Connected America Preview

Why It Matters

Connected America provides a critical forum for sharing best practices and forging partnerships that can accelerate broadband deployment, especially in underserved rural markets.

Key Takeaways

• Connected America returns April 14‑15 in Dallas, attracting 1,500+ attendees.
• Event features three‑legged format: exhibit hall, networking, diverse session tracks.
• Sessions cover fiber, rural broadband economics, open‑access networks, AI, private equity.
• Notable speakers include state broadband directors, municipal CTOs, industry CEOs.
• Free press tickets and live podcast stage enhance visibility and industry dialogue.

Summary

The Community Broadband Action Network podcast previewed Connected America, a two‑day conference scheduled for April 14‑15 at the Irving Convention Center near Dallas. Organized by Brad Randall’s team, the event expects roughly 1,500 participants ranging from municipal officials to private‑sector providers, and will feature a bustling exhibit hall with hundreds of sponsors.

The conference follows a three‑legged structure: a vendor‑rich exhibition space, extensive networking opportunities, and a robust agenda of sessions. Topics span the economics of rural broadband, the future of fiber deployment, private‑equity financing as federal programs recede, AI‑driven network innovation, and the rise of open‑access models. Attendees can also hear live podcast recordings and engage with a “Beyond the Cable” stage.

Brad Randall highlighted the value of peer‑to‑peer learning, citing examples such as Roger Timberman of Ethopia Fiber and the Wilmer, Minnesota open‑access project. He noted that “more Americans need better broadband and it should be an all‑in approach,” emphasizing the practical lessons shared by seasoned operators like Utopia and Telepop.

For broadband stakeholders, Connected America offers a rare convergence of policy makers, technology innovators, and community leaders. The event’s mix of high‑profile speakers and grassroots stories promises actionable insights that could shape investment decisions, regulatory strategies, and deployment models across the United States.

Original Description

In this edition of the Broadband Action podcast, Curtis Dean with CBAN discusses the upcoming Connected America event in Dallas with Brad Randall with Total Telecom, one of the events organizers.

https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/connected-america/index.stm