The Broadband Bunch

Pete Pizzutillo

Welcome to the Broadband Bunch, a podcast about broadband and how it impacts all of us. Join us to learn about the state of the industry and the latest innovations and trends. Connect with the thought leaders, pioneers and policymakers helping to shape your future through broadband. The Broadband Bunch is sponsored by: ETI Software: www.etisoftware.com VETRO: www.vetrofibermap.com

  1. HÁ 2 DIAS

    Episode 463: Robin Olds on Cisco, AI, and Bridging the Digital Divide

    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded at Mountain Connect 2025 in Denver, host Brad Hine sits down with Robin Olds, Senior Business Development Manager at Cisco Systems. Together, they explore Cisco’s pivotal role in shaping the future of broadband—from reimagining network architecture with routed optical networking to advancing AI-driven connectivity and capacity management. Robin shares insights into Cisco’s broadband initiatives, including support for rural and tribal providers, engagement with federal funding programs like BEAD and ReConnect, and the company’s long-standing legacy in internet innovation. They also discuss how service providers can prepare for the growing demands of AI, streaming, and bandwidth-intensive applications by moving compute closer to the network edge.

    31min

  2. HÁ 4 DIAS

    Episode 462: How Drew Beverage is Driving 360 Broadband’s Transformation in Rural America

    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Drew Beverage, Chief Operating Officer of 360 Broadband, from the floor at Mountain Connect in Denver. Drew shares the story of 360 Broadband’s evolution from a fixed wireless provider to a hybrid network operator bringing fiber to some of the most rural areas in Oklahoma and Texas. With 96 competitors in their expansive 12,000-square-mile footprint, Drew emphasizes that price is not their differentiator—customer experience is. The conversation explores how 360 Broadband is using innovative tools and AI-powered platforms like GoCare, QC.AI, Actifai, and Sonar to meet customers where they are, proactively communicate during outages, and personalize service at scale. Drew walks through the operational benefits of text-based support, intelligent call scoring, and AI-driven self-service sales that happen even after midnight—all backed by real-time data and seamless system integrations. Listeners will also hear Drew reflect on his personal journey from tower climber to telecom COO, his early days in the family business, and the leadership values that continue to guide his team today. With his trademark humility and wit, Drew offers insight into the changing broadband landscape, from BEAD funding complexities to the future of rural connectivity, and why an open ecosystem of best-in-class vendors is key to staying competitive.

    34min

  3. 26 DE AGO.

    Episode 461: Building Thriving Communities Through Broadband with Tracy Doaks

    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Tracy Doaks, President and CEO of MCNC. Tracy shares her journey from state CIO to leading MCNC, which operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network. She discusses MCNC’s 5,000 miles of fiber, its role in telehealth, and how middle-mile networks empower last-mile providers to serve rural communities. The conversation covers broadband as infrastructure of opportunity, the impact of public-private partnerships, challenges with funding and affordability, and the growing importance of cybersecurity and resiliency. Tracy emphasizes how broadband adoption fuels education, healthcare, job creation, and thriving economies across North Carolina.

    54min

  4. 19 DE AGO.

    Episode 460: Ronan Kelly on Integration, Automation, AI, and the Future of UK Fiber

    In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Ronan Kelly, Managing Director of AllPoints Fibre Networks in the UK. Ronan shares his 30-year journey through the broadband industry—from the early days of dial-up with U.S. Robotics to leading innovative fiber deployments across Europe. The conversation explores the consolidation of UK alt-nets, the creation of AllPoints Fibre’s wholesale-only model, and the launch of their new Aquila platform, designed to provide a marketplace for ISPs and streamline integration through standards-based APIs. Ronan highlights the challenges of scaling fiber networks, managing technical debt, and why automation and vendor-backed solutions are critical for long-term sustainability. Looking ahead, Ronan offers insights on the role of AI in telecom operations, the importance of embracing change, and how UK market lessons could apply to the U.S. broadband landscape. His reflections on legacy, leadership, and building resilient infrastructure provide valuable takeaways for operators, technologists, and policymakers alike.

    1h2min

  5. 14 DE AGO.

