CBAN's Curtis Dean recaps his experience at Fiber Connect 2026, presented by the Fiber Broadband Association.

What's new, what's next, and why Denver should be on every community broadband operator's calendarCurtis Dean sits down with Mountain Connect CEO Jeff Gavlinski for an inside look at one of the broadband industry's most anticipated annual gatherings. As the Mountain Connect conference prepares to welcome attendees to Denver, Jeff joins the show to pull back the curtain on what's in store — from session programming and keynote highlights to the new features and enhancements the Mountain Connect team has built specifically with attendees and sponsors in mind.

CBAN's Curtis Dean and Jon Willow chat with Mark Colwell, Executive Director of Mission Telecom. Mission Telecom provides low-cost 5G internet to nonprofits, schools, and libraries to help them close the digital divide.

As BEAD dollars begin to flow, and BEAD-funded projects begin construction, what impact will it have on the supply chain? Curtis Dean with CBAN discusses the challenges posed by BEAD with Ashley Travers with KGPCo and Lori Adams with Nokia.

In this episode of Broadband Action recorded at Connected America, we sit down with Catherine Krantz of Communities Unlimited to explore the essential role of technical assistance in closing the digital divide. Catherine dives into the organization’s mission to support communities facing significant broadband challenges, offering a roadmap for those who lack the resources to navigate complex infrastructure projects alone. From initial planning to overcoming technical roadblocks, we discuss how local leadership combined with expert guidance can transform a community’s digital future. Whether you are a small-town official or a local advocate, this conversation highlights the practical steps and collaborative spirit required to ensure no community is left offline.Communities Unlimited website: https://communitiesu.orgCatherine Krantz email: Catherine.Krantz@communitiesu.org

Host Curtis Dean chats with three of the headlining speakers at the 2026 Spring Summit.--Gary Bolton, Fiber Broadband Association--Ryan Mulhall, Iowa Communications Network--Brent Legg, Connected NationJoin us April 1-3, 2026 in Ames, Iowa! https://broadbandaction.com/cban-events/cban-2026-spring-summit/

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 turns 30 years old this year. To "celebrate", CBAN talks with Sean Stokes of Keller & Heckman LLP about the origins of the Act, how it's working, and what changes are needed in today's telecommunications environment.

https://www.khlaw.com

Doug Dawson with CCG Consulting joins Curtis Dean and Jon Willow to discuss what he believes are the top 5 "turkeys" of the year in the broadband industry. Doug blogs daily at https://potsandpansbyccg.com. His "Turkey Awards" are available at https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2025/12/08/broadband-turkeys-of-2025/