Getting digital devices into the hands of people who need them is a vital need in digital equity work. In this episode, we chat with two nonprofit organizations that are helping close the digital divide through device recycling, refurbishment, and distribution. Ashley Smith, E2D https://www.e-2-d.org Padric Gleason, Human I-T https://www.human-i-t.org

The latest edition of Broadband Action, the CBAN podcast, is now available for viewing or listening! CBAN's Jon Willow chats with Ry Marcattilio from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) about a new map of community networks across the U.S. The map, updated with a new engine and user interface, tracks publicly owned broadband networks, including municipal, cooperative, and tribal models. It features various filters for business models, network characteristics, and population sizes, with 400 municipal networks serving over 700 communities. The map aims to help communities find similar networks and solutions for their broadband needs. Future enhancements include exporting raw data and adding technology filters. Links: Community Networks (Institute for Local Self-Reliance): https://communitynets.org ILSR Broadband Map: https://communitynets.org/content/community-network-map Join CBAN and become part of the conversation and the community! https://broadbandaction.com/join-cban/

The Broadband Communities Summit West happens at the end of October. In this edition of Broadband Action, we chat with one of the event organizers, Brad Randall. We also chat with Jim Baller with Keller and Heckman LLP, a CBAN Broadband Backer. Baller and his team will lead one of the session tracks at BBC Summit West. Links: BBC West Agenda: https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/broadband-communities-west/agenda.stm CBAN 20% discount code for BBC Summit West attendees: https://bit.ly/CBAN20BBC Keller and Heckman LLP: https://www.khlaw.com

Hosts Jon Willow and Curtis Dean provide a sneak peak at the upcoming 2024 CBAN Fall Forum in West Des Moines, Iowa on October 10th. The event will also be streamed live for online attendees. Curtis chats with Dr. Christopher Ali, the Summit keynote, about his message to attendees.

To learn more about the event and to register for the 2024 CBAN Fall Forum at https://bit.ly/24fallforum

On this episode of Broadband Action, we turn our attention to a small island in Lake Michigan with big broadband challenges. Beaver Island, Michigan leaders have been trying for years to create a solution to inferior broadband by getting a fiber network built. CBAN's Curtis Dean and Jon Willow visit with two of Beaver Island's broadband champions, Dick Mulvhill and Kevin Boyle, to learn more about their journey toward better broadband.

CBAN's Curtis Dean shares his perspectives on Fiber Connect 2024, one of the broadband industry'a major events. Over 5,000 people attended this event in Nashville, TN hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association (a CBAN Advocate Member). Curtis discussed the event, the venue, and some of the news that dropped while industry leaders were assembled.

In this episode of Broadband Action, CBAN's Jon Willow and Curtis Dean talk with Karl Bode, a journalist who's been covering broadband for 25 years. Karl shares his perspective on the big issues facing the broadband industry and some insight on what further changes may be coming.

In this episode of Broadband Action we chat with leaders at two municipal broadband utilities who have integrated their own affordability programs to benefit their community members. Chad Crager is the Broadband Executive Director at Fort Collins Connexion and Chris Roy is General Manager at Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations, also known as SELCO.

Fort Collins Connexion: https://fcconnexion.com/

Shrewsbury Electric & Cable Operations: https://www.selco.shrewsburyma.gov/

CBAN Spring Summit registration: https://bit.ly/CBAN24