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.
- Update frequency
- every 5 days
- Average duration
- 29 minutes
- Episodes
- 204
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Improving connectivity across America: Go inside the Inaugural U.S. Broadband Summit
From industry insiders to government officials, many leaders in the broadband space believe we now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to close the Digital Divide in America. That’s because there …
"Don't just talk about it. Be about it." Meet the Hall of Famer who is helping thousands of adults learn digital skills
On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus our attention on Teens Teach Tech - a program that's bridging generations by using the skills of teenagers to help adults take part in an increasingly di…
Small, smart towns: The company bringing smart technologies to rural America's schools, businesses, and towns
You’ve heard of smart tvs, smart phones, and smart homes – and even smart cities in urban areas. On this episode of Connected Nation, we explore similar ideas for rural America and it includes Smart…
Women in telecom share why it's a great time to have more women working in broadband
The broadband space has traditionally been a male-dominated industry – but that’s changing and more and more women are filling positions in the industry at all levels from the C-Suite to entry.
On thi…
100th Episode: Talking tribal broadband with the nation's first tribally owned telecommunications company
This marks Connected Nation's 100th episode. On this episode, we focus on the critical need to approach closing the Digital Divide on Native American lands with respect, humility, and long-term comm…
Behind the company that's taking on cyberbullies and creating "smart towns" in rural America
On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss what resources families can access to combat the harmful effects of social media on the mental health of America’s youth.
It’s a problem that’s grown s…
The nuts and bolts: How "dumb infrastructure" is the backbone of America's connectivity
Today, we speak with Tillman Infrastructure, a rapidly growing, carrier-trusted tower company that develops, owns, and operates assets providing connectivity infrastructure to communities across the …
New national research points to opportunities and action steps to shrink the Digital Divide
On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss new research that focuses on who is directly impacted by the Digital Divide and WHY they are still not getting online – even if offered financial assis…
Three billion people worldwide don’t have internet access, this is how one company says we can fix it
On this episode of Connected Nation, we ask “what if we could bridge the Digital Divide around the world by 2030?” That means connecting more than three billion people who do not have internet acces…
Research: How the Digital Divide and the connected home are changing in America
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Amdocs about new research that shows a new kind of Digital Divide is surfacing in the U.S. Plus, we explore the future of connectivi…
Grizzly bears, extreme weather, frozen ground: How one ISP is connecting people in the nation's last frontier
On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus on the nation’s largest and most remote state – Alaska. Hear from leadership at MTA Solutions about the challenges of working across a massive frontier …
What Texans say it will take to better connect the second largest state in the nation
On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you deep into the heart of Texas as the state’s Broadband Development Office hosts a series of public meetings in both large and small communities.
Thei…
Low latency is the new currency and DE-CIX wants to make sure rural America is rich with it
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk one-on-one with the Chairman & CEO of the DE-CIX group - the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges.
Learn how DE-CIX navigates operations across …
The customer and the co-op: Hear from both sides about why and how to better connect rural America
On this episode of Connected Nation, we head into America’s Heartland once more as the “Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour” makes its final stops.
This time we sit down with a resident of Ok…
Internet for All: How groups are working together in Oklahoma to accelerate broadband expansion
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with two ISPs that provide broadband to a myriad of western states AND with a nonprofit looking for partners to help “accelerate” how quickly people witho…
The chicken or the egg: A workforce conundrum for America's broadband infrastructure
On this episode of Connected Nation, we focus on a critical need within the workforce – having more trained workers who can help expand and maintain America’s broadband infrastructure.
Learn why t…
In their own words: A new perspective on internet access in America from Tribal Governments
On this espisode of Connected Nation, we get a new perspective on internet access in America – from the point-of-view of Tribal Governments. A group of Tribal respresentatives share what they’re alr…
"We will deliver!" The promise leadership in the Oklahoma Broadband Office just made
On this episode of Connected Nation, we check back in with the “Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour” as makes it’s way through the largest metropolitan area of the state – Oklahoma City.
Th…
Let's Get Digital: Why the pulse of America's Heartland depends on internet access
On this episode of Connected Nation, we head into the Heartland for the “Let’s Get Digital: Oklahoma Broadband Tour” – an 18-stop internet listening tour.
You’ll hear from those in far eastern Oklah…
In their own words: Teens share how they're helping adults learn digital skills and why it's important
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with a group of teenagers who are helping adults in their community learn the digital skills they need to access important resources and opportunities.
F…