In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine welcomes Elizabeth Brown, Marketing Manager at PTCI, and Brandon Johnson, VP of Sales at GOCare, for a discussion on how rural broadband providers are transforming the customer experience through digital communication tools, integration strategies, and real-time support.

Elizabeth shares how PTCI’s “Year of the Customer” initiative evolved into a long-term commitment to service excellence—driven by esports events, smart agriculture solutions, AI-powered coaching tools, and a focus on meeting customers where they are, especially in Oklahoma’s rural communities. 

Brandon explains how GOCare’s unified communication platform empowers service providers by integrating chat, SMS, social, and backend systems into a single interface, dramatically improving customer engagement and responsiveness.

From rural innovation and AI call coaching to the future of NTCA’s marketing mission, this episode offers a thoughtful look into how small-town ISPs are leading big changes in broadband service delivery.

Episode 424: How PTCI and GOCare are Modernizing Broadband Support

Recorded live at the NTCA’s 2025 R-TIME Conference in San Antonio, this episode of The Broadband Bunch features a conversation between host Brad Hine and Roxie Jorgenson—Chair of the NTCA Board of Directors and owner of Roxberry LLC.

Roxie shares the latest from NTCA’s new strategic plan, covering universal service funding, BEAD rollout challenges, and the critical need for workforce development in rural America. Drawing from her 25+ years in leadership and her work with Roxbury LLC, she explains how broken relationships—within organizations and with customers—often hold companies back from growth. Her programs like the Client Loyalty Accelerator™ and Trust-to-Profit™ system offer actionable strategies to reduce attrition, align teams, and turn relationships into long-term revenue.

Episode 429: Roxie Jorgenson on Relationships, Leadership & Rural Networks

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live from Connected America 2025, host Brad Hine sits down with Edyn Rolls, Chief Strategic Officer and founding member of the Oklahoma Broadband Office. As a key leader driving the state’s broadband expansion efforts, Edyn shares insights into Oklahoma’s $500 million deployment of ARPA funds, the BEAD subgrantee selection process, and how the state is adapting to shifting federal policies.

They dive into strategies for serving rural and tribal communities, replacing the now-defunct Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and balancing fiber ambitions with real-world terrain challenges. Edyn also opens up about her personal broadband journey—from grant-writing novice to statewide broadband leader—and the passion she brings to ensuring equitable access for every Oklahoman.

Episode 432: Edyn Rolls on Leading Broadband Access in Oklahoma

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, host Brad Hine welcomes Charlene Gavel, President and CEO of SaskTel, to the show. Fresh from her "Operator Lightning Talk" presentation titled Lighting Up Saskatchewan, Charlene shares the remarkable journey of SaskTel—from its origins as a provincial telephone department in 1908 to its current role as a cutting-edge technology leader in Canada.

Charlene reflects on her personal career path, including her early days as a CFO and her connection to SaskTel through her father, a 30-year employee. She offers insight into the unique challenges of delivering high-speed fiber to a population of just over 1 million people spread across a landmass the size of Texas. Despite the lack of scale, Charlene highlights how SaskTel’s mission-driven approach as a Crown Corporation fuels innovation and prioritizes community outcomes.

The conversation explores SaskTel’s transition from a traditional telco to a forward-thinking “techco,” emphasizing infrastructure automation, OSS/BSS innovation through SaskTel International, and the need to monetize fiber investments through value-added services. Charlene also offers advice to aspiring leaders—especially women in tech—about using their voice, following their passion, and building strong, collaborative teams.

Episode 443: Charlene Gavel on Rural Broadband, Fiber Expansion, and SaskTel’s Evolution

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at Fiber Connect 2025 in Nashville, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Joe Hickey, President of PomeGran, for a conversation about the realities of expanding rural broadband in Canada. Joe reflects on his 35-year career spanning telecom, defense electronics, wireless, and broadband, sharing how his passion for connecting communities has shaped his work today.

The discussion explores the challenges of delivering high-speed internet to remote regions, including navigating Canada’s grant programs, working through Indigenous land approvals, managing multi-utility make-ready processes, and operating in extreme northern climates. Joe talks about Canada’s multi-billion-dollar broadband funding initiatives and how they compare to the U.S. BEAD program, as well as the importance of community engagement and local partnerships in driving adoption. He also examines strategies for monetizing both new and existing networks in low-density areas and explains the broader economic benefits of rural broadband, from attracting industry and new residents to boosting GDP. Looking ahead, Joe discusses opportunities in satellite, 5G, and open-access networks, underscoring the need for passion, persistence, and creativity to overcome obstacles and keep projects moving forward.

