Closing The Digital Divide

FQS - The Importance of Technical Due Diligence

Charles Thomas — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 17:34:00 +0000

Greg Smith and John Mellon of Fiber Quality Services (FQS) explain their new service and why technical due diligence is essential in evaluating an ISP’s value during acquisitions or consolidations. It assesses the quality and scalability of network infrastructure, readiness for next-generation technologies, and operational efficiency, offering insights into potential cost-saving measures and future capital needs. This process also ensures regulatory compliance, identifies cybersecurity risks, and evaluates in-house technical expertise, providing a realistic view of the ISP's strengths, risks, and growth potential. Ultimately, technical due diligence helps stakeholders make informed decisions by clarifying the ISP’s operational health, infrastructure needs, and alignment with strategic objectives.

An Interview With Brooke Coleman - BEAD Preparedness

Charles Thomas — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 20:03:22 +0000

I caught up with my friend Brooke Coleman for a fantastic conversation about getting you ready to execute the NTIA BEAD program.

Fiber Quality Services (FQS) - Quality

Charles Thomas — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:35:05 +0000

John Mellon and Grea Smith explain how committing to “Quality” by FQS assures that your project is completed on time and on budget

A conversation with Kyla Williams Tate - Director of Digital Equity Cook County

Charles Thomas — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 01:30:22 +0000

Cook County Chicago one of America’s Top 10 Digital Counties and their efforts to achieve digital equity A conversation with Kyla Williams Tate – Director of Digital Equity Cook County

Techquity, Ensuring Digital Equity w/David Berka

Charles Thomas — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:01:36 +0000

Techquity & Resource Equity at United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Techquity pursues digital equity and inclusion for all via four strategies: Broadband, Devices, Skills, and Advocacy.

Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Requirements

Charles Thomas — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:05:16 +0000

Join us for an insightful podcast episode of “Closing The Digital Divide” featuring our esteemed guests, Jay Harmon, Managing Director at BorderHawk, and Scott D. Woods, President for Public-Private Partnerships at Ready.net, Inc. They will delve into the crucial topics of Cybersecurity and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), specifically focusing on the BEAD/Enhanced A-CAM Requirement. Don’t miss out on this informative discussion! Tune in now to gain valuable insights.It’s

NaLA is working to bridge the "Digital Divide" w/ Danielle Perry - Chief Compliance Officer TruConnect and NaLA Board Member

Charles Thomas — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 02:38:14 +0000

Danielle Perry – Chief Compliance Officer TruConnect & NaLA Board Member discusses how NaLA is working to bridge the “Digital Divide”

Smart Raleigh Initiative w/ John Holden, Smart City Manager of Raleigh, NC

Charles Thomas — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 01:57:05 +0000

I have the pleasure of interviewing my friend John Holden, Smart City Manager of Raleigh, NC, on this episode CTDD. John highlighted the incredible strides Raleigh is making in shaping its future, and I’m excited to see the continued impact of their work on the city and beyond. I have the pleasure of interviewing my friend John Holden, Smart City Manager of Raleigh, NC, on this episode CTDD. John highlighted the incredible strides Raleigh is making in shaping its future, and I’m excited to see the continued impact of their work on the city and beyond.

The ASTEAM Village Launch Program w/ William Wells - Executive Director at aSTEAM Village Kansas City

Charles Thomas — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 02:16:31 +0000

On this episode of CTDD I chat with guest William Wells, Executive Director at aSTEAM Village Village Kansas City. We delve into how ASTEAM Village’s holistic approach fosters not only digital literacy but also a deep understanding of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (ASTEAM). By featuring inspiring success stories and testimonials from program beneficiaries, the podcast underscores the transformative impact of bridging the digital divide, ultimately creating a more equitable and inclusive technological landscape for all.

Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (EA-CAM) Brooke Coleman ~ Nokia

Charles Thomas — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 02:23:44 +0000

On this episode of Closing The Digital Divide, Brooke Coleman Account Manager – Sales/Business Development at Nokia explains the Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (EA-CAM) as well as the reason a special guest visited Nokia!

Cybersecurity & Supply Chain Risk Management Requirement in The BEAD Program w/Jay Harmon ~ BorderHawk

Charles Thomas — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 21:14:20 +0000

In response to the SolarWinds, Microsoft Exchange, and Colonial Pipeline incidents, which took place in late 2020 and early 2021. President Biden on May 12, 2021 signed an Executive Order 14028: Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity. Jay Harmon, Managing Director at BorderHawk and I discuss the Cybersecurity & Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) requirement in The […]

The adequacy of the current $42.5 billion BEAD allocation w/Haig Sarkissian and Berge Ayvazian ~ Wireless 20/20

Charles Thomas — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 19:13:26 +0000

The cost and adequacy of the current $42.5 billion allocation to provide fiber connectivity to every home in the US have sparked extensive debate. Haig Sarkissian and Berge Ayvazian from Wireless 20/20 explain how their analysis, which involves calculating fiber miles, reveals a potential shortfall in achieving nationwide fiber coverage.

