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Sonar 2026 · The Podcast

BANDWIDTH

Operators talking shop. Off-script.

Conversations with ISP operators, BEAD leads, network engineers, and the people running the field.

34Episodes
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34 episodes

  1. AI Maturity Is Not About Intelligence. It's About Trust.

    Bandwidth Podcast

    AI Maturity Is Not About Intelligence. It's About Trust.

    AI means different things depending on who is selling it and who is buying it, and broadband operators are still sorting out which capabilities actually belong in their operations. This conversation covers how to think about AI maturity, where the risk tolerance differs across billing, support, and network ops, and what happens when the subsidized pricing era ends.

    August 18, 2026
  2. What ISPs Must Become by 203033

    Episode 33

    What ISPs Must Become by 2030

    Broadband went from a nice-to-have to a must-have almost overnight, and the industry has been recalibrating ever since. David Zumwalt, President and CEO of WISPA, joined us to talk through what that shift revealed, where consolidation is heading, and what independent operators need to be doing now to stay relevant in a market moving toward universal coverage.

    August 5, 2026
  3. The Backbone of Broadband Has Always Been Local32

    Episode 32

    The Backbone of Broadband Has Always Been Local

    When people talk about the future of broadband, the conversation usually revolves around new technologies, government funding, or the next big infrastructure project.

    July 22, 2026
  4. TV Isn't Dead. It's Becoming Easier to Watch.31

    Episode 31

    TV Isn't Dead. It's Becoming Easier to Watch.

    For years, the broadband industry has been telling the same story: the future is internet, and traditional TV is on its way out. As streaming services exploded onto the scene, it certainly felt that way.

    July 8, 2026
  5. The Internet Runs on Relationships: What NANOG Can Teach Every ISP About Building a Better Network30

    Episode 30

    The Internet Runs on Relationships: What NANOG Can Teach Every ISP About Building a Better Network

    One of the best parts of attending industry events is the opportunity to sit down with people who spend their days solving a completely different set of challenges than most operators think about.

    June 23, 2026
  6. AI Isn't Coming. It's Already Here. The Real Question Is: What Are You Going to Do With It?29

    Episode 29

    AI Isn't Coming. It's Already Here. The Real Question Is: What Are You Going to Do With It?

    Artificial intelligence has become impossible to ignore. Whether you're attending industry events, scrolling through LinkedIn, reading trade publications, or sitting in on internal planning meetings, AI inevitably finds

    June 10, 2026
  7. The Digital Divide Isn’t What We Think It Is Anymore28

    Episode 28

    The Digital Divide Isn’t What We Think It Is Anymore

    For years, the industry has talked about the digital divide as a coverage problem. Build the network, extend the footprint, and the problem gets solved.

    June 1, 2026
  8. Field Operations Are Brand Moments27

    Episode 27

    Field Operations Are Brand Moments

    Field operations shape brand perception. Ensure quality installs to build trust and prevent churn. Learn how technician performance impacts CX...

    May 12, 2026
  9. Everything Works… Until It Doesn’t26

    Episode 26

    Everything Works… Until It Doesn’t

    Explore the complexities of managing MDUs, from customer expectations to operational challenges, and learn how to unlock their true growth potential.

    April 28, 2026
  10. The Stories We Carry: What the Field Teaches You About Running an ISP25

    Episode 25

    The Stories We Carry: What the Field Teaches You About Running an ISP

    Explore the complexities of managing MDUs, from customer expectations to operational challenges, and learn how to unlock their true growth potential.

    April 14, 2026
  11. MDUs: The Growth Opportunity That Isn’t So Simple24

    Episode 24

    MDUs: The Growth Opportunity That Isn’t So Simple

    Explore the complexities of managing MDUs, from customer expectations to operational challenges, and learn how to unlock their true growth potential.

    April 1, 2026
  12. When the Internet Breaks, It’s Always the ISP… Even When It’s Not23

    Episode 23

    When the Internet Breaks, It’s Always the ISP… Even When It’s Not

    Learn how normal install confusion can lead to customer churn and discover actionable strategies to improve your ISP's onboarding process for

    March 17, 2026
  13. Traffic Shaping Isn’t the Villain. It’s a Responsibility.22

    Episode 22

    Traffic Shaping Isn’t the Villain. It’s a Responsibility.

    Learn how normal install confusion can lead to customer churn and discover actionable strategies to improve your ISP's onboarding process for

    March 3, 2026
  14. If You’re Accepting “Normal Install Confusion,” You’re Accepting Churn21

    Episode 21

    If You’re Accepting “Normal Install Confusion,” You’re Accepting Churn

    Learn how normal install confusion can lead to customer churn and discover actionable strategies to improve your ISP's onboarding process for

    February 17, 2026
  15. AI for ISPs: Stop Guessing, Start Predicting20

    Episode 20

    AI for ISPs: Stop Guessing, Start Predicting

    Discover how AI can streamline workflows for ISPs, improve customer support, optimize field operations, and reduce churn, all while maintaining...

    February 4, 2026
  16. Security Is a Moving Target — and ISPs Feel That Every Day19

    Episode 19

    Security Is a Moving Target — and ISPs Feel That Every Day

    ISPs face evolving security threats, from legacy hardware risks to access control failures. Discover strategies to strengthen your network in this episode.

    January 20, 2026
  17. Marketing Without Guesswork: What ISPs Get Wrong and How to Fix It18

    Episode 18

    Marketing Without Guesswork: What ISPs Get Wrong and How to Fix It

    Discover how ISP growth starts on the ground with operational clarity, not just in the sales funnel. Learn insights from the latest Bandwidth podcast...

