Unbuffered

In this episode of Unbuffered, Chris is joined by Ernesto Falcon, Program Manager of Communications and Broadband Policy at the California Public Utilities Commission for a conversation about competition, mergers, and how to make sure the lowest-income households have access to an Internet connection that allows them to participate in the economy and civic life, as well as access telehealth and educational services on an equitable playing field.  ★ Support this podcast ★

A conversation about AI policy, emergent systems, distributed knowledge, and why the things that are easiest to measure “might not be the right things to measure.” ★ Support this podcast ★

BEAD delays, LEO satellites, permitting, affordability, and why mobile networks may be getting worse ★ Support this podcast ★

A conversation about how we organize networks—and who they serve ★ Support this podcast ★

An important conversation around what happened when federal agents came to Minnesota—and how communities responded ★ Support this podcast ★

A deep dive into one of the most successful municipal fiber networks in the country—and what other communities can learn from it ★ Support this podcast ★

Blair Levin returns to reflect on the decisions that built today’s Internet—and why we may not be ready for what comes next in an AI-driven world ★ Support this podcast ★

Unbuffered launches with a powerhouse roundtable on broadband policy, the FCC, and media consolidation. Karl Bode, Gigi Sohn, Doug Dawson, and Sean Gonsalves dig into whether today’s technology ecosystem is helping or hurting the public ★ Support this podcast ★

Unbuffered is here. In this kickoff episode, Chris Mitchell introduces a new chapter that builds on Community Broadband Bits while expanding the conversation around Internet access, power, and local control. Tune in for what’s next! ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Dawson returns to break down the latest shifts in broadband policy and what they mean on the ground. From funding uncertainty to real deployment challenges, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on what communities should actually be paying attention to ★ Support this podcast ★

As telecom companies and billionaires consolidate control over media outlets and platforms, what does that mean for journalism and democracy? Chris and Karl Bode unpack the long arc of media consolidation, the decline of local news, and why rebuilding informed communities may require both policy reform and stronger local connections ★ Support this podcast ★

As communities invest in broadband infrastructure, a bigger question looms: who controls the data flowing through those networks? Sascha Meinrath joins us to unpack the growing intersection of connectivity, surveillance, and civil liberties ★ Support this podcast ★

Jason Mittler returns to share progress on fiber expansion in Fort Pierce, digital equity efforts in Lincoln Park, and how municipal ownership allows the city to lower rates while strengthening its utilities ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Mitchell, Doug Dawson, and Sean Gonsalves break down the latest telecom mergers, Starlink’s push to reshape BEAD rules, and new research showing how lack of competition drives higher prices for consumers ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Mitchell, Doug Adams, and Karl Bode break down Starlink’s behind-the-scenes push to rewrite BEAD rules, what it means for accountability and public dollars, and why communities could once again be left holding the bag ★ Support this podcast ★

Brendan Kelly of REVinternet joins Chris Mitchell and Sean Gonsalves to explain why these neighborhoods are stuck with outdated networks—and how a community-centered approach can finally deliver affordable, reliable Internet where big ISPs have failed ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Mitchell is joined by CBN colleagues to share bold predictions on BEAD delays, municipal broadband momentum, and the growing influence of fixed wireless, satellites, and AI ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Mitchell sits down with Doug Dawson to cut through the hype, unpack growing uncertainty around federal policy, and explain what communities and providers should realistically expect as 2026 unfolds ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Mitchell and Blair Levin look back at predictions and policy delays from 2025, unpack the growing influence of satellites and tariffs, and explore how power, politics, and markets are redefining the future of connectivity in 2026 and beyond ★ Support this podcast ★

In this year-end roundtable, the Community Broadband Networks team looks back at their 2025 predictions—and reckons with what actually happened. ★ Support this podcast ★

Richard Shockey joins Chris Mitchell to explain how the collapse of the PSTN, weak federal oversight, and a messy transition to all-IP networks threaten everything from 911 reliability to rural connectivity. ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Mitchell, Jess Auer, and David Kulp tell the inside story of how community determination transformed Internet access across Western Massachusetts. ★ Support this podcast ★

Mauricio Rodriguez joins Chris to talk about permitting challenges, land negotiations, environmental surprises, and why setting standards and hiring the right people early is key to actually getting fiber in the ground. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sascha Meinrath joins Chris to unpack how BEAD funding is drifting toward satellite solutions that can’t scale—and why misleading speed data, space congestion, and political pressure could derail real broadband progress ★ Support this podcast ★

Doug Dawson joins Chris to break down the latest shakeups in broadband policy, from ISPs gaming the data to NTIA’s controversial BEAD changes and what it all means for communities trying to connect. ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Mitchell, Karl Bode, and Sean Gonsalves break down the politics, corruption, and power plays shaping the broadband landscape—and what it all means for communities fighting for real Internet choice ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Mitchell and Jordan Pittman dig into what federal broadband funding missed, why affordability still looms as the biggest barrier, and how communities can keep pushing for real accountability and digital equity. ★ Support this podcast ★

