Connected Nation

Jessica Denson
  • 5.0 (4)
  • TECH NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is Connected Nation – an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the Digital Divide to simply improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our communities.The podcast was honored in 2026 and 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. In addition, the podcast received Awards of Distinction in the same category in 2025, 2023, and 2022.Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org. Interested in being one of our sponsors? Email us at info@connectednation.org. 

  1. 1D AGO

    The upcoming AI divide that nobody is talking about

    Send us Fan Mail What is the next big disruptor threatening to widen the Digital Divide?   In this episode, recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson tackles the urgent state of U.S. broadband policy with Nokia’s leadership team. From emerging tech shifts to policy bottlenecks, we unpack the immediate actions required to secure connectivity for every American.  Recommended links: Lori Adams LinkedIn Nokia Corporation website Nokia Corporation LinkedIn

    18 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Creating longevity for rural communities: How CBS Oregon is transforming connectivity

    Send us Fan Mail In 2013, nine rural telephone companies came together with one goal: bringing urban-level connectivity and services to rural communities. On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a representative from CBS Oregon to discuss how that collaboration turned into a success story for rural broadband.  She also shares insights from her role as chair of the planning committee for Fiber Connect 2026 and what attendees can expect from the industry’s biggest conversations moving forward. Recommended links: Jessica Koch LinkedIn Consolidated Business Services website Fiber Connect 2026 website

    22 min

  3. 2D AGO

    The gold rush of broadband

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a strategic advisor who works with ISPs and co-ops across the country to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the broadband industry. From overcoming fears around AI to helping employees embrace innovation, the conversation dives into the opportunities and challenges organizations face as technology rapidly evolves. Straight from the Fiber Connect floor, this episode highlights valuable lessons learned from a program at MIT, insights into the future of connectivity, and why autonomous technology may play a major role in what comes next. Recommended links:  Timothy Holden LinkedIn Wavsys website Failure to Quit website

    29 min

  4. MAY 13

    “When is my broadband coming?” Colorado’s plan to connect rural communities

    Send us Fan Mail Broadband isn't just about infrastructure; it's about human equity. Sitting down at the Connected America Conference, Colorado Broadband Director Brandy Reitter explains the harsh realities of closing the Digital Divide.  From mountain construction challenges and BEAD funding to AI opportunities and workforce shortages, Reitter breaks down exactly what it takes to bring reliable internet to rural Colorado—proving why high-speed access is about much more than just laying fiber. Recommended links: Brandy Reitter LinkedIn Colorado Broadband Office website

    33 min

  5. MAY 6

    Why rural landowners may be the missing link in broadband deployment

    Send us Fan Mail Rural broadband doesn’t just happen in a vacuum—it happens on rural land. But how do we turn landowners into essential infrastructure partners? Connected Nation's host Jessica Denson sits down with David Christophersen of the Rural Tower Cooperative to discuss why the 'co-op' model is the secret weapon for accelerating BEAD funding, building community trust, and ensuring the future of American farming is fully connected. Recommended links: Rural Tower Cooperative David Christophersen's LinkedIn A Cooperative Approach to Broadband Deployment in Rural Areas (LinkedIn):  Rural Tower Cooperative Launches Pre‑Screened Rural Parcels for Broadband Deployment (Total Telecom)

    46 min

  6. APR 29

    Tech expert advice: AI trends that matter, getting cloud right, and building sustainable infrastructure

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're joined by a tech leader who's helped global enterprises modernize the cloud, harness AI for real-time decisions, and even rethink sustainable infrastructure for EV charging.  We'll talk about getting the cloud right, the AI trends that matter, and what all of this means for ISPs and states building next gen networks.  Recommended links: Chris Carter LinkedIn Approyo website

    51 min

  7. APR 22

    Why this is a critical moment to be at the world’s largest fiber conference

    Send us Fan Mail At a defining moment for broadband, many believe fiber is at the center of what comes next. In this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson speaks with Fiber Broadband Association President and CEO Gary Bolton about why this is a critical moment to be at the world’s largest fiber conference, Fiber Connect 2026. From AI and data centers to healthcare, agriculture, and long‑term infrastructure decisions, the conversation breaks down what’s at stake — and why showing up means being in the room when big things happen. Recommended links:  Fiber Broadband Association website Fiber Connect 2026 registration Gary Bolton LinkedIn

    36 min

  8. APR 15

    From India to the U.S.: The global push to transform broadband

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we chat about a new "attraction" at the Connected America Conference - an India pavilion. Find out why companies from the other side of the globe were here to talk American connectivity.  Recommended links:  Hardik Soni LinkedIn Nav Wireless Technologies Ravi Joni LinkedIn Unified Reach

    21 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

This is Connected Nation – an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the Digital Divide to simply improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our communities.The podcast was honored in 2026 and 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. In addition, the podcast received Awards of Distinction in the same category in 2025, 2023, and 2022.Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org. Interested in being one of our sponsors? Email us at info@connectednation.org. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Denson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    251
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Connected Nation
  • Show Website
    Connected Nation

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