    January 6, 2026
  18. From Chaos to Clarity: Why ISP Growth Starts in the Field, Not the Funnel17

    Episode 17

    From Chaos to Clarity: Why ISP Growth Starts in the Field, Not the Funnel

    Discover how ISP growth starts on the ground with operational clarity, not just in the sales funnel. Learn insights from the latest Bandwidth podcast...

    December 16, 2025
  19. When a Competitor Moves Into Your Market: What Really Happens Inside Your ISP16

    Episode 16

    When a Competitor Moves Into Your Market: What Really Happens Inside Your ISP

    How ISPs can scale using outsourcing, call centers, and AI without sacrificing their identity. Learn what works and what risks to avoid for sustainable...

    December 2, 2025
  20. Outsourcing, Call Centers, and AI: Scaling Without Losing Your Identity15

    Episode 15

    Outsourcing, Call Centers, and AI: Scaling Without Losing Your Identity

    How ISPs can scale using outsourcing, call centers, and AI without sacrificing their identity. Learn what works and what risks to avoid for sustainable...

    November 18, 2025
  21. When Culture Becomes a Punchline: Protecting Your ISP’s Values Through Growth14

    Episode 14

    When Culture Becomes a Punchline: Protecting Your ISP’s Values Through Growth

    Discover how to protect and nurture your ISP's culture through growth by aligning operations with core values and fostering a resilient, people-first team.

    November 4, 2025
  22. Building Better Broadband Starts With Building Better Partnerships13

    Episode 13

    Building Better Broadband Starts With Building Better Partnerships

    Building better broadband requires strong partnerships. Learn from Curtis Dean of C-BAN on the importance of collaboration and community connection in...

    October 28, 2025
  23. When the Infrastructure Breaks, So Do Communities. That’s Why We Show Up.12

    Episode 12

    When the Infrastructure Breaks, So Do Communities. That’s Why We Show Up.

    Maximize the value of your data by ensuring it's visible, timely, and relevant to every team member, driving better decisions and outcomes across your org.

    October 16, 2025
  24. Data That Doesn’t Get Used Is Just Clutter11

    Episode 11

    Data That Doesn’t Get Used Is Just Clutter

    Maximize the value of your data by ensuring it's visible, timely, and relevant to every team member, driving better decisions and outcomes across your org.

    October 14, 2025
  25. The Digital Divide Is Evolving, and It’s Not Just About Access10

    Episode 10

    The Digital Divide Is Evolving, and It’s Not Just About Access

    Explore how the digital divide has evolved beyond access to include device ownership, digital literacy, and connectivity, with insights from Megan...

    October 1, 2025
  26. When the Internet Isn't Intuitive: What We Miss in the Digital Divide Conversation09

    Episode 9

    When the Internet Isn't Intuitive: What We Miss in the Digital Divide Conversation

    Exploring the digital divide beyond access: understanding adoption, use, and the importance of digital literacy for true connectivity and community.

    September 16, 2025
  27. Why Wireless Still Matters (and Always Will)08

    Episode 8

    Why Wireless Still Matters (and Always Will)

    Exploring the vital role of wireless broadband in modern connectivity, balancing costs, speed, and strategic deployment even as fiber continues to...

    September 9, 2025
  28. “Only Certainty Is Uncertainty”: Live from Broadband Communities 202507

    Episode 7

    “Only Certainty Is Uncertainty”: Live from Broadband Communities 2025

    Explore industry insights and future strategies in our live podcast from Broadband Communities 2025, featuring Brad Randall of Beyond the Cable...

    September 2, 2025
  29. AI Won’t Replace Support. But It Will Redefine It.06

    Episode 6

    AI Won’t Replace Support. But It Will Redefine It.

    AI is transforming support, but the human touch remains crucial. Ready to learn how to balance automation and empathy for a seamless customer experience?

    August 19, 2025
  30. What Happens After the Deal Closes: The Messy Middle of M&A in Broadband05

    Episode 5

    What Happens After the Deal Closes: The Messy Middle of M&A in Broadband

    Explore post-acquisition integration in broadband M&A, highlighting how communication, culture, and strategy shape smoother transitions and outcomes.

    August 7, 2025
  31. It Makes You Go Like This: The Real Stress of Running Network Operations04

    Episode 4

    It Makes You Go Like This: The Real Stress of Running Network Operations

    Facing the relentless stress of network operations? Learn about the key challenges & effective strategies to maintain a resilient, reliable network and...

    July 23, 2025
  32. Radios, Meth Labs, and Poop Rooms: The Realities of ISP Field Work03

    Episode 3

    Radios, Meth Labs, and Poop Rooms: The Realities of ISP Field Work

    Discover the gritty, real-life experiences of ISP field techs, from bizarre mishaps to dangerous encounters, and why understanding these stories is crucial for anyone in the broadband industry.

    July 9, 2025
  33. What AI Means for ISPs Like Yours: It’s Not Hype, It’s Coming02

    Episode 2

    What AI Means for ISPs Like Yours: It’s Not Hype, It’s Coming

    Ready to learn how AI is transforming ISPs, increasing bandwidth, and reshaping customer support? Discover actionable steps to prepare your business for...

    June 24, 2025
  34. How Small ISPs Win in the Big Game | Bandwidth Podcast01

    Episode 1

    How Small ISPs Win in the Big Game | Bandwidth Podcast

    Ready to discover how small ISPs thrive by building strong, personal connections and delivering reliable service? In this episode, we share how to...

    June 20, 2025