Episode 496: Rob Lawrence of Microsoft on Agentic AI Governance and Organizational Readiness

Episode 496: Rob Lawrence of Microsoft on Agentic AI Governance and Organizational Readiness

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Rob Lawrence, Technology Strategist at Microsoft, to separate the reality of agentic AI from the growing hype surrounding autonomous systems. As organizations race to experiment with AI agents, Rob argues that the biggest challenges aren't the models themselves—they're the operating environments, governance frameworks, data quality, accountability structures, and organizational readiness required to deploy them successfully. Pete and Rob discuss why many AI pilots succeed while production deployments struggle, the return of disciplines like project portfolio management and process engineering, and why data governance may be the most important prerequisite for successful AI adoption. Rob also talks about the role of identity and permissions, the risks of poorly governed agents acting on flawed data, and why organizations need better observability into AI-driven workflows. Along the way, he shares advice for CIOs, CTOs, and broadband operators looking to move beyond experimentation and build a responsible foundation for agentic AI.

Episode 495: Anis Khemakhem on Fiber Innovation, Workforce Development, and Network Resilience

In this episode of the Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2026, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Anis Khemakhem, Chief Commercial Officer at Clearfield, to discuss the state of fiber broadband deployment, workforce development, and infrastructure innovation. Anis shares his journey from engineer to industry leader and explains how Clearfield has built its reputation by solving practical challenges for broadband operators while maintaining a strong commitment to underserved communities and workforce training initiatives. Anis tells about several of Clearfield’s latest product announcements, including the new Nova platform designed for data center and next-generation network environments, as well as a newly launched fiber-focused pedestal portfolio. He also discusses how operators can balance long-term network planning with rising material and labor costs, navigate BABA compliance requirements, and prepare for increasing demand driven by AI, edge computing, and hyperscale data centers. Anis highlights the importance of industry partnerships, supply chain collaboration, and resilient network design as broadband providers work to meet growing connectivity demands. The episode ends with a discussion on attracting the next generation of broadband professionals and how innovative training tools can help bridge the industry's workforce gap.

Episode 494: Rhyan Neble on Agentic AI, Telecom Automation, and the Age of Intelligent Operations

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo welcomes Rhyan Neble for a conversation about the evolution of artificial intelligence, agentic frameworks, and what these technologies mean for broadband operators. Drawing on decades of experience building telecom networks, OSS/BSS platforms, and software solutions, Rhyan explains how AI has progressed from a simple assistant to a true workforce multiplier capable of accelerating software development, automating complex workflows, and helping organizations solve problems that once required large teams and months of effort. Rhyan also shares practical advice for broadband providers looking to prepare for the next wave of AI adoption. Topics include open APIs, operational runbooks, AI agents as employee assistants, governance frameworks, security considerations, and the growing importance of data accessibility. They discuss both the opportunities and risks of AI, offering a balanced look at how operators can use these tools to improve efficiency, streamline reporting, surface operational insights, and empower employees while maintaining human oversight.

Episode 493: Josh Turiano Explains Blue Stream Fiber’s AI Strategy

This episode of The Broadband Bunch, sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap, features a live conversation from Fiber Connect 2026 with Josh Turiano, Chief Innovation and AI Officer at Blue Stream Fiber. Josh joins host Pete Pizzutillo to share how Blue Stream Fiber is approaching AI adoption inside a broadband operator environment, from improving troubleshooting workflows and technician productivity to building internal GPT tools that help teams scale without dramatically increasing headcount. The discussion explores the importance of clean data, organizational readiness, and why successful AI adoption starts long before deploying a chatbot. Josh also dives into the broader future of AI infrastructure in telecom, including edge inference, network automation, resiliency concerns tied to hyperscalers, and the growing need for broadband providers to rethink how AI workloads are distributed. He explains how Blue Stream Fiber rolled out AI across departments, the lessons learned from early experimentation, and why operators that invest in data organization and practical AI workflows today may be better positioned to compete tomorrow. The conversation offers a look at how AI is already reshaping broadband operations while highlighting the cultural and operational changes still ahead for the industry.

Episode 492: Chattanooga’s EPB Fiber Success Story with Katie Espeseth

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Katie Espeseth, Vice President of New Products at EPB, about how Chattanooga became one of the most recognized community broadband success stories in the United States. Katie shares how EPB’s original mission was never just about broadband speeds. The focus centered on economic development, grid modernization, and improving quality of life across Chattanooga through long-term infrastructure investment. Katie and Pete talk about how EPB accelerated its fiber deployment, paid off debt ahead of schedule, and evolved from early GPON deployments to offering symmetrical 25 gig services across its footprint. Katie also explains how EPB approaches affordability, customer experience, and future technologies like quantum networking while continuing to support economic growth and innovation in the region. The episode highlights lessons for utilities, municipalities, and broadband providers preparing for the next generation of infrastructure investment and AI driven connectivity demands.