In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Harold Feld, Senior Vice President at Public Knowledge, and Arturo Juarez from NextGen Policy for a conversation about the high-stakes battle over California's Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) rules and what it means for the future of universal service.

Chris, Harold, and Arturo discuss AT&T's aggressive push to end its long-standing obligations to provide basic phone service across the state as telecommunications providers transition away from legacy copper networks. 

They examine AT&T's multi-front strategy—spanning state legislation, regulatory proceedings, FCC petitions, and federal lawsuits—and explore the potential fallout for vulnerable residents who rely on these lines for affordable, daily communication.

Along the way, they reflect on the critical role landlines continue to play during public safety emergencies like wildfires, when cellular networks frequently fail or overload. 

They also dive into the national context of telecom deregulation, how corporate pressures like stock market performance drive decisions to abandon less profitable areas, and why alternative solutions like satellite internet or chat apps cannot yet replace universal, highly reliable phone networks.

Throughout the episode, Chris, Harold, and Arturo emphasize that network modernization shouldn't come at the cost of public safety or consumer protection. It’s about ensuring that as technology evolves, no community is left behind or forced to accept lower standards of connection.

This show is 54 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined again by Matthew Rantanen for a conversation about the future of Tribal spectrum policy and why access to wireless spectrum remains essential for Tribal self-determination.

Chris and Matt discuss the Federal Communications Commission's proposed changes to the Tribal Licensing Window, exploring why the policy has been an important tool for Tribal Nations seeking to build and operate their own broadband networks. 

They examine the concerns surrounding the current proceeding and what the changes could mean for future Tribal access to spectrum.

Along the way, they reflect on the history of Tribal spectrum policy, the unique legal and sovereign status of Tribal Nations, and the work that has gone into expanding broadband access across Indian Country. They also discuss why continued advocacy, education, and engagement are critical as new spectrum decisions are made.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Matt emphasize that Tribal broadband is about more than technology. It's about ensuring Tribal communities have the opportunity to shape their own digital future and continue building the networks their communities need.

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. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined again by Douglas Dawson for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of broadband.

Chris and Doug begin by discussing the latest developments in the National Digital Inclusion Alliance's lawsuit against the Trump administration over the Digital Equity Act, examining what the case could mean for digital equity efforts and the communities working to expand access, affordability, and digital skills.

From there, they turn to the results of a recent survey examining how rural Americans use the Internet, exploring what it reveals about changing consumer habits, growing bandwidth demands, and the ways AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping how people connect online.

The conversation then shifts to the practical realities of building broadband networks, including the rising cost of Fiber construction, permitting delays, make-ready work, and why better pole inventories could significantly reduce deployment costs and speed up network expansion.

Chris and Doug also take a closer look at the Federal Communications Commission's evolving approach to satellite broadband, discussing recent regulatory changes, what they could mean for the industry, and whether the agency's approach strikes the right balance as more companies look to launch satellite broadband services. They also explore how satellite fits alongside Fiber and other technologies as communities work to expand reliable Internet access.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Doug connect today's policy debates with broader questions about technology, infrastructure, and what it will take to ensure communities have reliable, affordable Internet in the years ahead.

This show is 48 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Sean Gonsalves and Karl Bode for a wide-ranging conversation about the latest stories shaping the telecommunications landscape.

The group begins by discussing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, prompting a broader discussion about the country's history, civic identity, and how Americans can use the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the nation's past while looking toward its future.

From there, they dive into Sean and Karl's recent article for The Verge: Elon Musk and the Plot to Hijack America’s Broadband, reflecting on the state of broadband policy, the challenges facing community broadband, and how the national conversation around Internet infrastructure continues to evolve.

Finally, Chris, Sean, and Karl unpacked the recent House Committee on Energy & Commerce Hearings regarding Arielle Roth and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's revised BEAD guidance, discussing changes to technology neutrality, the growing role of low-Earth orbit satellite providers, and what the new rules could mean for states, communities, and long-term broadband investment. 

