In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Christy Batts, Chief Broadband Officer at CDE Lightband, and Amanda Cherry, Customer Experience Supervisor, to explore the exciting developments in Clarksville's municipal broadband network. They discuss the town's transition from Active Ethernet to XGS-PON, a significant upgrade that promises multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds and increased efficiency. 

Christy and Amanda share insights into the challenges of upgrading 30,000 customers while maintaining high service standards and the ongoing efforts to future-proof Clarksville's network. They also delve into the unique aspects of operating in a military town, the importance of underground infrastructure in new developments, and the innovative use of AI for customer service training. 

Tune in to learn how Clarksville is setting a new standard for municipal broadband and ensuring a robust, reliable service for years to come.

This show is 32 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks with Stephanie Becken, the Broadband Manager for the City of Superior, Wisconsin. Stephanie shares her journey from moving to Superior to becoming a key figure in the Connect Superior initiative, a project aimed at improving broadband access in the city and surrounding areas.

They discuss the unique qualities of Superior, a city of 26,000 people located on the shores of Lake Superior, and the challenges and opportunities that come with expanding broadband in a region with such a large footprint. Stephanie explains the phased approach to building an open access fiber network, the city's recent formation of a broadband utility, and the collaboration with local and regional service providers.

The conversation also touches on the importance of connectivity for local businesses, residents, and essential services, and the excitement surrounding the initial phase of fiber installation. Stephanie expresses her enthusiasm for the project's potential to transform the community and looks forward to a future where reliable, high-quality internet is the norm for all Superior residents.

Tune in to hear more about this inspiring local initiative and the drive to bring top-notch connectivity to the people of Superior.

This show is 24 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, Jordan Pittman sits down with Dana Northcraft, Natalie Birnbaum, and Emily Schacter from RHITES, the Reproductive Health Initiative for Telehealth Equity and Solutions. The conversation dives deep into RHITES' mission to integrate reproductive healthcare into the larger telehealth ecosystem, addressing critical issues of equity and access.

They discusses the increasing need for telehealth in maternity and reproductive healthcare deserts, emphasizing the importance of expanded broadband access. They also touch on the intersectional barriers to telehealth, such as language access and affordability, and the importance of digital equity in ensuring effective telehealth services. The team shares insights on how telehealth not only provides essential healthcare but also significantly reduces costs, citing a report that showed substantial savings in emergency visits in rural areas.

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved with RHITES, whether through advocacy, collaboration, or educational resources. Dana, Natalie, and Emily encourage the audience to view broadband access as a human right and a critical utility, essential for achieving equitable healthcare outcomes.

This show is 18 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with this feed.

Transcript below. 

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

In this episode of the podcast, Chris engages in a discussion with Lindsey Skolnik, Project Manager for the California Alliance for Digital Equity (CADE). They delve into the critical efforts of CADE to close the digital divide in California, highlighting legislative and regulatory priorities aimed at achieving digital equity.

Lindsey shares the origins and mission of CADE, formed in May 2022 to advocate for digital equity at the state level. They discuss key initiatives such as the Middle Mile and Last Mile projects, Senate Bill 156, and the strategic allocation of $6 billion towards broadband infrastructure.

The conversation also covers the groundbreaking digital discrimination legislation making its way through the California legislature, focusing on the disparate impact standard and the importance of addressing outcomes over intent. Lindsey explains the significant progress of Assembly Bill 239 and the collaborative efforts with various partners to combat digital discrimination.

Furthermore, they explore the impact of the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, its budget challenges, and the latest updates on the project's progress. The discussion also touches on the Federal Funding Account's role in supporting new broadband investments, with insights into the application process and awarded projects.

Join us as we unpack the complexities and triumphs of advancing digital equity in California, aiming to create a future where all communities have access to fast, affordable, and reliable Internet.

This show is 35 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks with Joshua Breitbart, Senior Vice President of the ConnectALL Office at Empire State Development in New York. They delve into New York’s municipal infrastructure program, which is investing over $200 million into municipal broadband across the state. Joshua shares insights on the ConnectALL initiative, which aims to transform New York's digital infrastructure with over a billion dollars in public funding.

The discussion highlights the importance of state and local partnerships in developing diverse models for municipal broadband. Joshua explains how the program leverages federal funding, such as the Capital Projects Fund (CPF), to support a range of approaches tailored to meet local needs. The conversation covers various projects, including Dryden Fiber, Southern Tier Network, and initiatives in Franklin County, illustrating the innovative ways these communities are expanding broadband access.

