Connected Nation

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 senior citizens and those dealing with homelessness. 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we head to Birmingham, Alabama to meet the 2025 National Student Broadband Hero Award honoree – Michael Schmalz.  

Related links:
Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T  

Digital Harmonies

Press release announcing the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award winner

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 Viviana Cohuo, Lead Project Manager for AT&T’s Corporate Social Responsibility team. 

They dive into AT&T’s nationwide efforts to build digital skills through programs like Teens Teach Tech powered by AT&T, Ready Tech Go workshops with National PTA, and new device donation initiatives.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or tech advocate, this episode highlights why digital literacy is essential for eve...

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 Mobility and IoT at MetTel, to explore why this shift is happening now, what it means for essential services and businesses, and how digital solutions can deliver safer, smarter, and more cost-effective communication infrastructure. 

Whether you’re a business owner, IT manager, or simply curious about the future of connectivity, this conversation breaks down what you need to know to adapt and thrive in a post-cop...

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 are ready to keep kids connected. Jessica Denson talks with Pam Lloyd, Ph.D., Strategic Advisor at Connected Nation, and Ji Soo Song, Director of Projects and Initiatives at SETDA, about a new report that outlines strategies to prevent students from falling behind. 

Together, they explore what must happen next to ensure every student has the online access they need to succeed — now and in...

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 discuss the importance of digital skills in today’s workforce and how digital navigators are bridging the connectivity gap. 

Later, Jessica speaks with an individual from Lead for America about their efforts to support digitally disconnected rural communities through the American Connection Corps. 

Tune in to learn how these organizations are working to ensure all Americans have the skills and access needed to th...

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 from being a service provider to a “experience” provider, what exactly that means, and and how the unique approach is actually aiding in the response to natural disasters in the U-S. 

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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 distinct moment in time we got started,  how we’ve evolved since, and what are favorite episodes have been over the last five years. 

Related links:
Press release announcing five-year-anniversary 

First episode (S1, Ep. 1) - Telemedicine in a time of Coronavirus: What a recent study on telehealth can teach us

Some favorite episodes:
S1, Ep. 10...

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 Precision Optical Technologies, a company that was recently acquired by Belden, about how this shift is driving new opportunities in fiber connectivity. Then, we sit down with Eric Frederick, Chief Connectivity Officer of the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI), to discuss how Michigan is navigating BEAD funding and broadband expansion in a time of transition. 

Don't miss these key insights into the future of co...

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 sit down with Huw Rees from NetExperience, a company revolutionizing managed Wi-Fi for apartments, student housing, and hotels. Then, we meet Yishai Amsterdamer, CEO of Litelinx, whose company is introducing smart fiber, a game-changing technology that streamlines deployment and maintenance. 

These startups are tackling some of broadband’s biggest challenges—tune in to learn how their solutions could shape the future of connectivity!

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