Community Broadband Bits
Short interviews with people doing interesting things to expand broadband networks that put community needs first.
Show episodes
Building Broadband from the Ground Up - Episode 667 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast
Mauricio Rodriguez joins Chris to talk about permitting challenges, land negotiations, environmental surprises, and why setting standards and hiring the right people early is key to actually getting fiber in the ground. ★ Support this podcast ★
The Satellite Solution That Won’t Scale - Episode 666 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast
Sascha Meinrath joins Chris to unpack how BEAD funding is drifting toward satellite solutions that can’t scale—and why misleading speed data, space congestion, and political pressure could derail real broadband progress ★ Support this podcast ★
Speed Tests and Why BEAD Keeps Getting Messier - Episode 665 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast
Doug Dawson joins Chris to break down the latest shakeups in broadband policy, from ISPs gaming the data to NTIA’s controversial BEAD changes and what it all means for communities trying to connect. ★ Support this podcast ★
Follow the Money: Comcast, Starlink, and the BEAD Backslide - Episode 664 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast
Chris Mitchell, Karl Bode, and Sean Gonsalves break down the politics, corruption, and power plays shaping the broadband landscape—and what it all means for communities fighting for real Internet choice ★ Support this podcast ★
After BEAD: The Future of Broadband and Accountability - Episode 663 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast
Chris Mitchell and Jordan Pittman dig into what federal broadband funding missed, why affordability still looms as the biggest barrier, and how communities can keep pushing for real accountability and digital equity. ★ Support this podcast ★
Mike Masnick of Techdirt joins us to unpack the myths around Section 230, how reform efforts could backfire, and why protecting free speech online requires more nuance than most policymakers are willing to give. ★ Support this podcast ★