Joshua also reflects on the lessons learned from pilot projects and the flexibility needed to address underserved areas. The episode emphasizes the critical role of local expertise and planning in achieving digital equity and expanding broadband deployment. As the program rolls out, Joshua shares his excitement about the rapid deployment of services and the transformative impact on local communities.

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for future updates and to explore related initiatives aimed at improving broadband access and digital equity across the state. You can find more information about the ConnectALL Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program here.

This show is 26 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks again with Sean Gonsalves on recent developments in broadband infrastructure, focusing on efforts in California and Massachusetts to address digital equity and expand access to high-speed internet.

Sean and Chris discuss the California Public Utilities Commission's recent awards from the Federal Fund Account aimed at building last-mile fiber networks in cities like Oakland, San Francisco, and Fremont. These awards are significant for underserved communities and highlight the importance of public ownership in major cities. Sean provides insights into San Francisco's Fiber to Housing program, which aims to connect 30,000 affordable housing units to high-speed internet by leveraging the city's municipal fiber network.

The conversation also covers Massachusetts' broadband funding, including unexpected outcomes like substantial funding for Verizon and its implications for municipal broadband projects. They discuss the challenges cities face with the BEAD program and emphasize the need for creative public-private partnerships to solve connectivity issues.

This show is 39 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks with Eric Sasaki, Manager of Major Programs for the Internal Services Department at the County of Los Angeles. They delve into the ambitious efforts by Los Angeles County to address digital equity and broadband access for its diverse and populous communities. 

Eric shares insights on the county's vision for solving the digital divide, highlighting the historical context of infrastructure investments, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the strategic use of federal funding from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. 

The discussion covers the county's innovative approaches, including the deployment of community wireless networks and the importance of public-private partnerships. Eric also emphasizes the county's commitment to affordability, multilingual support, and collaboration with cities and community-based organizations. 

Tune in to learn about the significant strides being made to ensure quality, affordable internet access for all residents of Los Angeles County.

This show is 38 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, Chris speaks with Walter Gabino Rendon, the Chief Program Officer at the STEM Alliance. Walter shares insights into the organization's efforts to bridge the digital divide in Westchester County, New York, a region often perceived as affluent but with significant underserved needs. They discuss the development and implementation of a CRM platform designed to improve the digital navigator experience, streamline client interactions, and collect vital data.

Walter details the collaborative process behind the tech ticketing system, the challenges faced during its development, and its impact on the organization's ability to serve the community effectively. He also shares his journey from education to digital inclusion work, highlighting how the pandemic underscored the critical need for digital access and support.

Tune in to learn about the innovative solutions being deployed to ensure everyone has access to high-speed internet and the necessary digital skills, and how these efforts are being measured and improved continuously.

***Disclaimer: This interview was conducted over a year ago***

This show is 12 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with this feed.

Transcript below. 

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Gigi Sohn, Executive Director at the American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB), and Bill Coleman from the Benton Institute and Community Technology Advisors. The discussion centers on the importance of community-controlled broadband networks and the recent initiatives by AAPB to promote and defend these networks.

They discuss the challenges and benefits of building public broadband networks, the role of community support and leadership, and the varied models and paths communities can take to establish their own networks. 

The guests also highlight successful case studies, discuss the significance of public ownership in ensuring equitable access and local control, and emphasize the need for robust community engagement and education.

The episode also explores the increasing enthusiasm and commitment to public broadband initiatives and offers valuable advice on strategic planning and the leverage communities have in negotiating with incumbents.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the strategic, financial, and social considerations involved in establishing community broadband networks and the transformative impact these networks can have on local communities.

You can find the "Own Your Internet: How to Build a Public Broadband Network" handbook here.

This show is 39 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Ry engage in an insightful discussion with Ellie de Villiers, Executive Director of Maple Broadband in Vermont. They explore the unique Communications Union District (CUD) model that Vermont has adopted to bridge the broadband infrastructure gap, especially in underserved areas.

Ellie shares her personal connection to Vermont and describes the local lifestyle before diving into the history and structure of Maple Broadband. The conversation highlights the strategic partnership between Maple Broadband and Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom (WCVT), detailing how this collaboration aims to enhance broadband access in Addison County.

The episode also delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on broadband needs, the challenges of building infrastructure in rural areas, and the importance of community involvement. Ellie explains the phases of construction, the funding mechanisms, and the hurdles they faced, such as make-ready work and pole attachment issues.

The discussion wraps up with a look at future plans, including potential uses of BEAD funding and the ongoing evolution of Maple Broadband's strategy to provide high-quality, affordable internet to its community.

This show is 42 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license