscribe to the Jason's Industry Insights Newsletter

    46 min

  2. 9 JUILL.

    Episode #14 - Beyond the Surface: The New Data Science of Infrastructure. Denise Squarzolo, Director of Electrical Engineering Services Planview Utility Services Ltd.

    What if you could see through the earth and scan entire cities without lifting a shovel? In this episode, I speak with Denise Squarzolo, Director of Electrical Engineering Services at Planview Utility Services, to reveal the high-tech future of infrastructure planning. From LIDAR scans and AI-assisted pole surveys to digital twins that render the invisible visible, Denise breaks down how vast data sets are captured, synthesized and turned into actionable insights. She explores how data accuracy drives smarter design, how digital twins are redefining utility management and why a data-first mindset is crucial for modern infrastructure. Plus, a look at subsurface utility engineering, Ontario’s aging networks and how Sudbury became the unexpected twin of the moon. You can find Denise on LinkedIn Check out Planview's Website --- You can find me on LinkedIn or at https://www.verityaptus.ca/ Finally, please remember to follow, like and share from your podcast player of choice! Thanks for listening! ___ Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights Newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/

    36 min

  3. 7 JUIN

    Episode #13 - Unlocking the North: Broadband, Barriers, and Blue Sky Thinking. Susan Church, Executive Director of Blue Sky Net

    What’s really stopping rural and northern communities from getting connected? In this episode, I speak with Susan Church, Executive Director of Blue Sky Net, for a candid conversation about the stubborn challenges, and creative solutions, shaping broadband in Northern Ontario. Susan shares stories from her 25-year journey, exposing why national broadband stats are misleading, why “hexagon mapping” leaves whole communities stranded, and what really happens when big telcos hold the keys to critical infrastructure. We chat about funding failures, data gaps, and the hidden cost of overbuilding. Hear about the innovative local providers, the unfiltered truth behind provincial and federal programs, and the real elephants in the room. If you want the inside story on Canada’s digital divide, listen in as we pull no punches and ask the questions few others will. --- You can contact Susan Church on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-church-7987a826/ Check out Blue Sky Net and all their resources at https://blueskynet.ca/ --- For more information about the Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference, please see https://crrbc.ca/eastern-canada-2025 You can find me on LinkedIn or at https://www.verityaptus.ca/ Finally, please remember to follow, like and share from your podcast player of choice! Thanks for listening! ___ Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights Newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/

    41 min

  4. 5 JUIN

    Episode #12 - Beaming Through the Impossible: Attochron’s Laser Quest to Solve the Last Mile. Tom Chaffee, CEO and Jim Olson, SVP Sales & Marketing, Attochron.

    What if the biggest challenge in high-speed connectivity wasn’t digging trenches or laying fiber, but simply getting through a mile of air? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Chaffee and Jim Olson from Attochron, a team on a decades-long mission to finally solve the “last mile” problem with a technology that’s left an entire industry skeptical: free space optics. With stories of failed startups, laser breakthroughs inspired by lightning research, and a crash course in why “fog” isn’t the real enemy, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it takes to disrupt telecom dogma. From the skepticism of venture capitalists to the promise of carrier-grade connections delivered by femtosecond lasers, you’ll get a front-row seat to the innovation, persistence of bringing a moonshot idea to market. Will Attochron finally break the curse that’s haunted free space optics for decades? Tune in to find out how the third leg of connectivity is being built - not with wire, but with light. Jim will be on my Broadband Innovation panel at the upcoming Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference, in Rama, Ontario - June 9-11, 2025, The full video interview can be found on my YouTube Channel. For more information on Attochron: Visit Attochron's Web Site. Find Tom Chaffee, Founder/CEO and Jim Olson, SVP Sales and Marketing on LinkedIn And check out my new website at https://www.verityaptus.ca/ Finally, please remember to follow, like and share from your podcast player of choice! Thanks for listening! ___ Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights Newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/

    53 min

  5. 28 MAI

    Episode #11 - Broadband, Books and Pickleball. Fact vs. Fiction - Lessons from building Infrastructure in Ontario. Gord Reynolds. Senior Advisor, Battersea Advisory (former VP. Infrastructure Ontario)

    I speak with Gord Reynolds and delve into the complexities of Ontario's broadband journey, discussing the barriers to construction, the impact of legislative changes, the mechanisms of funding and subsidies, and ongoing challenges to continue to close the Digital Divide. We explore the challenges faced by municipalities and internet service providers, the viability of wireless versus fiber solutions, and the role of satellite internet. The discussion also touches on community engagement, Gord's upcoming panel at the Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference, and we close out with the one question that really gets people thinking and results in some real personal reflections. You can contact Gord on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordreynolds/ You can find his books on Amazon https://a.co/d/izXHWs9 (Building Tomorrow's Ontario) https://a.co/d/b18SeJ9 (Essays on Canada's Energy Systems) For more information about the Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference, please see https://crrbc.ca/eastern-canada-2025 And check out my new website at https://www.verityaptus.ca/ Finally, please remember to follow, like and share from your podcast player of choice! Thanks for listening! ___ Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights Newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/

