Community Broadband Bits

Latest Episodes:

MN BEAD Labor Requirements: More Problems Than Solutions? - Episode 602 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast May 28, 2024

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In this episode of the podcast, Chris discusses the challenges of prevailing wage laws on small broadband providers in Minnesota with Brent Christensen and Jill Huffman. They explore the administrative and financial burdens these regulations impose and their impact on broadband expansion in rural areas. Tune in for insights on balancing fair labor practices with practical broadband deployment.

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The Success of Urbana-Champaign's Broadband Revolution - Episode 601 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast May 21, 2024

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Join Chris as he talks with Paul Hixson and Mike Smeltzer about the UC2B (Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband) project, which has revolutionized internet access in Champaign-Urbana, IL. They discuss the project's origins, its impact on local broadband competition, and the successful public-private partnership driving its expansion. Learn how UC2B is bridging the digital divide and setting a model for community-driven broadband initiatives.

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The Power of Empowering Marginalized Communities - Episode 600 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast May 14, 2024

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On the 600th episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Dwayne Douglas from The Quilt Corporation about bridging the digital divide in marginalized Chicago communities through innovative solutions like mesh Wi-Fi and point-to-point fiber connections. Dwayne highlights the importance of digital literacy and community engagement in creating new opportunities for growth.

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Discussion on the Black Brilliance Research Project with Shaun Glaze and Chris Webb - Episode 599 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast May 07, 2024

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In this special edition, we showcase the latest episode of our biweekly podcast, the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, featuring Dr. Shaun Glaze and Chris Webb from the Black Brilliance Research Project in Seattle. They discuss the project's origins after George Floyd's tragedy, emphasizing their unique research approach blending traditional methods with community activism to tailor solutions for digital equity.

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Middle-Mile Madness - Episode 598 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast May 01, 2024

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Tune in to this week's special edition of the podcast as we revisit a dynamic discussion from our biweekly livestream, Connect This! Co-hosts Christopher Mitchell and Travis Carter, along with guests Doug Dawson, Kim McKinley, and Doug Maglothin, explore the state of middle-mile infrastructure in the US and strategies for enhancing connectivity between cities and towns.

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Wired for Good: Exploring Rural Connectivity in West Virginia - Episode 597 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast Apr 23, 2024

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In this latest episode of the podcast, Chris and Derek from Hardy Telecommunications discuss the cooperative's journey since 1953, expanding from phone to broadband services, vital for rural areas. They share the challenges of being a small provider, the impact of federal funding, and emphasize the importance of partnerships and ongoing support for rural broadband access.

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Debunking Municipal Broadband Myths - Episode 596 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast Apr 17, 2024

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In this latest episode of the podcast, Chris and Sean explore the arguments against municipal broadband, addressing claims made by opponents and highlighting success stories of community-owned networks. They emphasize the importance of local autonomy in broadband decisions, advocating for solutions that meet each community's needs.

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A Deep Dive into Iowa Broadband: Challenges, Solutions, and Collaboration - Episode 595 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast Apr 02, 2024

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In this latest podcast episode, Christopher and Curtis Dean from the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN) discuss the state of broadband in Iowa. They highlight the challenges faced by local providers, emphasize the importance of local control, and announce upcoming events like the CBAN Spring Summit, fostering collaboration for equitable broadband access.

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The Question of Internet Affordability Beyond ACP - Episode 594 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast Mar 26, 2024

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In the latest podcast episode, Christopher, Ry Marcattilio, and Sean Gonsalves discuss the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the urgent need for sustainable internet affordability solutions in the U.S. They highlight successful models of community-owned broadband networks from Pharr, Texas, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and provide updates on FCC broadband definitions, Longmont's municipal network expansion, and an upcoming episode covering the Tribal Broadband Bootcamp held at RantanenTown Ranch in Southern California.

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Unlocking Community-Driven Broadband Initiatives with Brian Snider - Episode 593 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast Mar 19, 2024

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In this podcast episode, Christopher speaks with Brian Snider, founder of Lit Communities, discussing his extensive experience in the broadband industry and the importance of community-driven broadband initiatives. They emphasize the need for innovative business models to bridge the digital divide and highlight the significance of education and workforce development in shaping the industry's future.

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