The Whiskey and Wireless Podcast

In Episode 18 of Whiskey & Wireless, Ron Willett records live from CCA and sits down with three longtime leaders from the regional wireless ecosystem:• Kim Caronchi, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA)• Ron Whaley, IDI Billing Solutions• Slayton Stewart, CEO of Carolina West WirelessThe conversations cover the evolution of RCA into today’s CCA, the relationships that have shaped the regional wireless industry for decades, and the growing challenges facing rural and regional carriers across the United States.From policy and advocacy in Washington to shrinking roaming revenue, AI adoption, private networks, and the fight to preserve local wireless providers, this episode offers an honest look at the realities of telecom today.The discussion also explores:-How CCA became a major advocacy force in Washington-Why relationships still drive the telecom industry-The financial pressures facing regional carriers-The decline of roaming and universal service funding-AI, automation, and operational efficiency in telecom-New revenue opportunities through APIs and private networks-Why local customer service still matters in rural America-The importance of supporting regional carriers and communitiesThis episode is part industry history, part business strategy, and part behind-the-scenes look at the people helping keep regional wireless alive.If you work in telecom, wireless infrastructure, carrier operations, billing, policy, or rural broadband, this is a conversation worth hearing.Subscribe to Whiskey & Wireless for more conversations with the people shaping the telecom industry.#podcast #wireless #telecom

In Episode 17 of Whiskey & Wireless, Ron Willett sits down with Bill Basquin, VP of Sales, Americas at AppLogic, for a deep dive into how carriers manage the growing complexity of modern data networks.Bill shares his journey from startup setbacks to leading sales across the Americas, along with a behind-the-scenes look at how network traffic has evolved from early file-sharing days to today’s AI-driven, high-bandwidth environment.The conversation explores how carriers handle congestion, why adding more bandwidth doesn’t solve the problem, and how solutions like Total Traffic Manager (TTM) help optimize network performance while improving the end-user experience. From Netflix surges to AI traffic bursts, Bill breaks down what’s really happening inside the network.They also discuss emerging opportunities in enterprise services, satellite infrastructure, and how carriers can unlock new revenue streams through smarter data utilization without crossing the line on privacy.This episode offers a practical look at the technology powering modern networks and the strategies carriers need to stay competitive.If you work in telecom, network engineering, carrier operations, or infrastructure strategy, this episode provides valuable insight into how networks are managed at scale.Subscribe to Whiskey & Wireless for more conversations with leaders shaping the telecom industry.#podcast #telecom #wireless #networkoptimization

Description:In Episode 16 of Whiskey & Wireless, Ron Willett sits down with Alan Lewis, CEO and Co-Founder of Hydeco, to talk about the newly announced partnership between ClearSky and Hydeco and why affordable, dependable SMS infrastructure still matters for regional and rural carriers.Alan shares the origin story behind Hydeco, from the paging software days to building one of the industry’s most trusted carrier-focused SMS platforms. He and Ron discuss why SMS is far from dead, how smaller carriers can reduce costs without sacrificing service, and why customer support, product reliability, and long-term relationships still win in telecom.The conversation also covers Hydeco’s carrier-first philosophy, the value of in-house development and support, and what it takes to stay relevant in a business where technology moves slowly until suddenly it doesn’t.This episode is part partnership story, part telecom history, and part lesson in building sticky, durable products for a changing wireless market.In this episode:-The ClearSky and Hydeco partnership-Why SMS still matters for carriers-Helping regional operators lower costs and improve service-How Hydeco built its first SMSC in 1998-Why in-house code and support make a difference-The importance of customer-driven product development-How long-term carrier relationships are built and maintainedIf you work in telecom, carrier operations, messaging infrastructure, or rural wireless, this episode offers a practical look at how the right technology partners can create real value.Subscribe to Whiskey & Wireless for more conversations with the people shaping the telecom industry.#podcast #whiskeyandwireless #telecom

In Episode 15 of Whiskey & Wireless, Ron Willett sits down with Tim Donovan, President and CEO of the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA), for a conversation about the forces shaping the future of rural wireless.Tim shares how CCA represents regional and rural carriers on Capitol Hill, advocating for policies that ensure smaller operators can compete, invest, and continue delivering connectivity across the United States. The discussion explores the policy battles behind spectrum, universal service, and why accurate coverage maps and strong industry advocacy remain critical for rural networks.The conversation also looks ahead at how AI infrastructure, satellite partnerships, and new technology demands could reshape the economics of connectivity. As data demand grows and infrastructure requirements expand, rural carriers may find themselves at the center of the next phase of wireless investment.This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at telecom policy, rural connectivity, and the evolving role of regional carriers in the wireless ecosystem.In this episode:Tim Donovan’s path to leading the Competitive Carriers AssociationHow CCA advocates for rural and regional carriers in WashingtonThe policy challenges facing rural wireless operatorsWhy accurate coverage maps matter for funding and deploymentAI infrastructure and the growing demand for network capacitySatellite partnerships and their potential impact on rural connectivityWhat the future may hold for regional wireless carriersIf you work in telecom, rural broadband, wireless policy, or carrier strategy, this episode provides valuable insight into the conversations shaping the industry.Learn more about CCA: https://competitivecarriers.orgSubscribe to Whiskey & Wireless for more conversations with leaders shaping the telecom industry.#podcast #whiskeypodcast

