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/

BEAD is putting a lot of broadband eggs in one high-flying basket - low earth orbit satellite internet. In this edition of Broadband Action, CBAN's Curtis Dean chats with Glenn Fishbine of Breaking Point Solutions about whether LEO can deliver.

It's a holiday tradition at CBAN! Doug Dawson of CCG Consulting reveals his broadband predictions for 2026 to CBAN's Jon Willow and Curtis Dean. https://potsandpansbyccg.com

In 2010, Chattanooga's municipal utility EPB made a controversial $396 million bet on citywide fiber infrastructure. Fifteen years later, economist Dr. Bento Lobo and EPB's William Plank reveal the results in this episode of Broadband Action: $5.3 billion in economic value, 10,420 jobs created, and a 6.4x return on investment. The fiber network powers both gigabit internet and a smart grid that's prevented $632 million in storm damage. The conversation covers how municipal fiber forced competitors to improve service, connected 16,000 low-income students through digital equity programs, and why EPB is now investing $30 million in quantum computing. A masterclass in infrastructure investment with practical lessons for communities nationwide.

Read the full study here: https://static.epb.com/media/documents/Lobo-Plank_2025_-_Nov_12_2025.pdf

Curtis Dean with CBAN chats with Doug Adams of Broadband Marketers. Doug has been following the rollout of NTIA approvals for state BEAD programs for the past several weeks, and has some good insights as to what may be coming next. Be sure to check out Doug's insightful articles at www.broadband.io.www.broadbandmarketers.com