Community Broadband Bits

MN BEAD Labor Requirements: More Problems Than Solutions? - Episode 602 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Chris discusses the challenges of prevailing wage laws on small broadband providers in Minnesota with Brent Christensen and Jill Huffman. They explore the administrative and financial burdens these regulations impose and their impact on broadband expansion in rural areas. Tune in for insights on balancing fair labor practices with practical broadband deployment. ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://ilsr.org/donate/]

The Success of Urbana-Champaign's Broadband Revolution - Episode 601 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

Join Chris as he talks with Paul Hixson and Mike Smeltzer about the UC2B (Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband) project, which has revolutionized internet access in Champaign-Urbana, IL. They discuss the project's origins, its impact on local broadband competition, and the successful public-private partnership driving its expansion. Learn how UC2B is bridging the digital divide and setting a model for community-driven broadband initiatives. ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://ilsr.org/donate/]

The Power of Empowering Marginalized Communities - Episode 600 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

On the 600th episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Dwayne Douglas from The Quilt Corporation about bridging the digital divide in marginalized Chicago communities through innovative solutions like mesh Wi-Fi and point-to-point fiber connections. Dwayne highlights the importance of digital literacy and community engagement in creating new opportunities for growth. ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://ilsr.org/donate/]

Discussion on the Black Brilliance Research Project with Shaun Glaze and Chris Webb - Episode 599 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

In this special edition, we showcase the latest episode of our biweekly podcast, the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, featuring Dr. Shaun Glaze and Chris Webb from the Black Brilliance Research Project in Seattle. They discuss the project's origins after George Floyd's tragedy, emphasizing their unique research approach blending traditional methods with community activism to tailor solutions for digital equity. ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://ilsr.org/donate/]

Middle-Mile Madness - Episode 598 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast

Tune in to this week's special edition of the podcast as we revisit a dynamic discussion from our biweekly livestream, Connect This! Co-hosts Christopher Mitchell and Travis Carter, along with guests Doug Dawson, Kim McKinley, and Doug Maglothin, explore the state of middle-mile infrastructure in the US and strategies for enhancing connectivity between cities and towns. ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://ilsr.org/donate/]