The Broadband Bunch

Episode 491: 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 490: 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 489: 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.

Episode 488: Jessica Koch and Patrick Mulhern on Light Years Ahead at Fiber Connect 2026

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo is joined by Jessica Koch and Patrick Mulhearn to preview Fiber Connect 2026 and what makes it a must-attend event for the broadband industry. They discuss how the conference reflects a major shift in the market, from building fiber infrastructure to exploring what that infrastructure enables, including AI, data centers, telehealth, gaming, and precision agriculture. The conversation highlights this year’s theme, “Light Years Ahead,” and the growing importance of collaboration across operators, policymakers, and technology providers. With expanded content focused on real-world applications and future demand, Fiber Connect 2026 is positioned as a hub for ideas, innovation, and the next phase of broadband growth.

Episode 487: How John Capobianco Is Rethinking Network Automation with AI

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo explores the IT infrastructure, automation, and AI systems that power the subscriber experience. He is joined by John Capobianco, Head of AI and Developer Relations at Itential, for a conversation about what is happening inside the network. John explains how network automation has progressed from early scripting to AI-driven orchestration. Real-world examples show how changes that once required days can now be completed in minutes, reducing risk and minimizing human error. Core network orchestration emerges as a critical priority, carrying just as much weight as innovation at the access layer. AI agents take a central role in the discussion, with a focus on how they enable autonomous operations such as detection, remediation, and closed-loop workflows. The conversation also highlights the rise of DIY automation, open-source innovation, and model context protocol, which allows engineers to interact with complex systems using natural language. Trust, guardrails, and workforce impact round out the episode. John shares practical guidance for operators looking to adopt AI, emphasizing simple starting points that build confidence and deliver immediate value.