In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris sits down with independent reporter Daniel Boguslaw to explore the growing friction between technology, privacy, and local governance. 

The conversation centers on Flock Safety—a network of automated license plate readers and surveillance cameras—and how it has sparked a nationwide debate over corporate surveillance, national databases, and civil liberties.

Chris and Daniel begin by exploring what Flock actually is—beyond simple traffic cameras—and how its centralized, network-wide license plate tracking creates massive databases of human movement. 

They examine how private surveillance data is increasingly bought, repackaged, and utilized by federal agencies to bypass constitutional protections, enabling broader dragnet tracking and political intimidation.

From there, the conversation turns to the growing grassroots resistance to mass surveillance. Daniel and Chris discuss how citizens across the political spectrum are exercising local civic power through city councils to cancel Flock contracts and reject ungoverned technology in their communities.

Finally, Chris and Daniel tackle the false choice between total surveillance and public safety, contrasting high-tech dragnet systems like Flock and ShotSpotter with proven, trust-building community policing strategies.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Daniel connect these local battles to broader questions about civil liberties, corporate power, and how everyday people can reclaim control over the technology in their lives.

This show is 55 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 Doug Dawson of CCG Consulting for a wide-ranging conversation about Fiber deployment, Starlink’s latest ambitions, and the changing role of the Federal Communications Commission.

Chris and Doug begin with some good news for Fiber builders, discussing a recent Seventh Circuit ruling in a dispute between CSX and Zayo over railroad rights-of-way. They explore why crossing railroad tracks has long been a costly and frustrating obstacle for broadband projects and how the decision could make it easier to deploy Fiber across railroad corridors if the ruling holds.

From there, the conversation turns to Starlink and its ambitions to become a mobile network operator. Chris and Doug examine what it would actually take for Starlink to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, including the enormous number of cell sites, ground stations, Fiber connections, and other infrastructure needed to build a competitive mobile network.

Finally, Chris and Doug discuss the future of the FCC following recent court decisions that have reshaped the authority of federal agencies and the president’s ability to remove commissioners. They consider what those changes could mean for the FCC’s independence, its ability to set communications policy, and the role of courts in reviewing agency decisions.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Doug connect these developments to broader questions about competition, infrastructure investment, regulatory authority, and who will shape the future of telecommunications.

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. 

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 Lee Brown, President and CEO of Erwin Utilities, and John Fredericks, Director of Information Technology at Erwin Fiber, for a conversation about community resilience, local infrastructure, and rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.

Lee and John reflect on the devastating flooding that struck Erwin, Tennessee, in September 2024, washing away homes, damaging the industrial park, and destroying hundreds of utility poles carrying both electric and fiber infrastructure. They share how the community responded in the days and months that followed, from neighbors helping neighbors to utility crews working to restore essential services.

The conversation also looks back at Erwin Fiber’s incremental approach to building its network. Chris, Lee, and John discuss how careful planning, local support, and investments in redundancy helped the system remain resilient during the disaster, allowing much of the community to stay connected even as other infrastructure failed.

From there, they explore how Erwin Utilities is using the recovery process to build back stronger. John shares plans to expand network redundancy, move toward XGS-PON, and roll out new Wi-Fi capabilities designed to support first responders and customers during future emergencies.

Throughout the episode, Lee and John emphasize that reliable Internet access is about more than speed. It is about connection, trust, and having local institutions that understand the community they serve. Their experience after Helene offers a powerful example of why resilient infrastructure and local accountability matter when disaster strikes.

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. 

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 for a wide-ranging conversation about some of the latest stories shaping broadband and telecommunications.

Chris and Sean begin in Massachusetts, where they discuss the state's Residential Retrofit Program and how targeted investments are helping bring reliable, affordable Internet service to thousands of residents living in older affordable housing developments. They explore why focusing on existing housing can make a meaningful difference for communities that have often been left behind.

The conversation then shifts to Minnesota, where Windomnet, one of the state's longest-running municipal broadband networks, is being sold to a regional provider. Chris and Sean reflect on the network's legacy, the value it brought to the community over two decades, and why the success of community broadband shouldn't be measured by simple financial metrics alone.

From there, they examine new data showing how Americans are using more upstream bandwidth as upload speeds improve, reinforcing the importance of building networks that support both consumption and creation in an increasingly connected world.

Finally, Chris and Sean dive into one of the more unusual technology stories of the week: the Federal Communications Commission's approval of a proposal to test a satellite designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth. They discuss the regulatory questions surrounding the project, the potential unintended consequences, and what it says about the pace of technological innovation.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Sean connect today's headlines with broader conversations about community investment, local accountability, and building communications infrastructure that serves people for the long term.

This show is 40 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 Sascha Meinrath, Palmer Chair of Telecommunications at Penn State University and Director of X-Lab, for a wide-ranging conversation about privacy, artificial intelligence, and "The Cost of Inaction" in Pennsylvania.

Chris and Sascha begin by discussing the future of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), examining the ongoing debate over government surveillance, constitutional protections, and what renewed surveillance authorities could mean for privacy and civil liberties.

The conversation then turns to AI, where they explore the rapid development of new technologies, the growing role of AI in surveillance, and the need for stronger safeguards to protect personal privacy. They discuss the work of the Center for Agentic AI Research, the opportunities AI presents, and the risks of deploying increasingly powerful systems without meaningful oversight.

Finally, Chris and Sascha examine the broader state of broadband policy through the lens of Pennsylvania's The Cost of Inaction report. They discuss the consequences of delayed broadband investment, the importance of competition and local accountability, and why community-driven solutions continue to play a critical role in expanding reliable, affordable Internet access.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Sascha connect today's debates over surveillance, AI, and broadband with broader questions about accountability, local decision-making, and how technology should serve the public interest.

This show is 59 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 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).