    Episode 459: Jason Moore on Transforming In-Home Connectivity with RouteThis

    In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, recorded at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, Brad Hine sits down with Jason Moore, Co-Founder and CEO of RouteThis, to explore the challenges of delivering flawless in-home connectivity. Jason shares his career journey from silicon design and consumer tech to building a global platform that empowers ISPs, technicians, and subscribers to diagnose and resolve network issues right at the device level. They discuss RouteThis’ origins in solving video streaming problems, its growth into multiple product lines, and how its mobile-based tools eliminate guesswork for both support teams and end users. The conversation covers the rise of mesh systems, the increasing complexity of connected homes, the role of AI and AR in future troubleshooting, and the business case behind pairing exceptional customer experience with operational cost savings. Jason also offers insight into industry trends, smart device proliferation, and the importance of building networks ready to meet ever-rising customer expectations.

    29min

  6. 12 DE AGO.

    Episode 458: Juan Pinzon Talks About Fiber Network Projects and Aspire Communications' Growth

    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine interviews Juan Pinzon, a project manager at Aspire Communications, from Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Juan shares insights into the evolution of Aspire Communications from a small startup into a broadband service provider. With a focus on fiber optic network design and construction, Aspire has grown significantly, particularly in Florida and California. Juan discusses his role at Aspire, which involves everything from splicing to sales, and how the company has expanded into offering ISP services. He highlights key projects, including their work in Leesburg, Florida, and the impressive leap into California's Simi Valley, where they’ve built underground fiber networks. Throughout the conversation, Juan reflects on the challenges and rewards of working in fiber optics, including the importance of building strong teams, finding the right partners, and evolving as a company. He also shares the company’s vision for bridging the digital divide, with a focus on residential and small government projects.

    31min

  7. 7 DE AGO.

    Episode 457: State-Level Broadband Advocacy with Steve Schwerbel of WISPA

    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded at WISPAmerica 2025 in Oklahoma City, host Brad Hine sits down with Steve Schwerbel, Director of State Advocacy at WISPA, to explore the landscape of broadband policy across all 50 states. Steve shares thoughts on how state-level legislation, BEAD funding, and advocacy strategies are shaping the broadband deployment—particularly for fixed wireless providers. They discuss WISPA's tech-neutral approach, the role of storytelling in advocacy, and real-world examples of how fixed wireless is filling the gaps where fiber can't reach. From disaster recovery in North Carolina to workforce development on California farms, Steve brings powerful narratives that highlight the innovation and resilience of WISPA members. The episode also shines a light on tax policy, labor certification, and access rights as key legislative priorities, underscoring the need for broadband solutions that are fast, flexible, and community-driven.

    32min

  8. 5 DE AGO.

    Episode 456: Connecting Rural Canada with Joe Hickey of PomeGran

    In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Joe Hickey, President of PomeGran, for a conversation about the realities of expanding rural broadband in Canada. Joe reflects on his 35-year career spanning telecom, defense electronics, wireless, and broadband, sharing how his passion for connecting communities has shaped his work today. The discussion explores the challenges of delivering high-speed internet to remote regions, including navigating Canada’s grant programs, working through Indigenous land approvals, managing multi-utility make-ready processes, and operating in extreme northern climates. Joe talks about Canada’s multi-billion-dollar broadband funding initiatives and how they compare to the U.S. BEAD program, as well as the importance of community engagement and local partnerships in driving adoption. He also examines strategies for monetizing both new and existing networks in low-density areas and explains the broader economic benefits of rural broadband, from attracting industry and new residents to boosting GDP. Looking ahead, Joe discusses opportunities in satellite, 5G, and open-access networks, underscoring the need for passion, persistence, and creativity to overcome obstacles and keep projects moving forward.

    36min
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Sobre

Welcome to the Broadband Bunch, a podcast about broadband and how it impacts all of us. Join us to learn about the state of the industry and the latest innovations and trends. Connect with the thought leaders, pioneers and policymakers helping to shape your future through broadband. The Broadband Bunch is sponsored by: ETI Software: www.etisoftware.com VETRO: www.vetrofibermap.com

Informações

  • Criado por
    Pete Pizzutillo
  • Anos de atividade
    2020 - 2025
  • Episódios
    431
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Site do podcast
    The Broadband Bunch

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