In this special episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Gigi Sohn, Executive Director of the American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB). Originally aired last summer, they discuss the crucial role of state and local governments in broadband policy, efforts to grow community broadband networks across the U.S., and the ongoing challenges these networks face from incumbents and dark money groups.

Gigi also shares insights into her work with Benton, where she helps build coalitions in Missouri, Arizona, and Pennsylvania to ensure effective use of broadband funding. Additionally, the conversation highlights AAPB’s mission to double the number of municipal broadband networks in five years and the importance of defending these networks from attacks like those in Bountiful, Utah.

This show is 47 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 special episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Gigi Sohn, Executive Director of the American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB). Originally aired last summer, they discuss the crucial role of state and local governments in broadband policy, efforts to grow community broadband networks across the U.S., and the ongoing challenges these networks face from incumbents and dark money groups.

Gigi also shares insights into her work with Benton, where she helps build coalitions in Missouri, Arizona, and Pennsylvania to ensure effective use of broadband funding. Additionally, the conversation highlights AAPB’s mission to double the number of municipal broadband networks in five years and the importance of defending these networks from attacks like those in Bountiful, Utah.

This show is 47 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

Join us Friday, June 7th at 2pm ET for the latest episode of the Connect This! Show. Co-hosts Christopher Mitchell and Travis Carter will be joined by regular guests Kim McKinley (UTOPIA Fiber) and Robert Boyle (Planet Networks) as well as special guest Blair Levin to talk about how state broadband offices are faring under the pressure of BEAD (some not so well), the conundrum of reaching every unserved home with insufficient funds, how medium providers are continuing the spirit of ACP while elected leaders like Ted Cruz attack straw-man versions of the program, and more.

Email us at [email protected] with feedback and ideas for the show.

Subscribe to the show using this feed or find it on the Connect This! page, and watch on LinkedIn, on YouTube Live, on Facebook live, or below.

Join us Friday, June 7th at 2pm ET for the latest episode of the Connect This! Show. Co-hosts Christopher Mitchell and Travis Carter will be joined by regular guests Kim McKinley (UTOPIA Fiber) and Robert Boyle (Planet Networks) as well as special guest Blair Levin to talk about how state broadband offices are faring under the pressure of BEAD (some not so well), the conundrum of reaching every unserved home with insufficient funds, how medium providers are continuing the spirit of ACP while elected leaders like Ted Cruz attack straw-man versions of the program, and more.

Email us at [email protected] with feedback and ideas for the show.

Subscribe to the show using this feed or find it on the Connect This! page, and watch on LinkedIn, on YouTube Live, on Facebook live, or below.

Join us Friday, June 7th at 2pm ET for the latest episode of the Connect This! Show. Co-hosts Christopher Mitchell and Travis Carter will be joined by regular guests Kim McKinley (UTOPIA Fiber) and Robert Boyle (Planet Networks) as well as special guest Blair Levin to talk about how state broadband offices are faring under the pressure of BEAD (some not so well), the conundrum of reaching every unserved home with insufficient funds, how medium providers are continuing the spirit of ACP while elected leaders like Ted Cruz attack straw-man versions of the program, and more.

Email us at [email protected] with feedback and ideas for the show.

Subscribe to the show using this feed or find it on the Connect This! page, and watch on LinkedIn, on YouTube Live, on Facebook live, or below.

Join us Friday, June 7th at 2pm ET for the latest episode of the Connect This! Show. Co-hosts Christopher Mitchell and Travis Carter will be joined by regular guests Kim McKinley (UTOPIA Fiber) and Robert Boyle (Planet Networks) as well as special guest Blair Levin to talk about how state broadband offices are faring under the pressure of BEAD (some not so well), the conundrum of reaching every unserved home with insufficient funds, how medium providers are continuing the spirit of ACP while elected leaders like Ted Cruz attack straw-man versions of the program, and more.

Email us at [email protected] with feedback and ideas for the show.

Subscribe to the show using this feed or find it on the Connect This! page, and watch on LinkedIn, on YouTube Live, on Facebook live, or below.

Join us Friday, June 7th at 2pm ET for the latest episode of the Connect This! Show. Co-hosts Christopher Mitchell and Travis Carter will be joined by regular guests Kim McKinley (UTOPIA Fiber) and Robert Boyle (Planet Networks) as well as special guest Blair Levin to talk about how state broadband offices are faring under the pressure of BEAD (some not so well), the conundrum of reaching every unserved home with insufficient funds, how medium providers are continuing the spirit of ACP while elected leaders like Ted Cruz attack straw-man versions of the program, and more.

Email us at [email protected] with feedback and ideas for the show.

Subscribe to the show using this feed or find it on the Connect This! page, and watch on LinkedIn, on YouTube Live, on Facebook live, or below.

Join us Friday, June 7th at 2pm ET for the latest episode of the Connect This! Show. Co-hosts Christopher Mitchell and Travis Carter will be joined by regular guests Kim McKinley (UTOPIA Fiber) and Robert Boyle (Planet Networks) as well as special guest Blair Levin to talk about how state broadband offices are faring under the pressure of BEAD (some not so well), the conundrum of reaching every unserved home with insufficient funds, how medium providers are continuing the spirit of ACP while elected leaders like Ted Cruz attack straw-man versions of the program, and more.

Email us at [email protected] with feedback and ideas for the show.

Subscribe to the show using this feed or find it on the Connect This! page, and watch on LinkedIn, on YouTube Live, on Facebook live, or below.

Welcome back to another episode of the B4DE Podcast! This time, Chris sits down for a chat with Abraham Camez, the passionate digital navigator for Hoopa Valley's Acorn Wireless ISP.

Abe paints a vivid picture of the looming consequences as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) draws to a close, affecting not just the reservation but also nearby areas. About 40% of Acorn Wireless's customers, including roughly 80 folks aided by Abe himself, face the harsh reality of losing their internet lifeline.

But amidst the uncertainty, there are stories of hope. Abe shares a touching tale of a Hoopa Tribal member who turned their passion for jewelry into a successful online business, thanks to the ACP's helping hand.

As they discuss the challenges ahead, there's a resilient optimism in the air. Abe applauds the efforts of others in tackling digital equity issues head-on, showing that even in the face of adversity, there's room for progress and positivity.

This show is 11 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.

Welcome back to another episode of the B4DE Podcast! This time, Chris sits down for a chat with Abraham Camez, the passionate digital navigator for Hoopa Valley's Acorn Wireless ISP.

Abe paints a vivid picture of the looming consequences as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) draws to a close, affecting not just the reservation but also nearby areas. About 40% of Acorn Wireless's customers, including roughly 80 folks aided by Abe himself, face the harsh reality of losing their internet lifeline.

But amidst the uncertainty, there are stories of hope. Abe shares a touching tale of a Hoopa Tribal member who turned their passion for jewelry into a successful online business, thanks to the ACP's helping hand.

As they discuss the challenges ahead, there's a resilient optimism in the air. Abe applauds the efforts of others in tackling digital equity issues head-on, showing that even in the face of adversity, there's room for progress and positivity.

This show is 11 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.