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Connected Nation - Podcast

Connected Nation

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. 

Non-Profit News Business Tech News
Update frequency
every 5 days
Average duration
29 minutes
Episodes
204
Years Active
2020 - 2025
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From 10 employees to 1,000: Nextlink Internet's story of radical, organic growth

From 10 employees to 1,000: Nextlink Internet's story of radical, organic growth

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…

01:02:24  |   Wed 11 Jun 2025
How proposed changes to E-rate could impact America's kids

How proposed changes to E-rate could impact America's kids

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…

00:34:06  |   Wed 04 Jun 2025
Before the storm: What ISPs can do as we enter hurricane season

Before the storm: What ISPs can do as we enter hurricane season

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…

01:03:06  |   Thu 29 May 2025
History in the making: Connected Nation breaks ground on Kansas’s first Internet Exchange Point

History in the making: Connected Nation breaks ground on Kansas’s first Internet Exchange Point

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…

00:43:21  |   Wed 21 May 2025
The simple step small ISPs should be taking to grow their business

The simple step small ISPs should be taking to grow their business

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…

00:34:49  |   Wed 14 May 2025
A digitally inclusive journey: Meet the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award winner

A digitally inclusive journey: Meet the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award winner

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…

00:21:37  |   Wed 30 Apr 2025
AT&T’s commitment to digital learning at all ages

AT&T’s commitment to digital learning at all ages

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…

00:11:52  |   Thu 24 Apr 2025
The Copper Countdown: What landline retirement means for you

The Copper Countdown: What landline retirement means for you

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…

00:38:19  |   Thu 17 Apr 2025
Investing in our future: Sustaining K-12 digital access

Investing in our future: Sustaining K-12 digital access

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…

00:46:40  |   Thu 10 Apr 2025
Empowering and connecting: Closing the digital skills and connectivity gap

Empowering and connecting: Closing the digital skills and connectivity gap

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…

00:13:53  |   Thu 03 Apr 2025
Why ISPs should evolve into experience providers—and who can help

Why ISPs should evolve into experience providers—and who can help

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 …

00:31:31  |   Wed 26 Mar 2025
Celebrating five years: Exploring our best interviews and topics since 2020

Celebrating five years: Exploring our best interviews and topics since 2020

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…

00:27:49  |   Tue 25 Mar 2025
Tackling transitions: From being bought by another company to handling BEAD under a new administration

Tackling transitions: From being bought by another company to handling BEAD under a new administration

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…

00:20:36  |   Mon 17 Mar 2025
How the startup mentality is influencing broadband innovation

How the startup mentality is influencing broadband innovation

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…

00:15:50  |   Wed 12 Mar 2025
The company whose innovation is inviting competitors to work together in the same space

The company whose innovation is inviting competitors to work together in the same space

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…

00:19:08  |   Tue 11 Mar 2025
Beyond access: Learning the digital skills to thrive online

Beyond access: Learning the digital skills to thrive online

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…

00:33:11  |   Wed 05 Mar 2025
Get a little help navigating the broadband landscape in 2025

Get a little help navigating the broadband landscape in 2025

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…

00:18:50  |   Thu 27 Feb 2025
Beyond wires and towers – the human infrastructure of broadband

Beyond wires and towers – the human infrastructure of broadband

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 …

00:54:27  |   Thu 20 Feb 2025
Telehealth experts on the future of senior healthcare in a tech-driven world

Telehealth experts on the future of senior healthcare in a tech-driven world

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…

00:54:15  |   Thu 30 Jan 2025
Ready, set, build: Tackling the challenges of large broadband buildouts now and in the future

Ready, set, build: Tackling the challenges of large broadband buildouts now and in the future

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…

00:31:49  |   Tue 21 Jan 2025
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