Andy Johns is joined by Chris Townson, CEO of West Carolina and Upcountry Fiber, to talk about what makes a strong partnership. Chris shares candid lessons from working with telcos, electrics and municipalities—including how to evaluate opportunities, align missions, manage egos and build lasting agreements.
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, […]
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: […]
What You’ll Learn At a time when we’re having more digital interactions than ever before, Megan McKoy-Noe‘s new ebook “How to Be Human in a Digital World” provides tips on how your utility staff can maintain that critical human touch. Guest Speaker Megan McKoy-Noe Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. […]
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 […]
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 […]
What You’ll Learn Following the news that Oregon-based Pioneer Utility Resources had acquired WordSouth, Pioneer CEO Mike Shepard and WordSouth founder Stephen V. Smith joined the podcast to discuss what this means for the two companies and the industries they serve. Guest Speaker Michael Shepard & Stephen Smith Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited […]
What You’ll Learn Jeff Arnold, Executive Director of the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives, discusses the grassroots efforts it took to persuade the Louisiana governor to veto a bill that would have likely limited broadband access to Louisiana’s underserved citizens. Guest Speaker Jeff Arnold Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. […]
What You’ll Learn Mike Romano, Senior VP of Industry Affairs and Business Development for NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, discusses two distinctive broadband access problems and a five-step plan that could help solve the homework gap schools and students will likely face again this fall. Guest Speaker Mike Romano Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited […]
What You’ll Learn Fred Johnson, CEO and Executive Vice President of FTC, has been appointed by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to the state’s Broadband Working Group. This group is tasked with providing input on how to use federal CARES Act money to increase broadband coverage across the state. Guest Speaker Fred Johnson Show Notes Transcripts […]
What You’ll Learn About a year ago, Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company began switching customers over to a usage-based pricing structure that charged on data used, rather than speed. What went into that move and how has it been received? Guest Speaker Melissa Lanzourakis Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy […]
What You’ll Learn Commissioner Brandon Presley of the Mississippi Public Service Commission discusses the events that took place within the state government for electric co-ops to be legally allowed to provide broadband services to their customers. Guest Speaker Commissioner Brandon Presley Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Stephen Smith: And […]
What You’ll Learn This episode is the audio from a WordSouth webinar on June 9 titled Back to School Promotions and Campaigns. Visit the WordSouth Webinar page to see more upcoming webinars. Show Notes Transcripts have been lightly edited for clarity and readability. Andy Johns: If you missed the introduction, my name is Andy Johns. […]
