This is Connected Nation – an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the Digital Divide to simply improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our communities.
The podcast was honored in 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. More recently, the podcast received an Award of Distinction in 2025. It received the same honor in 2023 and 2022.
Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org.
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—serv…
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…
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 kee…
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 work…
In this episode of Connected Nation, Jessica Denson revisits with Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband and AireBeam, to discuss the outsized impact that small and medium-sized internet service providers…
What do YOU think motivates some people to put their own needs aside to help others? We talked with one extraordinary teenager who is taking action to the close the Digital Divide – by helping both s…
On this episode of Connected Nation, we wrap up our coverage of the Connected America conference with a powerful conversation about bridging the Digital Divide. Host Jessica Denson is joined by Vivia…
The retirement of copper landlines is accelerating — and many businesses aren’t ready.
On this episode of Connected Nation, guest host Grant Ahlbrand speaks with Max Silber, Vice President of Mobilit…
On this episode of Connected Nation, we tackle a topic impacting millions of students across the country — how to sustain digital access in K-12 education.
As federal programs end, only 27% of states…
In this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Connected America conference in Irving, Texas.
Our host, Jessica Denson sits down with the Editor-in-Chief at Working Nation, to…
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Calix – a company that “helps broadband service providers simplify, innovate, and grow.”
Learn how the company is shifting the focus …
On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re doing things a little bit differently. That’s because March 24, 2025 marks our five year anniversary since launching.
We’ll take you through the very distinc…
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Connected America conference, where we dive into the latest in broadband innovation and policy.
First, we hear from Belden Preci…
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Connected America in Irving, Texas, by exploring the Startup Village, where innovation is driving connectivity forward.
First, we si…
We’re live from Connected America, exploring how internet exchange points (IXPs) improve connectivity across the U.S.!
Host Jessica Denson chats with De-CIX's Kelly Sieben, who uses a fun marble dem…
Imagine living in today’s digital world without knowing how to access the internet, use a computer, or even navigate a mobile phone. It may surprise you to learn that this is a reality for millions o…
Navigating the broadband landscape in 2025 is no easy task—especially as new policies, technologies, and funding opportunities emerge. In this episode of Connected Nation, host Jessica Denson sits do…
Broadband isn’t just about fiber and wireless networks—it’s about people. In this episode of Connected Nation, we explore a groundbreaking research project that examines the individuals and programs …
Telehealth has transformed how older adults access healthcare, but significant barriers still exist. In this special roundtable episode of Connected Naton, we're joined by a panel of telehealth exper…
The new year has arrived - bringing the long-awaited start of broadband expansion under the Broadband Equity Access and Development Program (BEAD). However, as all U.S. states and territories prepare…