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

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.

Episode 491: How John Hill Is Using AI to Transform Customer Data and Growth at GVTC

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with John Hill from GVTC to talk about how broadband providers can move beyond AI hype and start applying it in practical, meaningful ways. John tells about his path into telecom and how GVTC has evolved from a rural provider into a fast-growing fiber network. The conversation highlights how AI is already reshaping marketing, customer analytics, and forecasting, with real examples of how John uses AI tools to dramatically reduce analysis time and uncover new business insights. They also discuss the cultural and operational shifts required for successful AI adoption. John emphasizes that progress starts with curiosity, experimentation, and strong collaboration between business and IT teams. Rather than forcing top-down mandates, GVTC encourages employees to explore AI in their own workflows and share results across the organization. The episode underscores a clear message for broadband operators: companies that embrace AI now—through better data practices, agile thinking, and a willingness to adapt—will be better positioned to compete, grow, and negotiate from strength in an increasingly competitive fiber market.

Episode 490: How Christy Batts Helped Turn CDE Lightband Into a Broadband Success Story

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Christy Batts, Chief Broadband Officer at CDE Lightband, about one of the earliest municipal fiber success stories and the realities behind building it. The conversation focuses on the decisions that mattered most—from early technology missteps and partner selection to the operational discipline required to scale. Christy shares how a strong business plan, combined with a focus on processes and customer acquisition, helped CDE Lightband grow quickly and pay off its debt years ahead of schedule. They discuss how the market has evolved, from triple-play services to high-capacity broadband and business solutions like hosted PBX. Christy explains how managing a high-churn market, investing in scalable infrastructure, and maintaining a strong local presence have been key to long-term success. For operators preparing for new builds or funding opportunities, this episode offers insight into what to prioritize, what to avoid, and how to build a network that can keep up with demand.