Mike Masnick of Techdirt joins us to unpack the myths around Section 230, how reform efforts could backfire, and why protecting free speech online requires more nuance than most policymakers are willing to give. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks with Karl Bode and Jordan Pittman to dig into free speech, media consolidation, and the flood of low-quality “AI slop” shaping how we experience the Internet today. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jonathan Chambers joins us to talk fiber, satellites, and the messy truth of federal broadband policy—and why evidence, not politics, should drive how we connect rural America. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sarah Morris joins us to talk about the Trump administration’s push toward satellite, what it means for states on the frontlines, and why Congress’s original vision for closing the digital divide is at risk. ★ Support this podcast ★

Scott Goff of Gibson Connect joins the show to share how an electric co-op in Tennessee is transforming rural communities with reliable, affordable fiber broadband. He and Chris discuss overcoming state barriers, building trust, and why community-first models are key to closing the digital divide ★ Support this podcast ★

Sascha Meinrath returns to break down what Starlink gets right—and wrong—about solving the digital divide. He and the CBN Team take a hard look at the hype, the reality, and why magic-bullet solutions often distract from real, community-driven infrastructure. ★ Support this podcast ★

Sascha Meinrath returns for a wide-ranging conversation on "Abundance" and what it gets right and wrong about broadband and public policy. He and Chris unpack the dangers of corporate-led infrastructure and why real abundance must center the public good. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sean unpack the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Universal Service Fund (USF) and why it matters for millions of Americans. They also call out corporate “sludge” tactics and highlight a major lawsuit—filed by 21 states and D.C.—pushing back against the Trump administration’s attempt to cancel the Digital Equity Act. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Brian Vo and Clara Miller join the show to explore how communities can leverage mission-driven finance to build lasting broadband infrastructure. They highlight creative approaches to funding that prioritize community needs and long-term impact. ★ Support this podcast ★

Wi-Fi as we know it is under threat. Harold Feld and Michael Calabrese join the show to explain how a Senate proposal could auction off critical spectrum needed for Wi-Fi 7—undermining future innovation and everyday connectivity. Learn what’s at stake and how to fight back. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, David Zumwalt joins the show to break down why CBRS—shared spectrum that powers broadband in rural and underserved areas—is under threat. He and Chris explore how corporate lobbying could unravel a successful model that’s fueling innovation and connectivity nationwide.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Monday edition of the podcast, Evan Feinman returns to break down the Trump administration’s latest changes to the BEAD program. He and Chris dig into how prioritizing short-term savings over long-term infrastructure could leave millions with slower, pricier Internet access.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Chris welcomes back Gigi Sohn for a rapid-fire reaction to Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s latest testimony and the ongoing BEAD program freeze. They unpack the political motivations, and what's really at stake for states ready to build broadband networks. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Josh Etheridge of EPC joins us to talk about how the BEAD delay is hitting Louisiana hard—from stalled projects to laid-off workers—and why this federal pause is putting connectivity and local businesses at risk. ★ Support this podcast ★

Tom Esselman of DEPO-KC joins us to talk about Kansas City’s long digital equity journey—from Google Fiber to grassroots partnerships—and why local trust and nonprofit leadership are key to closing the digital divide. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks again with Jade Piros de Carvalho to explain how canceling the Digital Equity Act doesn’t just cut digital inclusion programs—it threatens entire state broadband offices and the future of BEAD. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this urgent episode of the podcast, Angela Siefer and Amy Huffman join us to respond to President Trump’s declaration that the Digital Equity Act is “unconstitutional.” We break down what the Act actually does—and what’s at stake for millions of Americans if it disappears. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down again with Evan Feinman to share what it took to launch the biggest broadband investment in U.S. history. He reflects on what went right, what still worries him, and why local leadership is key to getting it right. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Patty Boyers and Robbie Myers on how local collaboration and smart public investment connected Stringtown, MO—and why it’s a game changer for public safety, healthcare, and opportunity. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, former BEAD Director Evan Feinman joins us to unpack the sudden shift in federal broadband policy—and how it could derail state-led fiber projects in favor of satellites. With billions at stake, the conversation cuts to the heart of what’s really happening behind the scenes. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sascha Meinrath dig into what's gone wrong with federal programs like BEAD and digital equity grants, and what it means for the future of Internet access.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Matt Rantanen shares how Tribal Broadband Bootcamps are equipping Indigenous leaders with the technical skills and policy know-how to build and sustain their own networks. Tune in to learn how these hands-on trainings are closing the digital divide in Indian Country. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Bob Frankston to challenge the traditional telecom model and explore why Internet access should be treated like a public utility. He explains how shifting to a community-owned model could unlock innovation and make connectivity more resilient. ★ Support this podcast ★