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What happens when broadband networks become smart enough to manage themselves?

Recorded live at Fiber Connect 2026, this episode of Connected Nation features Randy Van Buren of Motive Software Solutions for a fascinating conversation about the technologies shaping the future of connectivity. From backup internet systems that seamlessly switch between fiber, wireless, and satellite networks to the growing role of artificial intelligence in network management, Van Buren shares insights into how providers are building more resilient, efficient, and reliable broadband networks.

If you've ever wondered how emerging technologies will keep people connected anytime, anywhere, this episode offers a glimpse into what's next.

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Randy Van Buren LinkedIn

Motive website

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What happens when a company trusted with defense, medical, and transportation tech turns its focus to broadband?

Recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson talks with leadership from Kontron about their entry into the telecommunications sector. We explore how their 'fail-safe' background is shaping a new, cost-effective approach to building and maintaining resilient networks.

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Sutton Underwood LinkedIn

Rok Okorn LinkedIn

Kontron LinkedIn

Kontron website

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re previewing Mountain Connect 2026 — and a timely, solution-driven opportunity for ISPs to overcome deployment challenges and accelerate broadband expansion nationwide.

Listen as we discuss a new Hosted Buyer Program designed to connect ISPs with trusted partners, reduce deployment challenges, and even help cover the cost of attending the conference.

Recommended links:

Mountain Connect website

Mountain Connect agenda

Hosted Buyers Program

Jeffrey Gavlinski LinkedIn

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In this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Heneways Freight Services executives Larne Davis and Caleb Buchel to explore the fast-moving world of global shipping — and the role it plays in keeping broadband projects on track.

From tariffs and supply chain challenges to family business traditions, they share an inside look at the industry that keeps goods — and networks — moving. And yes, they answer the big question: what’s the strangest thing they’ve ever shipped?

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Caleb Buchel's LinkedIn

Larne Davis' LinkedIn

Heneways Freight Services

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Imagine never having to ask for a Wi-Fi password ever again. In this episode, recorded at the Connected America Conference in Dallas, we meet Mario Soave of CleverFi.

He shares how a personal brush with the FBI inspired him to reinvent how we connect on the go. We explore his vision for 'teleporting' your home network to any location and why this startup is one you’ll likely be using in just a few years.

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Mario Soave LinkedIn

Mario email - mario.soave@cleverfi.com

CleverFi pitch video

CleverFi website

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What happens when a massive federal broadband program gets paused, rewritten, and restarted?

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Michigan’s Chief Connectivity Officer, Eric Frederick, about navigating the BEAD program's "administrative slog." Learn how Michigan is using everything from Great Lakes subsea cables to AI literacy to finally get shovels in the ground and close the Digital Divide.

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Eric Frederick LinkedIn

Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MiHi)

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How do we solve America’s broadband affordability gap while also protecting critical infrastructure?

During the Connected America Conference in Dallas, host Jessica Denson sat down with Neo Network Development's Founder and CEO Vince Aragona to discuss innovative approaches to broadband deployment, public-private partnerships, and the company’s vision for a nationwide fiber infrastructure network.

Recommended links:

Neo Network Development's website

Vince Aragona's LinkedIn

Fiber Instructure Network Map - https://nndi.us/innovative-solutions/fiber-solutions

National Broadband Master Plan - https://nndi.us/innovative-solutions/nbmp

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Joseph “Joey” Wender, Executive Director of SHLB. The conversation explores the future of the Universal Service Fund, the ongoing fight to close the homework gap, cybersecurity challenges facing community institutions, and how reliable connectivity can be life-changing, and even lifesaving, for communities across the country.

Recommended links:

Joseph Wender LinkedIn

SHLB website