In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined again by Douglas Dawson for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of broadband.

Chris and Doug begin by discussing the latest developments in the National Digital Inclusion Alliance's lawsuit against the Trump administration over the Digital Equity Act, examining what the case could mean for digital equity efforts and the communities working to expand access, affordability, and digital skills.

From there, they turn to the results of a recent survey examining how rural Americans use the Internet, exploring what it reveals about changing consumer habits, growing bandwidth demands, and the ways AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping how people connect online.

The conversation then shifts to the practical realities of building broadband networks, including the rising cost of Fiber construction, permitting delays, make-ready work, and why better pole inventories could significantly reduce deployment costs and speed up network expansion.

Chris and Doug also take a closer look at the Federal Communications Commission's evolving approach to satellite broadband, discussing recent regulatory changes, what they could mean for the industry, and whether the agency's approach strikes the right balance as more companies look to launch satellite broadband services. They also explore how satellite fits alongside Fiber and other technologies as communities work to expand reliable Internet access.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Doug connect today's policy debates with broader questions about technology, infrastructure, and what it will take to ensure communities have reliable, affordable Internet in the years ahead.

This show is 48 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Sean Gonsalves and Karl Bode for a wide-ranging conversation about the latest stories shaping the telecommunications landscape.

The group begins by discussing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, prompting a broader discussion about the country's history, civic identity, and how Americans can use the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the nation's past while looking toward its future.

From there, they dive into Sean and Karl's recent article for The Verge: Elon Musk and the Plot to Hijack America’s Broadband, reflecting on the state of broadband policy, the challenges facing community broadband, and how the national conversation around Internet infrastructure continues to evolve.

Finally, Chris, Sean, and Karl unpacked the recent House Committee on Energy & Commerce Hearings regarding Arielle Roth and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's revised BEAD guidance, discussing changes to technology neutrality, the growing role of low-Earth orbit satellite providers, and what the new rules could mean for states, communities, and long-term broadband investment. 

Along the way, they debate the tradeoffs between Fiber, fixed wireless, and satellite service, and whether the updated approach will deliver the infrastructure communities need.

Throughout the episode, Chris, Sean, and Karl connect today's policy debates with broader questions about investment, local leadership, and what it will take to ensure communities have access to reliable, affordable Internet for decades to come.

This show is 53 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this two-part episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined again by Sean Gonsalves, Jordan Pittman, and Karl Bode for a beginning conversation about SpaceX, Starlink, Wall Street, and what Chris describes as a potentially dangerous moment for the telecommunications industry.

The group digs into the recent SpaceX IPO, Starlink’s role within the company, and concerns about valuation, capacity constraints, customer service, and the growing narrative that satellite service can replace existing communications infrastructure. Along the way, they discuss Universal Service, rural broadband, market incentives, and why understanding how networks actually work still matters.

They also reflect on Wall Street, financial engineering, and whether investors are being asked to believe promises that may be difficult to deliver. Chris, Sean, Jordan, and Karl debate what happens when hype, markets, AI, and telecommunications collide, and what the consequences could be for communities, customers, and the broader economy.

In the second half of the episode, Chris is joined by Jeff Gavlinski for a preview of this year's Mountain Connect conference in Denver. Jeff shares how the event is evolving, from hosted buyer programs and roundtable discussions to new networking formats focused on creating connections and outcomes. The conversation explores what makes Mountain Connect different, the value of independent industry events, and why bringing people together remains one of the most important parts of the broadband ecosystem.

This show is 54 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris and Sean Gonsalves talk about Vermont’s push for universal connectivity, the future of Starlink and SpaceX, and major changes coming to Google Search.

They begin with Vermont and the state’s unique approach to broadband expansion through Communication Union Districts. Sean shares reporting on how Vermont is using local leadership, apprenticeship programs, community networks, and federal funding to bring fiber connectivity to the most rural state in the nation. You can find Sean's story about Vermont Closing In on Universal Broadband Access here.

Chris reflects on the long history behind these efforts, including earlier fights over wireless towers, Burlington Telecom, and the emergence of EC Fiber as a model for community broadband. 

Together, they discuss why Vermont’s approach “wasn’t inevitable,” and why local power and community organizing matter when building long-term infrastructure.

From there, the conversation turns to Starlink, SpaceX, and the future of the Universal Service Fund. Chris and Sean discuss Starlink’s rapid growth, SpaceX’s position on universal service, and concerns about replacing locally rooted providers with a monopoly platform that may not be able to serve everyone equally well. 

They also talk about rural connectivity, customer service, satellite capacity, and what happens when essential communications infrastructure is treated only as a market problem.

The episode closes with a “What the Tech!?!” segment focused on Google’s latest AI-powered search changes. Chris and Sean reflect on what it could mean for the future of the Internet, online content, platform economics, and the growing role of AI in everyday life. 

Along the way, they discuss “enshittification,” the pressure to monetize AI, and concerns about making human-created content harder to find online. 

This show is 30 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In the first live episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Heather Mills, Doug Dawson, and Drew Garner for a wide-ranging conversation about BEAD, permitting, mobile wireless, and the latest debates around broadband policy and infrastructure.

They begin with a discussion about Amazon’s Leo service, efforts to preempt local government “to encourage more investments in Internet access,” and the realities of mobile wireless performance after Chris spent weeks traveling around the country.

From there, the conversation turns to BEAD and where things currently stand. Drew explains that most states and territories have finally signed their award agreements and are getting closer to construction, while also warning that the process remains “interminable” because there are so many seeming final steps. Chris, Heather, Doug, and Drew discuss delays, permitting, workforce challenges, NTIA guidance, and concerns that states may face a very narrow list of eligible uses for remaining funds.

The group also talks about affordability, quality, and value in broadband infrastructure, including whether LEO satellite service is truly an acceptable alternative to fiber-based networks. Heather reflects on the risks of creating “a class system of who gets what,” while emphasizing that affordability programs and local capacity still matter for communities trying to get connected.

The episode closes with a conversation about mobile networks, fixed wireless capacity, and why networks may feel like they are “running hotter” than they used to.

This show is 64 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Riverside for the music. The song is Caveman and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Doug Dawson to unpack the latest developments shaping the broadband landscape and what they mean for communities, providers, and policymakers alike. 

From evolving federal priorities to the realities of deployment challenges, Doug offers a clear-eyed look at how shifting rules and funding expectations are playing out in real time.

The conversation explores uncertainty around major programs, the ripple effects for rural and underserved areas, and how local decision-makers are navigating a constantly changing environment. 

This show is 45 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license