In Episode 14 of Whiskey and Wireless, Ron Willett sits down with Miriam Liszewski, RCS Commercial Product Manager at Sinch, to talk about what’s changed in the last 18 months and why RCS is finally moving from “someday” to real adoption.Miriam shares her path from Google (starting in RCS back in 2018) to Sinch, how RCS for Business is reshaping brand-to-consumer engagement, and why Apple support was the tipping point that made enterprise conversations start happening for real.They also get into how RCS compares to SMS/MMS and WhatsApp globally, why “entitlement servers” suddenly matter, and what the next wave of messaging looks like as reach increases and fallback becomes the exception instead of the rule.#WhiskeyAndWireless #RCS #RCForBusiness #Sinch #Messaging #A2P #Telecom #MobileMessaging #CustomerEngagement #CPaaS

In this episode, Ron Willett sits down with Allen Bennion, Director of RINA Operations, to talk about 20 years of powering rural wireless through partnership, persistence, and plenty of tower climbs.Allen shares how RINA helps regional carriers survive and thrive in a changing industry, what’s next for rural 5G, and why consolidation, shared infrastructure, and new revenue streams like RCS are the key to long-term success.They also talk about Allen’s background growing up in Vernal, Utah, family life, leadership, values, and why the best therapy might involve a horse, a mountain trail, and no cell service.Subscribe for more conversations with the people who power the wireless world.#WhiskeyAndWireless #TelecomPodcast #WirelessIndustry #Business #podcast

In Episode 12 of Whiskey and Wireless, Ron Willett sits down with Stephanie Lashley, VP of Messaging Strategic Alliances & Infrastructure at Bandwidth -  widely known in the industry as the Queen of Messaging.Stephanie shares her journey from growing up in Kansas City to building her career at Sprint and Bandwidth, her perspective on the evolution of A2P messaging and 10DLC, and why she believes RCS is finally here to stay.They also discuss:• The explosive growth of political and retail messaging post-2020• The role of marketing in solving objections before they arise• How Bandwidth scaled messaging from a “fledgling product” to a major revenue driver• Leadership lessons, customer-centric strategy, and what’s next in messaging• The growing momentum of women in telecom, including the Women in Messaging Dinner at MWCPlus: how travel, Taylor Swift, and sardines all tie in.Subscribe for more candid conversations with the people shaping the wireless ecosystem.#WhiskeyAndWireless #StephanieLashley #Bandwidth #MessagingLeadership #RCS #10DLC #A2P #TelecomPodcast #WomenInTelecom #CarrierTech #WirelessMessaging #MEF #BusinessMessaging

In Episode 11 of Whiskey and Wireless, Ron Willett sits down with Erik Levitt, CEO of Viper Networks, for a fast-moving, story-filled conversation about the wild road from rural Dominica to building a full-scale wireless carrier.Erik shares how growing up in the Caribbean shaped his mindset, what it took to launch his first company at 21, and how he’s evolved across three decades of entrepreneurship, from data centers to messaging, and now full mobile network deployment.They also cover:-Building an independent wireless carrier in underserved markets-The surprising resilience of wholesale voice-Smart cities, solar energy, and what’s next for Viper Networks-How music, risk, and reinvention fuel long-term successOh, and yes, Erik once sang the national anthem at Madison Square Garden.Subscribe for more conversations with the people pushing the wireless world forward.

In Episode 10 of The Whiskey and Wireless Podcast, Ron Willett sits down with industry veteran Paul Ruppert, President of Global Point View Ltd., for one of our most wide-ranging conversations yet.From launching one of the first GSM networks in North America to negotiating 100+ international roaming agreements, Paul has shaped global telecom policy, messaging interoperability, and carrier strategy for decades. But the story doesn’t stop there.Paul also shares personal stories about his father's role in the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials, how global travel shaped his perspective, and why he believes RCS, AI, and network APIs are the next strategic inflection point for messaging.They also explore:• The evolution of international roaming and SMS interoperability• What regional carriers must understand about RCS readiness• Lessons from decades in mobile, politics, and consulting• The importance of leadership, clarity, and asking the right questionsThis episode blends history, strategy, and a little Johnny Walker Blue.Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the future of wireless.#TelecomPodcast #WhiskeyAndWireless #PaulRuppert #GlobalPointView #RCS #Roaming #MessagingStrategy #WirelessLeadership #A2P #SMSInteroperability #CarrierStrategy #BusinessMessaging #TelecomHistory #NetworkAPIs

In Episode 9, Ron Willett sits down with Brian Stafford, CEO of nativeMsg, for a deep dive into the future of business messaging, and why RCS is finally having its moment.Brian shares his 7+ year journey building an RCS-first company, how nativeMsg is transforming messaging into rich, interactive experiences, and why timing, AI integration, and user education are everything.They also discuss:• Why the Apple + Google RCS shift changes the game• nativeMsg’s new partnership with IBM• Real use cases and enterprise adoption trends• Building a messaging company while raising four kids• Sports, startups, and the lessons that carry overIf you work in messaging, telecom, or B2B tech, this one’s for you.🎧 Subscribe for more wireless conversations that don’t pull punches.