Along the way, they debate the tradeoffs between Fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite service, and whether the updated approach will deliver the infrastructure communities need.

Throughout the episode, Chris, Sean, and Karl connect today's policy debates with broader questions about investment, local leadership, and what it will take to ensure communities have access to reliable, affordable Internet for decades to come.

This show is 53 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this special episode of Unbuffered, Sean Gonsalves takes over hosting duties and sits down with Matthew Rantanen and Christopher Mitchell for a conversation about the origins, growth, and impact of the Tribal Broadband Bootcamps.

The discussion begins with the story behind the first bootcamp, tracing its roots to the Indigenous Connectivity Summit in Hawaiʻi and a hands-on effort to help a community deploy Internet connectivity for the first time. Matt and Chris reflect on the lessons learned from those early experiences and how they shaped a model focused on learning by doing, peer-to-peer problem solving, and building confidence alongside technical skills.

Sean, Matt, and Chris also discuss a new census of tribal networks, which shows that the number of active tribal broadband networks has more than doubled since 2020. They explore what is driving that growth, including direct federal investments, local leadership, and a growing belief that tribes do not need to wait for outside providers to solve connectivity challenges.

Throughout the conversation, they return to the idea of digital sovereignty and network sovereignty, discussing why tribes are increasingly choosing to build, own, and operate their own infrastructure. Along the way, they share examples from across Indian Country, including efforts to build middle-mile infrastructure, expand local expertise, and create networks rooted in the needs and priorities of tribal communities.

The episode also examines current policy and funding challenges, including the future of tribal broadband funding programs and concerns about how federal decisions could affect connectivity efforts moving forward.

Finally, Matt and Chris look ahead to the next Tribal Broadband Bootcamp, reflecting on how the program has evolved over five years while remaining focused on hands-on learning, collaboration, and helping tribes build the knowledge and confidence needed to shape their own digital futures.

This show is 53 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this two-part episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined again by Sean Gonsalves, Jordan Pittman, and Karl Bode for a beginning conversation about SpaceX, Starlink, Wall Street, and what Chris describes as a potentially dangerous moment for the telecommunications industry.

The group digs into the recent SpaceX IPO, Starlink’s role within the company, and concerns about valuation, capacity constraints, customer service, and the growing narrative that satellite service can replace existing communications infrastructure. Along the way, they discuss Universal Service, rural broadband, market incentives, and why understanding how networks actually work still matters.

They also reflect on Wall Street, financial engineering, and whether investors are being asked to believe promises that may be difficult to deliver. Chris, Sean, Jordan, and Karl debate what happens when hype, markets, AI, and telecommunications collide, and what the consequences could be for communities, customers, and the broader economy.

In the second half of the episode, Chris is joined by Jeff Gavlinski for a preview of this year's Mountain Connect conference in Denver. Jeff shares how the event is evolving, from hosted buyer programs and roundtable discussions to new networking formats focused on creating connections and outcomes. The conversation explores what makes Mountain Connect different, the value of independent industry events, and why bringing people together remains one of the most important parts of the broadband ecosystem.

This show is 54 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Valerie Dodd and Scott Rochat for a conversation about the history, growth, and continued success of Longmont's NextLight fiber network.

They begin with some recent recognition for NextLight, including being named the number one Internet Service Provider in the country, the top municipal ISP, the most recommended provider, and the highest-value provider according to customer surveys. Valerie reflects on the network's continued growth and why community support has become one of its greatest strengths.

From there, the conversation turns to the history of the network, from Longmont's early investment in fiber infrastructure to the community campaigns that helped secure voter approval for city-owned broadband despite significant opposition spending. Scott shares stories from the effort to build the network and how public support continued to grow over time.

Chris, Valerie, and Scott also discuss lessons learned along the way, including managing rapid growth, maintaining customer trust, planning for success, and avoiding common mistakes. They reflect on what it takes to build and sustain a community-owned network and why success requires both local leadership and long-term commitment.

