191. Ben Elkins — Meeting Rising Demand for Internet Accessibility With Utah Broadband

Season 6 Episode 34: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Ben Elkins, CEO of Utah Broadband. Elkins discusses his recent move to Utah and his leadership overseeing multiple broadband companies under Boston Omaha, including Airbeam, Utah Broadband, and InfoWest. Elkins explains how the company is pivotal in providing high-quality internet services and highlights the growing demand for fiber connectivity due to the increasing number of internet-connected devices. He also touches on the entrepreneurial culture in Utah and the strong demand for broadband services among businesses. Elkins emphasizes the company's focus on maintaining high customer satisfaction and addressing bandwidth needs effectively. The duo delve into the rising importance of high-speed internet as more households adopt smart devices, spotlighting Utah Broadband's efforts to meet future demands by upgrading its network to gigabit speeds. Elkins also highlights the company's customer-centric team, selective growth strategy, and dedication to improving internet access in underserved rural areas of Utah, supported by federal infrastructure funding.