In this episode, Ron Willett sits down with Meredith Wiegman, Senior Product Manager, Fraud at Vonage, to talk about her remarkable journey; from joining ClearSky Technologies with no telecom background to becoming one of the most respected voices in business messaging and fraud prevention.Meredith opens up about balancing career and motherhood, her transition through ClearSky, Sinch, and Vonage, and how curiosity shaped her path. She and Ron discuss everything from A2P messaging and 10DLC to the rise of RCS, the importance of network APIs, and the industry’s renewed focus on fraud prevention and trust in business messaging.They also touch on:• The evolution of business messaging post‑COVID• How remote work reshaped the telecom industry• The rise of women in wireless and the Women in Telecom initiative• ClearSky’s growth, industry changes, and new technologies like RCS• Why fraud prevention is essential to the future of messagingThis episode is part personal story, part telecom deep‑dive, and it marks a full‑circle moment for both Ron and Meredith.Listen now and subscribe for more candid conversations with the people who power the wireless world.

In this episode of Whiskey & Wireless, host Ron Willett sits down with Randall Peterson, a telecom veteran with over 20 years of experience in roaming and regional wireless. From his early career at Union Wireless in Wyoming to his current role at Comfone, Randall shares unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing regional carriers, the evolution of roaming, and the future of connectivity worldwide.You’ll hear stories about:-Building a career in wireless starting as a programmer-How roaming shaped the survival of regional carriers-The role of roaming hubs and travel eSIMs in today’s market-Life in rural Wyoming vs. Orlando and the lifestyle changes that come with it-Randall’s passion for soccer and how global travel connects both his work and personal lifeWhether you’re in wireless, telecom, or messaging, this episode offers practical perspective on the importance of regional carriers, the impact of global roaming, and what the future holds for mobile operators worldwide.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with wireless industry leaders.#podcast #business #telecom #wireless

In this episode, Ron Willett sits down with Chip Damato, Director of Business Development at ClearSky Technologies and former COO of Inland Cellular, to talk about the evolution of the wireless industry over the last 25+ years.From the days of ringtones and flip phones to today’s RCS campaigns and network authentication, Chip shares real stories, industry insights, and a few laughs, including the first mid-show whiskey refill on our podcast. They also dig into Chip's baseball career, the challenges regional carriers face, and what it takes to build long-term success in telecom.Subscribe for more episodes with the people who power the wireless world.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Legge, CEO of Netnumber, to talk telecom, leadership, and what Mission Impossible has to do with...well, anything. From his love of auto racing to the real-world challenges of modern networks, Steve shares stories, lessons, and laughs you won’t hear anywhere else.Subscribe for weekly conversations with telecom leaders!

In Episode 4 of The Whiskey and Wireless Podcast, host Ron Willett sits down with another industry voice for a no-fluff conversation about what’s really happening in telecom.They dig into the wins, the growing pains, and why wives think yachts are more dangerous than fishing boats - over a pour of great whiskey. 🎧 Subscribe for future episodes and follow us on LinkedIn to join the conversation.#WhiskeyAndWireless #TelecomPodcast #CarrierTalk #Telecom #Messaging #NetworkOps #WirelessIndustry #ClearSky

In this episode of The Whiskey and Wireless Podcast, host Ron Willett sits down with ClearSky’s Head of Sales, Tony Tagliareni. The two talk about their decades-long friendship, how the wireless industry has evolved, and what’s next for messaging, from A2P to RCS and beyond. It’s an honest, laid-back conversation between two people who’ve seen the industry grow from the inside.

In this episode of The Whiskey and Wireless Podcast, Ron Willett sits down with Marcelo Frizzo, VP of Strategic Accounts North America at Infobip. They talk about where messaging is heading, what brands really want from carriers, and how the ecosystem is evolving beyond SMS. It’s a candid, forward-looking conversation with someone who’s been in the room where big messaging decisions get made.#WhiskeyAndWireless #Podcast #Messaging #Infobip #Telecom #CarrierTools #FutureOfMessaging

Grab your favorite drink and join Ron Willett for a laid-back conversation with Eddie DeCurtis from Shush—ClearSky’s partner for Silent Network Authentication. They swap stories about starting a company from scratch, share behind-the-scenes industry insights, and dive into their own friendship. It’s an honest, fun look at what it really takes to build innovative security solutions in telecom.