In this special episode of the podcast, Chris shares a segment from our Connect This! show, featuring insights from industry leaders Robert Boyle, Travis Carter, Kim McKinley, and Blair Levin.

The discussion delves into the impacts of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). These programs have been instrumental in providing internet access to millions of low-income families, and our guests share their experiences and perspectives on their successes and challenges.

The episode explores the complexities of funding and future efforts to connect underserved areas, with a particular emphasis on rural communities. The conversation highlights the financial strategies and incremental approaches needed to efficiently expand broadband infrastructure. Travis discusses USI Fiber's decision to self-fund the ACP to ensure continued service for their customers, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and low churn rates.

Blair provides a detailed account of his testimony before Congress, addressing questions from policymakers like Ted Cruz. This segment offers a critical look at the political and legislative aspects of broadband funding and the potential for future investments to bridge connectivity gaps.

For more information on Connect This! and to find previous episodes, please visit our website at connectthisshow.org

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.

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 sits down with Mike Romano, Executive Vice President of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, to delve into the complexities and future of the Universal Service Fund (USF). They explore the historical roots of the USF, which was established to ensure high-quality telephone service in rural areas by redistributing profits from urban areas, and how it has evolved to support modern broadband needs.

The conversation highlights the urgent need for USF reform, especially as it currently relies on dwindling legacy telecom services for funding. They discuss the late Affordable Connectivity Program's role as a critical but temporary solution to affordable internet access, emphasizing the challenges posed by its dependency on annual congressional appropriations. Mike underscores the importance of creating a sustainable and predictable funding mechanism for both programs to prevent service disruptions and ensure long-term connectivity in rural communities.

Listeners will gain insights into the intricacies of funding mechanisms, the potential impacts of court rulings on USF contributions, and the broader implications for rural broadband infrastructure and investment.

This show is 36 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 is joined by Brent Christensen of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance and Jill Huffman of Spring Grove Communications and MiBroadband to discuss the complexities of labor requirements impacting broadband projects in Minnesota. The discussion centers around the implications of prevailing wage laws and their administrative burdens on small broadband providers.

They highlight the challenges faced by local broadband providers, especially cooperatives, in complying with wage classifications that often do not align with telecommunications jobs. Brent and Jill share insights into how these regulations can hinder the progress of broadband expansion, particularly in rural areas. They also discuss the difficulties in managing federal grants that come with stringent labor requirements and the impact on the financial feasibility of extending broadband services.

The episode underscores the importance of flexible, well-informed legislative approaches that support sustainable broadband deployment without overwhelming smaller providers.

This show is 27 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 sits down with Paul Hixson and Mike Smeltzer to discuss the transformative UC2B (Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband) project. Paul Hixson, co-chair of UC2B and former CIO of the University of Illinois, and Mike Smeltzer, often referred to as the "father of UC2B," share their insights and experiences from the inception of the initiative to its current status.

The conversation delves into the origins of UC2B, which received initial funding through an NTIA grant as part of the 2009 Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The project aimed to build a robust fiber optic infrastructure to serve the Champaign-Urbana area, including underserved neighborhoods and a wide array of anchor institutions like schools, libraries, senior centers, and even a Zen meditation center.

They discuss the significant impact UC2B has had on local broadband competition, driving other providers to improve their services and infrastructure. Paul and Mike reflect on the challenges and successes over the past decade, highlighting the public-private partnership that has been crucial to the project’s sustainability and growth. As of today, UC2B is nearing the completion of its goal to provide high-speed fiber access to every home and business in Champaign-Urbana, demonstrating a model for community-driven broadband initiatives nationwide.

Join us to learn about the history, challenges, and triumphs of UC2B, and get inspired by the potential of community broadband projects to bridge the digital divide and foster economic growth.

This show is 31 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.

On this 600th episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Dwayne Douglas from The Quilt Corporation, who shares his journey of bridging the digital divide in marginalized areas of Chicago by using innovative solutions like mesh Wi-Fi and point-to-point fiber connections to empower residents with essential digital skills and access.

Dwayne discusses the importance of digital literacy and engagement, emphasizing how these efforts can unlock numerous opportunities for personal and community growth. From acquiring dark fiber to partnering with local organizations, The Quilt Corporation is pioneering ways to make broadband more accessible and affordable.

This conversation highlights the critical need for sustainable, community-driven approaches to digital equity. Tune in to learn about the challenges and triumphs of implementing technology in neighborhoods that have long been overlooked.

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.

This week, on another special edition of the podcast, we feature the latest episode of our biweekly podcast, the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, where Chris speaks with Dr. Shaun Glaze, Research Director, and Chris Webb, Digital Equity Lead, from the Black Brilliance Research Project based in Seattle, Washington.

They delve into the project's roots in response to George Floyd's tragedy in 2020. Dr. Glaze sheds light on their unique research approach, which merges traditional methods with community activism, driving toward solutions tailored by and for the community.

The B4DE podcast features short interviews with digital inclusion practitioners from across the nation, focusing on frontline work to expand Internet access, address affordability, and help provide the digital skills and devices necessary to fully participate in a digital world.

With our Building for Digital Equity podcast series returning, you can visit our B4DE podcast page for this and future episodes 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 latest episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Derek Barr, Assistant General Manager at Hardy Telecommunications in West Virginia. Together, they delve into the intricate world of nonprofit cooperatives, focusing on the journey of Hardy Telecommunications since its inception in 1953. 

Originally established to fill the service gap left by larger providers, Hardy Telecommunications has since expanded its offerings to include broadband services, becoming a lifeline for rural communities with about 6,100 access lines and nearly 5,100 broadband customers.

Derek candidly shares the rollercoaster ride of being a small provider, from wearing multiple hats to navigating the maze of regulatory changes. They explore the ripple effects of federal funding programs like the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) on their expansion efforts.

But it's not just about challenges; Chris and Derek paints a picture of hope through partnerships with counties and emphasizes the ongoing need for support and funding to keep the broadband momentum going in rural areas.

This show is 36 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 Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

In this latest episode of the podcast, Chris is joined again by Sean Gonsalves to delve into the arguments against municipal broadband that have surfaced in the recent weeks.

Chris and Sean dissect claims made by opponents of municipal broadband, providing insights and rebuttals to counter these arguments. They offer a balanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with community-owned broadband networks. 

While addressing the criticisms, they also highlight the success stories of municipal networks across the country. By showcasing examples of thriving community broadband initiatives, they illustrate the potential benefits and positive impacts of local broadband ownership.

The conversation concludes with them emphasizing the importance of local communities having the autonomy to make decisions about their broadband infrastructure. They advocate for empowering communities to pursue broadband solutions that best serve their unique needs and interests.

This show is 31 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 Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

In this latest episode of the podcast, Christopher is joined by Curtis Dean, Vice President of the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN), to delve into the state of broadband in Iowa and the impactful work undertaken by CBAN.

Fresh insights into Iowa's broadband landscape are unveiled as Curtis sheds light on the hurdles faced by local providers in securing funding and navigating regulatory frameworks. Drawing parallels with successful municipal broadband endeavors like the one in Fort Dodge, Chris and Curtis emphasizes the pivotal role of local control in driving broadband expansion initiatives.

The episode also serves as a platform for Curtis to announce upcoming events within the broadband community, including the eagerly anticipated CBAN Spring Summit and the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Municipal Broadband Conference, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.

As the conversation concludes, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative spirit driving Iowa's municipal broadband community and the imperative of empowering local, community-focused providers in the quest for equitable broadband access.

This show is 30 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 Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.