On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Community Summit, and we talk with the president and CEO of MCNC, about its role connecting schools and healthcare facilities across North Carolina.

We also talk about the importance of middle mile infrastructure and the high stakes of an upcoming court decision.

Recommended Links:

• Microelectronics Center of North Carolina (MCNC) website
• Podcast: High Stakes in the High Court as Nation Awaits USF Decision
• Tracy Doaks LinkedIn

Today we begin our in-depth coverage of the Broadband Communities Summit taking place in Houston, Texas.

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Joseph Winder, Executive Director of the Shelby Coalition about what's happening this week to critical funding that's used to connect our nation's schools and libraries.

Recommended Links:

• Broadband Communities Summit
• Schools, Health, & Libraries Broadband Coalition
• Supreme Court hears arguments on USF Constitutionality: Decision expected this summer
• Conservatives target $8 billion internet and phone subsidy. Supreme Court weighs in
• Joesph Wender Linkedin

Why does workplace energy matter — and how can we build it?

Dana Spencer, known as “The Energy Expert,” joins us to share how she’s helping organizations revitalize employee productivity, morale, and team dynamics using her Five S framework.

From remote work boundaries to self-awareness and the power of a simple smile, this episode will leave you feeling recharged.

Recommended Links:

Dana Spencer's LinkedIn

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with a representative from the Broadband Communities Summit about the topics and speakers attendees can expect in Houston, Texas — and why now is a critical time to come together.

Find out what Brad Randall has to say about the new BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) rules—and how Total Telecom is involved in the Broadband Communities Summit.

Recommended Links:

• Broadband Communities Summit 2025
• Total Telecom website
• Brad Randall Linkedin
  
  

On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Bill Baker, CEO of Nextlink Internet, to explore how this Texas-based provider is leading the charge in expanding broadband across 12 states—serving some of the country’s most rural and underserved communities.

Baker shares the extraordinary origin story of Nextlink, explains what “radical, organic growth” means, and unpacks the company’s unique approach to fiber and fixed wireless deployment.

We also dive into the company’s major role in the federal E-Rate program, its partnerships with local governments, and what it takes to build resilient, rural broadband networks in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Recommended Links:

Nextlink Website

On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re diving into proposed changes to the federal E-rate program — and what those changes could mean for schools, libraries, and the millions of students who rely on internet access to learn.

Our guest, Mark Colwell, Director of Broadband Operations at Mission Telecom, brings years of experience in federal and state broadband policy to the table. He explains how efforts to scale back E-Rate funding — particularly for Wi-Fi hotspots and off-campus access — could widen the “homework gap” and leave low-income families behind.

Learn why this issue matters right now, how it ties into national conversations about digital equity, and what Mission Telecom is doing to support schools and libraries as they brace for uncertainty.

Recommended Links:

Mission Telecom Website

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Hurricane season is here — and it’s expected to be one of the most active on record. In this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with three industry leaders who know exactly what it takes to keep people online before, during, and after a disaster.

Together, they unpack real lessons from 2024’s devastating Hurricane Helene, including how to prepare for outages, deploy emergency Wi-Fi, and coordinate with first responders — and why small and regional ISPs are critical lifelines in rural communities.

They also dive into innovative solutions like Calix's SmartTown, the power of resilient networks, and how partnerships can save lives.

(PRODUCTION NOTE: We had an issue when exporting Brad's audio file and he is unfortunately not heard answering the last two questions. We apologize for the error.)

Recommended and related links:

NOAA 2025 hurricane outlook

The Weather Channel's 2025 hurricane prediction

Joint press release: After Hurricane Helene

Riverwave Broadband website

Calix website

MC Communications website

ERC Broadband website

On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you to Wichita, Kansas for an historic event – the groundbreaking of the first Internet Exchange Point in the state.

We talk with those who have been working toward this moment for years – about what an Internet Exchange Point is, why it’s important to individuals, businesses, and communities, AND the effort to bring this same infrastructure to 125 towns across the country.

Related links:
CNIXP: connectednation.org/ixp

Wichita State University: https://www.wichita.edu/

Newby Ventures: https://www.newby-ventures.com/

DE-CIX: https://www.de-cix.net/

Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/

About the WSU CNIXP: https://connectednation.org/press-releases/connected-nation-breaks-ground-on-kansass-first-internet-exchange-point-facility-at-wichita-state-university