In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Brent Christensen of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance and Jill Huffman of Spring Grove Communications and MiBroadband to discuss the complexities of labor requirements impacting broadband projects in Minnesota. The discussion centers around the implications of prevailing wage laws and their administrative burdens on small broadband providers.

They highlight the challenges faced by local broadband providers, especially cooperatives, in complying with wage classifications that often do not align with telecommunications jobs. Brent and Jill share insights into how these regulations can hinder the progress of broadband expansion, particularly in rural areas. They also discuss the difficulties in managing federal grants that come with stringent labor requirements and the impact on the financial feasibility of extending broadband services.

The episode underscores the importance of flexible, well-informed legislative approaches that support sustainable broadband deployment without overwhelming smaller providers.

This show is 27 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

In this episode of the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, Chris engages in a compelling discussion with Paul Goodman from the Center for Accessible Technology (C4AT). Paul, a seasoned advocate with over 12 years of experience, shares his journey from law school to championing broadband availability, affordability, and accessibility for people with disabilities. The conversation delves into the crucial work of C4AT, highlighting their policy advocacy, assistive technology solutions, and efforts to ensure web accessibility.

Paul explains the intricacies of working with the California Public Utilities Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, advocating for broadband access and the challenges of making websites and technologies accessible for all. He shares insights into the LA Digital Equity Coalition and the exciting developments in California's broadband deployment, including funding for state-owned middle-mile networks.

The episode also touches on the complexities of navigating regulatory processes and the importance of community input in driving effective change. Paul and Christopher concludes by discussing the need for strategic investments in fiber infrastructure over fixed wireless solutions to ensure long-term connectivity.

***Disclaimer: This interview was conducted over a year ago***

This show is 16 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with this feed.

Transcript below. 

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Paul Hixson and Mike Smeltzer to discuss the transformative UC2B (Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband) project. Paul Hixson, co-chair of UC2B and former CIO of the University of Illinois, and Mike Smeltzer, often referred to as the "father of UC2B," share their insights and experiences from the inception of the initiative to its current status.

The conversation delves into the origins of UC2B, which received initial funding through an NTIA grant as part of the 2009 Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). The project aimed to build a robust fiber optic infrastructure to serve the Champaign-Urbana area, including underserved neighborhoods and a wide array of anchor institutions like schools, libraries, senior centers, and even a Zen meditation center.

They discuss the significant impact UC2B has had on local broadband competition, driving other providers to improve their services and infrastructure. Paul and Mike reflect on the challenges and successes over the past decade, highlighting the public-private partnership that has been crucial to the project’s sustainability and growth. As of today, UC2B is nearing the completion of its goal to provide high-speed fiber access to every home and business in Champaign-Urbana, demonstrating a model for community-driven broadband initiatives nationwide.

Join us to learn about the history, challenges, and triumphs of UC2B, and get inspired by the potential of community broadband projects to bridge the digital divide and foster economic growth.

This show is 31 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

On this 600th episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Dwayne Douglas from The Quilt Corporation, who shares his journey of bridging the digital divide in marginalized areas of Chicago by using innovative solutions like mesh Wi-Fi and point-to-point fiber connections to empower residents with essential digital skills and access.

Dwayne discusses the importance of digital literacy and engagement, emphasizing how these efforts can unlock numerous opportunities for personal and community growth. From acquiring dark fiber to partnering with local organizations, The Quilt Corporation is pioneering ways to make broadband more accessible and affordable.

This conversation highlights the critical need for sustainable, community-driven approaches to digital equity. Tune in to learn about the challenges and triumphs of implementing technology in neighborhoods that have long been overlooked.

This show is 26 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

Welcome back to another episode of the B4DE Podcast! This time, Chris sits down for a chat with Abraham Camez, the passionate digital navigator for Hoopa Valley's Acorn Wireless ISP.

Abe paints a vivid picture of the looming consequences as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) draws to a close, affecting not just the reservation but also nearby areas. About 40% of Acorn Wireless's customers, including roughly 80 folks aided by Abe himself, face the harsh reality of losing their internet lifeline.

But amidst the uncertainty, there are stories of hope. Abe shares a touching tale of a Hoopa Tribal member who turned their passion for jewelry into a successful online business, thanks to the ACP's helping hand.

As they discuss the challenges ahead, there's a resilient optimism in the air. Abe applauds the efforts of others in tackling digital equity issues head-on, showing that even in the face of adversity, there's room for progress and positivity.

This show is 11 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with this feed.

Transcript below. 

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

This week, on another special edition of the podcast, we feature the latest episode of our biweekly podcast, the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, where Chris speaks with Dr. Shaun Glaze, Research Director, and Chris Webb, Digital Equity Lead, from the Black Brilliance Research Project based in Seattle, Washington.

They delve into the project's roots in response to George Floyd's tragedy in 2020. Dr. Glaze sheds light on their unique research approach, which merges traditional methods with community activism, driving toward solutions tailored by and for the community.

The B4DE podcast features short interviews with digital inclusion practitioners from across the nation, focusing on frontline work to expand Internet access, address affordability, and help provide the digital skills and devices necessary to fully participate in a digital world.

With our Building for Digital Equity podcast series returning, you can visit our B4DE podcast page for this and future episodes here.

This show is 26 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

This episode of the Building for Digital Equity Podcast features Dr. Shaun Glaze, Research Director, and Chris Webb, Digital Equity Lead, from the Black Brilliance Research Project based in Seattle, Washington.

They both delve into the project's roots in response to George Floyd's tragedy in 2020. Dr. Glaze sheds light on their unique research approach, which merges traditional methods with community activism, driving toward solutions tailored by and for the community.

Throughout their conversation, the essence of digital equity's impact on real lives resonates deeply. They emphasize not just the necessity of connectivity but also the power it holds in uplifting marginalized communities. Hope and progress shine through as they discuss the strides made in empowering individuals and fostering a more just digital landscape.

This show is 24 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with this feed.

Transcript below. 

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

In this latest episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Derek Barr, Assistant General Manager at Hardy Telecommunications in West Virginia. Together, they delve into the intricate world of nonprofit cooperatives, focusing on the journey of Hardy Telecommunications since its inception in 1953. 

Originally established to fill the service gap left by larger providers, Hardy Telecommunications has since expanded its offerings to include broadband services, becoming a lifeline for rural communities with about 6,100 access lines and nearly 5,100 broadband customers.

Derek candidly shares the rollercoaster ride of being a small provider, from wearing multiple hats to navigating the maze of regulatory changes. They explore the ripple effects of federal funding programs like the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) on their expansion efforts.

But it's not just about challenges; Chris and Derek paints a picture of hope through partnerships with counties and emphasizes the ongoing need for support and funding to keep the broadband momentum going in rural areas.

This show is 36 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show: please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.

In this latest episode of the podcast, Chris is joined again by Sean Gonsalves to delve into the arguments against municipal broadband that have surfaced in the recent weeks.

Chris and Sean dissect claims made by opponents of municipal broadband, providing insights and rebuttals to counter these arguments. They offer a balanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with community-owned broadband networks. 

While addressing the criticisms, they also highlight the success stories of municipal networks across the country. By showcasing examples of thriving community broadband initiatives, they illustrate the potential benefits and positive impacts of local broadband ownership.

The conversation concludes with them emphasizing the importance of local communities having the autonomy to make decisions about their broadband infrastructure. They advocate for empowering communities to pursue broadband solutions that best serve their unique needs and interests.

This show is 31 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show: please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.