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Artwork for Light Reading Podcasts

Light Reading Podcasts

Light Reading
Digital Divide
Broadband Access
Affordable Connectivity Program
Artificial Intelligence
Telecommunications
BEAD Program
AT&T
Broadband
Data Centers
Telecom Industry
FCC
Universal Service Fund
Cybersecurity
Ciena
Generative AI
Huawei
Nokia
Verizon
5G Technology
Mobile World Congress

This feed is Light Reading's main podcast feed for "The Light Reading Podcast," "The Divide," "The Light Reading Extra," and "What's the Story?"

Light Reading provides daily news, analysis and insight for the global communications networking and services industry. The publication was founded in 2000 and, since July 2016, has been a part of Informa Tech, a division of Informa PLC. We're part of a b... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes919Founded7 years ago
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News CommentaryNewsTechnology

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Artwork for Light Reading Podcasts

Latest Episodes

Patrick Halley, the president and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association, discusses the top trends in the industry and how AI and 6G are poised to come together.

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Former FCC official Blair Levin joins the podcast to discuss BEAD program updates and how the federal government can best prepare for the future of connectivity and AI as we mark 30 years of the 1996 Telecommunications Act.

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This week: Former FCC official Carol Mattey joins the podcast to discuss the outcome of states' revised BEAD plans and what's next, as well as why she's not optimistic the Universal Service Fund will be reformed anytime soon.

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New Street Research's Vikash Harlalka joins the podcast to discuss cable's latest round of financial results, including the improvements and the significant challenges the industry will continue to face in 2026.

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Carol Mattey
Founder of Mattey Consulting; former Deputy Bureau Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, FCC
Mattey Consulting
Episode: The Divide: Carol Mattey on BEAD hope and hysteria, and stalled USF reform
Vikash Harlalka
Director at New Street Research
New Street Research
Episode: Cable shows signs of improvement, but is it out of the woods?
David Witkowski
Senior member at IEEE, head of the Future Networks Deployment/Standards work
IEEE
Episode: The Divide: IEEE's David Witkowski on broadband progress and the AI impact
Mariam Sorond
CEO and Board Chair at NextNav
NextNav
Episode: From Risk to Opportunity: How Network Operators Can Leverage Resilient Positioning, Navigation & Timing
Jay Rolls
CTO of BSP with extensive experience in cable
Broadband Success Partners
Episode: Is cable approaching a tipping point on PON?
Shirley Bloomfield
CEO of NTCA, the Rural Broadband Association, set to retire in March.
NTCA
Episode: The Divide: Shirley Bloomfield on rural broadband progress, BEAD's 'bargain' and USF
Susan Johnson
Senior Executive VP of Transformation and Global Supply Chain
AT&T
Episode: AT&T's copper shutdown project takes 'wireless-first' approach
Jeff Moore
Analyst at Wave7 Research
Wave7 Research
Episode: FWA packs on more marketing muscle
Louis Riggs
Missouri State Representative for the 5th district.
Missouri State House of Representatives
Episode: The Divide: What's up with BEAD non-deployment funds?

Hosts

Nicole Ferraro
Host of The Divide
Jeff Baumgartner
Senior Editor at Light Reading
Phil Harvey
Editor at Light Reading

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 35 ratings
  • Pathetic

    Pathetic podcast, had high hopes to learn about Telco news!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    SKLAMD
    Norway3 years ago
  • Easy way to Learn outside my core tech Area

    I really have enjoyed this podcast since I found in late in 2020. I listen to the new ones and go back through the history.

    I am in tech, but not not in the backbone networking. I find this really interesting, and have learned lot from this. If you have a broad tech background, this is easy to listen to and mostly understand,.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ivy League Writer
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the podcast for its insightful discussions on technical topics.
Some reviews express disappointment, indicating that expectations for content about Telco news were not met.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#136
Saudi Arabia/Technology

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Divide: Carol Mattey on BEAD hope and hysteria, and stalled USF reform
Q: Could the Biden administration have moved BEAD along more quickly?
They were constrained by the statute and required steps, including the National Broadband Map development and a multi-year planning process; speeding this up would have required changes at the congressional level or different statutory terms.
The Divide: Carol Mattey on BEAD hope and hysteria, and stalled USF reform
Q: What is your argument from the series The Sky Is Falling, and where do you think BEAD stands now?
The series argued that while headlines focused on satellite dominance, the statutory Priority Broadband Project language gave states the flexibility to prioritize fiber and use other technologies to fill gaps, which has largely happened in practice. BEAD is moving forward with a mix of technologies and a measured approach to funding rather than a complete shift to satellites.
The Divide: IEEE's David Witkowski on broadband progress and the AI impact
Q: How do you view the competition for fiber and infrastructure between AI/data-center needs and consumer broadband providers, and what does that mean for BEAD and domestic manufacturing of fiber components?
The competition for fiber resources could influence BEAD outcomes and domestic supply chains. It's important to align procurement, promote local manufacturing, and ensure Buy America commitments support broad, equitable access rather than just high-capacity corridors. Coordinated planning among policymakers, providers, and suppliers will help prevent supply constraints from delaying universal connectivity goals.
The Divide: IEEE's David Witkowski on broadband progress and the AI impact
Q: What's your take on the role AI can have in addressing the digital divide and what policies and standards are needed to avoid AI widening the digital divide?
AI can improve network performance by enabling smarter radio resource management and adaptive tuning, but it must be paired with accessible, affordable, and ubiquitous connectivity to prevent leaving behind those with insufficient bandwidth. Policies should focus on interoperable standards, equitable access requirements, and investments that ensure end-to-end resilience, including robust power and backhaul, so AI-enabled benefits are broadly shared.
Is cable approaching a tipping point on PON?
Q: How do you see the cable market evolving over the next 10 years?
Small and medium operators will likely index higher towards fiber, while large operators may take longer to transition.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Light Reading Podcasts

What is Light Reading Podcasts about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content explores pressing issues related to telecommunications, broadband access, and advancements in technology, frequently featuring industry leaders and experts discussing their insights and experiences. Themes such as rural broadband, the digital divide, and evolving market strategies among major telecom companies like AT&T and Nokia are prevalent, often highlighting the challenges and progress in ensuring equitable internet access across different demographics. Each episode typically delves into specific programs and initiatives, such as the BEAD program, broadband equity efforts, and the transformation brought by new technologies like AI and LoRaWAN. Overall, the discussions engage listeners who are eager to understand the dynami... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Light Reading Podcasts?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Light Reading Podcasts:

1. Telecoms.com Podcast
2. Lex Fridman Podcast
3. The a16z Show
4. Hard Fork
5. All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

How many episodes of Light Reading Podcasts are there?

Light Reading Podcasts launched 7 years ago and published 919 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Light Reading Podcasts?

Recent guests on Light Reading Podcasts include:

1. Carol Mattey
2. Vikash Harlalka
3. David Witkowski
4. Mariam Sorond
5. Jay Rolls
6. Shirley Bloomfield
7. Susan Johnson
8. Jeff Moore

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