• Stephen V. Smith

  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    Building a Tech Ecosystem in the Appalachia Region

    What You’ll Learn Todd Cope, CEO of CentralApp, recently took a road trip across the U.S. to bring awareness to CentralApp’s mission — building a tech ecosystem of skilled remote workers in the Appalachian region who can help solve the tech worker deficit currently facing America. Guest Speaker Todd Cope Show Notes Learn more about […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    How Should the FCC Define Broadband?

    What You’ll Learn Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, recently co-authored comments submitted to the FCC encouraging the agency to increase the speeds that qualify as broadband. In this interview, Bolton also shares why he thinks 2021 could be the biggest year ever for fiber investment. Guest Speaker Gary Bolton Show […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    Expanding Rural Broadband Through The EXTEND Act

    What You’ll Learn Rep. Robert Aderholt has introduced the EXTEND Act to support rural broadband development. The act would give states more time and flexibility to use coronavirus relief funding to build broadband networks. Guest Speaker U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen Smith: Thanks for […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    The FCC Under a New Administration

    What You’ll Learn Doug Dawson, President of CCG Consulting, joins the show to discuss what the FCC might focus on under a new presidential administration. He also explains how FCC policies are affecting broadband expansion in rural America. Guest Speaker Doug Dawson Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen Smith: […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Blog

    National Rural Health Day Recognizes Challenges & Celebrates Progress

    With COVID-19 infection rates climbing in rural counties, Nov. 19 may well be the most important National Rural Health Day in the program’s 10-year history.
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    Stephen V. Smith
    April 19, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    Business Unusual: Lessons from a Drive-Through Annual Meeting

    What You’ll Learn FTC hosted its 2020 annual meeting in a drive-through format. Brandi Lyles, Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, joined the show to discuss what lessons they learned from the meeting, how they kept members engaged, and the history-making member participation. Guest Speaker Brandi Lyles Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    Telehealth is More Than Health Care & RHAT’s Annual Meeting

    What You’ll Learn Jacy Warrell, Executive Director of the Rural Health Association of Tennessee, joins the show to discuss a few of the interesting and informative sessions at the upcoming RHAT Annual Conference. She also describes how broadband internet access may impact the overall health of a person and community. Guest Speaker Jacy Warrell Show […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    RDOF, COVID & the FCC

    What You’ll Learn FCC Chairman Ajit Pai discusses the state of rural broadband, the upcoming RDOF auction, the impact of COVID-19, and how rural broadband providers are improving the lives of their customers. Guest Speaker FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen Smith: Thanks for tuning […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    Building Rural Broadband with the ReConnect Program

    What You’ll Learn Karen Jackson-Furman, COO of Ardmore Telephone, discusses Ardmore’s recent receipt of a USDA ReConnect grant-loan combo, along with creative ways rural broadband providers can operate more efficiently while improving customer service. Guest Speaker Karen Jackson-Furman Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen Smith: Welcome. I’m Stephen Smith, […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    The Other Homework Gap

    What You’ll Learn Dr. Christopher Ali, who is an associate professor in the Department of Media Studies at the University of Virginia, discusses the college homework gap and what COVID-19 has taught us about the digital divide. Guest Speaker Dr. Christopher Ali Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen Smith: […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    Texting Cows & Agribots: How Broadband Is Reshaping America’s Farms

    What You’ll Learn Candes Spencer, Southeast Regional Sales Manager for Comstar Supply, joins the show to discuss five key technologies — all powered by broadband — that are impacting the future of farming in rural America. Guest Speaker Candes Spencer Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen Smith: And thanks […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026
  • Rural-Broadband-Today
    Podcasts

    Local Schools & Rural Broadband Providers Working Together on Broadband Access

    What You’ll Learn Dr. Allen Pratt, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association, discusses four steps local school districts and broadband providers can take together to ensure every child has the internet access they need to succeed. Guest Speaker Dr. Allen Pratt Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen […]
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    Stephen V. Smith
    May 1, 2026