Episode 456: Connecting Rural Canada with Joe Hickey of PomeGran

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down with Dr. Christopher Ali, the Pioneers Chair in Telecommunications and Associate Professor at Penn State’s Bellisario College of Communications. Recorded live at the CBAN Spring Summit, the conversation explores the evolving landscape of broadband policy and BEAD funding. Dr. Ali offers a grounded perspective on what it will truly take to close the digital divide, emphasizing the need for realistic timelines, long-term infrastructure planning, and a balanced approach that integrates both fiber and wireless technologies. He discusses the vital role of middle-mile infrastructure, particularly the untapped potential of electric cooperatives to deliver broadband to underserved communities. The episode also touches on the importance of digital literacy, affordability, and the dangers of sunset clauses that can undermine ongoing connectivity. Dr. Ali shares insights into his upcoming “Broadband Stories” project, which aims to highlight the human impact of broadband through real-world narratives.

Episode 442: Real Talk on Rural Broadband with Dr. Christopher Ali

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine sits down at WISPA America 2025 in Oklahoma City with Matt Mandel, Vice President of Government Affairs at WISPA. With over two decades of experience navigating Capitol Hill, Matt shares a behind-the-scenes look at broadband policy advocacy, from engaging with Congress and federal agencies to representing the needs of WISPs across the country.

The conversation explores the role of fixed wireless in broadband deployment, the regulatory uncertainty surrounding BEAD funding, and the importance of technology-neutral approaches to closing the digital divide. Matt also offers unique insights into his journey from congressional aide to telecom lobbyist, the fast-paced world of broadband policy, and the power of local, community-based ISPs to transform rural America.

Episode 455: Matt Mandel Explains WISPA’s Role in Shaping Broadband Legislation

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live at FiberConnect 2025, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Janet Price, Director of Engineering for Telecon U.S. With over four decades of experience in the telecom industry, Janet shares her insights on the evolving landscape of fiber deployment, the impact of BEAD funding, and the importance of permitting and pre-construction planning in today’s broadband projects.

Janet discusses Telecon’s turnkey approach to fiber network design and construction, including recent projects across the U.S., and how automation and AI are streamlining operations, saving time and improving accuracy. The conversation also touches on the growing diversity in the broadband workforce, her passion for mentorship, and the critical role of client education and collaboration in delivering successful fiber-to-the-home builds.

Episode 447: Janet Price of Telecon Talks AI, Fiber Design, and the Power of Preparation

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo speaks with Tracy Doaks, President and CEO of MCNC. Tracy shares her journey from state CIO to leading MCNC, which operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network.

She discusses MCNC’s 5,000 miles of fiber, its role in telehealth, and how middle-mile networks empower last-mile providers to serve rural communities. The conversation covers broadband as infrastructure of opportunity, the impact of public-private partnerships, challenges with funding and affordability, and the growing importance of cybersecurity and resiliency. Tracy emphasizes how broadband adoption fuels education, healthcare, job creation, and thriving economies across North Carolina.

Episode 461: Building Thriving Communities Through Broadband with Tracy Doaks

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap, Pete Pizzutillo catches up with Chris McKenzie, VP of Network Operations at Rapid Fiber, while at Calix ConneXions 2025. Chris shares his unconventional journey from the music industry to corporate IT to rural broadband, and how that experience shaped Rapid Fiber’s fast-moving deployment strategy. In just two years, the team has grown from zero to 7,000 subscribers while building out their entire network—staying a full quarter ahead of schedule. He explains why they rejected traditional demand aggregation and instead marketed fiber availability feeder-by-feeder, dramatically improving customer satisfaction and community engagement.

Chris also breaks down how AI is quickly becoming essential for small, efficient broadband teams. Rapid Fiber is using automation to reduce truck rolls, stay ahead of network issues, and keep subscriber experiences strong. He also highlights the value of Calix ConneXions, where operators gain direct access to industry leaders and emerging technologies. Tune in to learn how Rapid Fiber is scaling rural broadband with precision, creativity, and AI-driven operations.

Episode 471: AI, Fiber Growth, and Rural Strategy with Chris McKenzie of Rapid Fiber

Welcome to the Broadband Bunch, a podcast about broadband and how it impacts all of us.  Join us to learn about the state of the industry and the latest innovations and trends. Connect with the thought leaders, pioneers and policymakers helping to shape your future through broadband.

The Broadband Bunch is sponsored by:
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VETRO: www.vetrofibermap.com

New tracks tagged #RuralConnectivity