In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris and Sean break down the flawed realities behind national broadband data and policy. They dive into the Federal Communications Commission’s latest 706 report, calling out its questionable citations and reliance on unchecked ISP claims. 

The conversation moves to the BEAD program, exploring why one-third of rural electric co-ops are pulling out of fiber awards, and examines new research from Ohio revealing how tree canopy issues and tall tower costs challenge Starlink’s promises.

Later in the show, Chris and Sean highlight a municipal fiber effort moving forward in Southwick, Massachusetts, discuss what a massive airport ground stop says about the fragility of fiber infrastructure, and tackle the risks of introducing AI into air traffic control in the What the Tech!? segment. 

Finally, they wrap up with a look at a Government Accountability Office report detailing the missteps and misleading figures surrounding DOGE.

This show is 42 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined again by Doug Dawson of CCG Consulting for a wide-ranging conversation about fixed wireless access performance, federal broadband definitions, the BEAD program's true-up process, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on network infrastructure.

Chris and Doug begin by diving into a recent Ookla report on Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. They break down how FWA operates on de-prioritized cellular capacity, why seasonal foliage can slow down speeds, and how the limitations of upload performance highlight the stark difference between cellular home broadband and wireline fiber connections.

From there, the conversation turns to federal policy and mapping challenges. Chris and Doug critique potential shifts at the FCC regarding broadband speed definitions and discuss a GAO report highlighting the hurdles local governments and Tribal nations faced during the bulk broadband collection challenge process. They also examine the NTIA’s plan for truing up unserved locations under the BEAD program, as well as the final funding distributions across fiber, Low Earth Orbit satellites, and fixed wireless networks.

Finally, Chris and Doug tackle the popular debate around AI and network congestion. They unpack why data center traffic differs from residential internet usage, address the security and infrastructural risks of rapid AI development, and discuss the long-term economic viability of major AI models.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Doug connect these technical and policy developments to broader questions about network reliability, federal oversight, market competition, and who will ultimately build and control the future of telecommunications.

This show is 46 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined again by Doug Dawson of CCG Consulting for a wide-ranging conversation about Fiber deployment, Starlink’s latest ambitions, and the changing role of the Federal Communications Commission.

Chris and Doug begin with some good news for Fiber builders, discussing a recent Seventh Circuit ruling in a dispute between CSX and Zayo over railroad rights-of-way. They explore why crossing railroad tracks has long been a costly and frustrating obstacle for broadband projects and how the decision could make it easier to deploy Fiber across railroad corridors if the ruling holds.

From there, the conversation turns to Starlink and its ambitions to become a mobile network operator. Chris and Doug examine what it would actually take for Starlink to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, including the enormous number of cell sites, ground stations, Fiber connections, and other infrastructure needed to build a competitive mobile network.

Finally, Chris and Doug discuss the future of the FCC following recent court decisions that have reshaped the authority of federal agencies and the president’s ability to remove commissioners. They consider what those changes could mean for the FCC’s independence, its ability to set communications policy, and the role of courts in reviewing agency decisions.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Doug connect these developments to broader questions about competition, infrastructure investment, regulatory authority, and who will shape the future of telecommunications.

This show is 31 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Sean Gonsalves for a wide-ranging conversation about some of the latest stories shaping broadband and telecommunications.

Chris and Sean begin in Massachusetts, where they discuss the state's Residential Retrofit Program and how targeted investments are helping bring reliable, affordable Internet service to thousands of residents living in older affordable housing developments. They explore why focusing on existing housing can make a meaningful difference for communities that have often been left behind.

The conversation then shifts to Minnesota, where Windomnet, one of the state's longest-running municipal broadband networks, is being sold to a regional provider. Chris and Sean reflect on the network's legacy, the value it brought to the community over two decades, and why the success of community broadband shouldn't be measured by simple financial metrics alone.

From there, they examine new data showing how Americans are using more upstream bandwidth as upload speeds improve, reinforcing the importance of building networks that support both consumption and creation in an increasingly connected world.

Finally, Chris and Sean dive into one of the more unusual technology stories of the week: the Federal Communications Commission's approval of a proposal to test a satellite designed to reflect sunlight back to Earth. They discuss the regulatory questions surrounding the project, the potential unintended consequences, and what it says about the pace of technological innovation.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Sean connect today's headlines with broader conversations about community investment, local accountability, and building communications infrastructure that serves people for the long term.

This show is 40 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Harold Feld, Senior Vice President at Public Knowledge, and Arturo Juarez from NextGen Policy for a conversation about the high-stakes battle over California's Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) rules and what it means for the future of universal service.

Chris, Harold, and Arturo discuss AT&T's aggressive push to end its long-standing obligations to provide basic phone service across the state as telecommunications providers transition away from legacy copper networks. 

They examine AT&T's multi-front strategy—spanning state legislation, regulatory proceedings, FCC petitions, and federal lawsuits—and explore the potential fallout for vulnerable residents who rely on these lines for affordable, daily communication.

Along the way, they reflect on the critical role landlines continue to play during public safety emergencies like wildfires, when cellular networks frequently fail or overload. 

They also dive into the national context of telecom deregulation, how corporate pressures like stock market performance drive decisions to abandon less profitable areas, and why alternative solutions like satellite internet or chat apps cannot yet replace universal, highly reliable phone networks.

Throughout the episode, Chris, Harold, and Arturo emphasize that network modernization shouldn't come at the cost of public safety or consumer protection. It’s about ensuring that as technology evolves, no community is left behind or forced to accept lower standards of connection.

This show is 54 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined again by Matthew Rantanen for a conversation about the future of Tribal spectrum policy and why access to wireless spectrum remains essential for Tribal self-determination.

Chris and Matt discuss the Federal Communications Commission's proposed changes to the Tribal Licensing Window, exploring why the policy has been an important tool for Tribal Nations seeking to build and operate their own broadband networks. 

They examine the concerns surrounding the current proceeding and what the changes could mean for future Tribal access to spectrum.

Along the way, they reflect on the history of Tribal spectrum policy, the unique legal and sovereign status of Tribal Nations, and the work that has gone into expanding broadband access across Indian Country. They also discuss why continued advocacy, education, and engagement are critical as new spectrum decisions are made.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Matt emphasize that Tribal broadband is about more than technology. It's about ensuring Tribal communities have the opportunity to shape their own digital future and continue building the networks their communities need.

This show is 32 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed. 

You can also check out the video version via YouTube.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes (formerly Community Broadband Bits) or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Whitedrift for the song Operator, licensed Creative Commons Attribution (3.0).