The episode also explores NextLight's commitment to affordability and accessibility. Valerie explains how Longmont developed discounted service offerings, expanded support during the pandemic, and continued providing low-cost Internet options even after federal subsidy programs ended.

The conversation closes with a look at the network's financial position, including subscriber growth, debt repayment, and what comes next for one of the country's most successful municipal broadband networks. 

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. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined again by Joshua Edmonds, CEO of DigitalC, for an ongoing conversation about one of the most ambitious efforts in the country to address the digital divide.

Josh explains how DigitalC evolved into a nonprofit Internet service provider serving Cleveland with next-generation fixed wireless technology. He shares how the organization built a citywide network, why it offers service starting at $18 per month, and what it means to be approaching 10,000 subscriber households serving more than 23,000 people.

Chris and Josh discuss the relationship between digital equity and everyday economics, including affordability, rising household costs, and why low-cost Internet service continues to resonate with residents. They also explore how DigitalC’s approach could influence the broader telecommunications industry, from pricing strategies to customer contracts.

The conversation also looks at the realities of operating a nonprofit ISP, including customer payments, subscriber growth, apartment building deployments, and the challenge of finding the right technology for different situations. Josh explains how DigitalC uses a mix of fixed wireless, existing infrastructure, and other solutions to reach both single-family homes and multi-dwelling units across the city.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Josh reflect on what it takes to build a sustainable model for connecting residents, why local solutions matter, and how communities can move beyond talking about the digital divide to actually closing it.

This show is 53 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris and Sean Gonsalves talk about Vermont’s push for universal connectivity, the future of Starlink and SpaceX, and major changes coming to Google Search.

They begin with Vermont and the state’s unique approach to broadband expansion through Communication Union Districts. Sean shares reporting on how Vermont is using local leadership, apprenticeship programs, community networks, and federal funding to bring fiber connectivity to the most rural state in the nation. You can find Sean's story about Vermont Closing In on Universal Broadband Access here.

Chris reflects on the long history behind these efforts, including earlier fights over wireless towers, Burlington Telecom, and the emergence of EC Fiber as a model for community broadband. 

Together, they discuss why Vermont’s approach “wasn’t inevitable,” and why local power and community organizing matter when building long-term infrastructure.

From there, the conversation turns to Starlink, SpaceX, and the future of the Universal Service Fund. Chris and Sean discuss Starlink’s rapid growth, SpaceX’s position on universal service, and concerns about replacing locally rooted providers with a monopoly platform that may not be able to serve everyone equally well. 

They also talk about rural connectivity, customer service, satellite capacity, and what happens when essential communications infrastructure is treated only as a market problem.

The episode closes with a “What the Tech!?!” segment focused on Google’s latest AI-powered search changes. Chris and Sean reflect on what it could mean for the future of the Internet, online content, platform economics, and the growing role of AI in everyday life. 

Along the way, they discuss “enshittification,” the pressure to monetize AI, and concerns about making human-created content harder to find online. 

This show is 30 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Sean Gonsalves, Doug Dawson, and Bill Callahan for a conversation about digital discrimination, digital equity, and the growing challenges around Internet access in the United States.

They begin by discussing the “regressive moment” surrounding digital equity, including the cancellation of the Digital Equity Act, the Eighth Circuit ruling, and broader questions about what digital discrimination actually means in practice. The group reflects on how many people still do not have access to “a normal Internet connection,” as well as the barriers created by affordability, devices, skills, and reliability.

Chris, Sean, Doug, and Bill then discuss monopoly power, local organizing, municipal networks, and the role of money in politics. They reflect on local fights over broadband projects, efforts to undermine public options, and why communities often face organized opposition when trying to build their own infrastructure.

The episode also explores BEAD, NTIA guidance, low-income broadband requirements, and the tension between federal policy and state decision making. Along the way, the group discusses New York, Pennsylvania, co-ops, affordability programs, and the limits of relying on large monopoly providers to solve access problems.

This show is 53 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

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

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).