Exploring New Technologies to Close The Digital Divide ~ w/ Reginald Weiser - Chairman & CEO at Positron Access Solutions

Charles Thomas — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:59:49 +0000

Exploring New Technologies to Close The Digital Divide In this episode we take a deep dive into a technology destine to be a major player in closing the digital divide! Our guest is Reginald (Reg) Weiser details how his company is using technology to close the digital divide.

NTIA BEAD Program, LOC Requirement w/ Elizabeth Bowles ~ Aristotle Unified Communications CEO

Charles Thomas — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 12:29:06 +0000

NTIA BEAD Program, LOC Requirement Today I have an in-depth chat with Elizbeth Bowles, CEO of Aristotle Unified Communications on the challenge the NTIA’s Letter Of Credit imposes

Emerging Technologies w/Hal Schaefer & Garrett Synstelien

Charles Thomas — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 01:44:43 +0000

Learn more about one of the “Emerging Technologies” working to close the digital divide with: Hal Schaefer, Chief Marketing Officer, Watson Wireless & Broadband & Garrett Synstelien, Network Security Engineer, ReadyLinks Inc

WISPA The Backbone of Broadband ~ w/Steve Schwerbel WISPA

Charles Thomas — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:18:45 +0000

WISPA The Backbone of Broadband ~ w/Steve Schwerbel Join me as I sit down with Steve Schwebel, WISPA’s State Advocacy Manager as we discuss, WISPA policy advocating efforts, How WISPA is educating decision makers and WISPA role in closing the digital divide.

Corey Hauer ~ Chief Executive Officer ~ GigFire "What Impact Could RDOF Have on The BEAD Program?

Charles Thomas — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 03:49:09 +0000

Corey Hauer ~ Chief Executive Officer ~ GigFire Join us as we dig into a conversation concerning RDOF or other similar programs and the possibility of unintentional negative affect on BEAD coverage areas.

Preparing The Resources w/ Walter Rhinehart ~ Vice President Of Business Development at V1 Fiber

Charles Thomas — Wed, 31 May 2023 05:18:23 +0000

It is important to know that broadband projects of any type don't just happen, it is a process that must happen to assure project success. Municipality offices as well as service providers are going to be very busy on a level unseen until now with all the federal funding soon to be released aimed at helping us close the digital divide. On this episode of CTDD we are going to share how one company is meeting that challenge head on.

The Importance of Digital Access w/ Blair Levin - Non-Resident Fellow at The Brookings Institute

Charles Thomas — Wed, 17 May 2023 00:21:15 +0000

On this episode of “Closing The Digital Divide,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the challenges and solutions surrounding one of the most pressing issues of our time—the digital divide. I’m thrilled to have a distinguished guest with us today, a leading authority and advocate in the field. Please join me in extending a warm welcome […]

Navigating Federal Guidelines w/ Scott Woods ~ Ready.Net

Charles Thomas — Fri, 12 May 2023 00:14:58 +0000

Mr. Scott Woods Esq. President for Public-Private Partnerships for Ready.net, Inc. & Broadband.money shares insights on the importance of data gathering for organizations as they work and strive in Closing The Digital Divide!

FCC Actions to Approve Terrestrial FWA in the 12GHz Band w/ James Childs ~ GigFire

Charles Thomas — Tue, 09 May 2023 23:23:22 +0000

Our Guest: James Childs ~ Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), GigFire Today’s Discussion: FCC Actions to Approve Terrestrial FWA in the 12GHz Band Lean in as James talks about the FCC possible action on expanding spectrum by approving terrestrial FWA access in the 12GHz band and its impact on the digital divide.

CTDD Trailer

Charles Thomas — Tue, 02 May 2023 22:34:18 +0000

Did you know that roughly one quarter of Americans do not have access to high-speed home internet, according to the Pew Research Center, a digital divide made worse by a pandemic that forced people to work, learn and communicate online. On my program I will talk with industry leaders, policy makers, equipment manufactures as well as many others on actions they are taking to help Close The Digital Divide.

Preparing ISP's for Federal Funding w/ Brooke Coleman ~ Widelity

Charles Thomas — Tue, 02 May 2023 16:19:31 +0000

Brooke Coleman of Widelity shares how her team preps ISPs to receive and stay in compliance with federal funding. Brooks and her teams work with ISPs is essential in helping ISP to become agents of change in "Closing The Digital Divide"