    45 min

  6. 11 MAI

    Episode #10 - From Light to Insight: The Untapped Power of Fiber Sensing. Dr. Paul Dickinson, Fiber Optic Sensing Association

    In this episode, I speak with Dr. Paul Dickinson delve into the transformative potential of fiber optic sensing technology. They discuss its applications across various sectors, including security, utilities, and municipal and smart city applications, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education in driving adoption. Dr. Dickinson shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting the need for collaboration among stakeholders to maximize the benefits of this technology. The discussion also briefly touches on the role of BEAD in expanding fiber infrastructure in the US, and the opportunity to integrate fiber optic sensing as a part of a larger ecosystem, providing real-time awareness and intelligence, enabling the community beyond broadband. Paul also shares an example of Texas811 as a visionary call centre and a clearinghouse for fiber optic sensing telemetry and coordination. Some key takeways from the conversation: Fiber optic sensing technology enhances real-time monitoring.Awareness is crucial for technology adoption.The technology has applications in security and utilities.Municipalities can benefit from shared infrastructure costs.Business cases are essential for driving adoption.Innovations in call centers can improve damage prevention.The technology can save lives in emergency situations.Diverse applications require tailored solutions from vendors.The future of fiber optic sensing is promising and impactful. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to Fiber Optic Sensing 07:25 Understanding the Technology Behind Fiber Optic Sensing 16:09 Applications and Market Awareness of Fiber Optic Sensing 19:00 Municipalities and Smart Infrastructure 21:16 Business Cases in Utility Markets 23:05 The BEAD Initiative and Fiber Deployment 25:03 Fiber vs. Alternative Technologies 27:16 Applications of Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing 29:30 Innovations in Call Centers and Damage Prevention 33:19 Future Considerations for Infrastructure Development 35:23 Overcoming Barriers to Adoption You can contact Paul at Paul.Dickinson@duraline.com  or find him on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulrdickinson/ Make sure to check out FOSA, the Fiber Optic Sensing Association at https://fiberopticsensing.org/page/about-us Please remember to follow, like and share from your podcast player of choice! Thanks for listening! ___ Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights Newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/

    38 min

  7. 4 MAI

    Episode #9 - Telecom M&A, Private Equity, shifting valuations, and the rural data center boom - David Pickett, Pardal Ventures

    (I'm apologizing for the sound quality on this one. No idea what happened there!) In this episode of Jason's Industry Insights, I discusses the current state of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), Private Equity placement and the dynamic of valuation in the telecom sector with David Pickett, a chartered business valuator. We explore the factors influencing M&A and valuations, and the shift in infrastructure ownership among telecom providers. From the M&A boom of 2020/2021 to reduced valuations in 2025, the conversation also touches on the hesitance of private equity in greenfield projects and the emerging opportunities in data center economics, particularly in rural areas. The episode concludes with insights on future trends and the evolving landscape of the telecom industry. You can contact David on LinkedIn and in person at the upcoming Canadian Rural And Remote Broadband Community Conference ___ Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/ and don't forget to like, share and subscribe to this podcast.

    34 min

  8. 15 AVR.

    An Inside look - Closing the #DigitalDivide with Amedeo Bernardi, Founder, The Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Conference

    With the first conference of the 2025 series fast approaching (June), I wanted to speak with Amedeo Bernardi, the founder of the Canadian Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference to revisit the origins of the conference, how it has evolved and continues to innovate every year, and the importance of networking and collaboration in addressing broadband challenges in rural areas. The challenge of closing the #DigitalDivide is still alive and well. The conversation highlights the shift in conference themes, the structure of the event, and the diverse demographics of attendees. We discuss the panels and workshops planned for the upcoming conference, innovations in rural broadband, and the future direction of the conference amidst changing policies and technologies. Sponsorship opportunities are available, with booth space quickly selling out. For more information, please see https://crrbc.ca/ or contact Amedeo at amedeo@greenhexagon.ca. Make sure to mention that you heard him on the podcast! ___ Remember to check out the Jason's Industry Insights newsletter at https://jasonsindustryinsights.com/ and don't forget to like, share and subscribe to this podcast.

    35 min
Tout afficher (16)

Notes et avis

5
sur 5
3 notes

À propos

Welcome to Jason's Industry Insights - your go-to podcast for crisp, 30-minute conversations with the fascinating folks shaping today's tech landscape. With a focus on broadband, telco, space communications and AI, we're talking to a diverse mix of professionals who impact these fields in big and small ways.

Informations

  • Créateur
    Jason Presement
  • Années d’activité
    2024 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    16
  • Classement
    Tout public
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Jason Presement
  • Site Web de l’émission
    Jason's Industry Insights

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi