In this episode of Let’s Get Digital, host Carrie Charles sits down with Tom Maguire, CEO of Brightspeed, to explore how the company has rapidly become the third-largest fiber builder in the U.S. Tom shares his inspiring journey from summer hire at New York Telephone to leading Brightspeed’s mission of connecting millions of homes with high-speed fiber internet.Tom offers a behind-the-scenes look at Brightspeed’s bold strategy: from plug-and-play fiber builds and innovative GIS-based engineering platforms to their unique contractor model that streamlines deployment across 20 states. He also discusses Brightspeed’s proactive approach to BEAD funding, partnerships with companies like Calix and Corning, and how the company is reimagining copper retirement with wireless overlay solutions.Beyond technology, Tom reveals Brightspeed’s people-first culture, leadership values, and big vision for transforming digital infrastructure in rural America.Tune in to learn how Brightspeed is shaping the future of broadband — with speed, strategy, and heart.

In this episode of Let's Get Digital, Carrie Charles interviews Yazz Krdzalic, Vice President of Market Development at Equus Compute Solutions (ECS). Yazz shares how ECS is transforming digital infrastructure with immersion cooling systems that maximize compute power and private 5G networks enabling seamless connectivity in remote areas. He highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in driving growth and solving complex customer challenges.Yazz also explores emerging trends like compute density, sustainability, and the convergence of IT and OT, emphasizing ECS’s role as a global solutions innovator. He introduces the concept of innovation as a service, where ECS delivers end-to-end digital solutions.Tune in to learn how ECS is leading the future of digital infrastructure with cutting-edge technologies and a forward-thinking approach.

In this episode of Let’s Get Digital with Carrie Charles, we sit down with Dan Caruso, a powerhouse in telecommunications and digital infrastructure. Known as "The Bear" for his tenacity and drive, Dan is the visionary founder and former CEO of Zayo Group, where he led the company to a $14.3 billion exit. His unmatched track record includes co-founding Level 3 Communications, leadership at Metropolitan Fiber Systems (MFS), and now serving as the founder of Caruso Ventures. Dan shares the inside story of building, scaling, and transforming the fiber industry.Carrie and Dan dive into the evolution of fiber networks, the boom-bust cycles of telecom, and the disruptive forces shaping the industry. They explore AI, quantum networking, edge computing, and the business strategies that create long-term value. Dan also introduces his highly anticipated book, Bandwidth, which unveils the rise, fall, and rebirth of digital infrastructure—and the leaders who made it happen.Want more unfiltered insights from Dan? Check out his podcast, The Bear Roars, where he tackles the biggest trends in technology, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship with bold perspectives and deep industry knowledge.Whether you're an industry veteran or a newcomer, this episode is packed with insights, leadership wisdom, and untold stories from the fiber frontier.Listen now and grab your copy of Bandwidth to learn the untold history and future of telecom, AI, and digital infrastructure!

In the premiere episode of Let’s Get Digital with Carrie Charles, we dive deep into the future of digital infrastructure with industry icon Hunter Newby of Newby Ventures. As a pioneer in carrier-neutral Meet-Me-Rooms, data centers, and network interconnection, Hunter shares his insights on the evolution of rural broadband, the BEAD funding impact, and the urgent need for neutral interconnection points across the U.S. We also tackle the power crisis in AI-driven data centers, the role of AI in shaping infrastructure, and the disruptive potential of DeepSeek—China’s latest breakthrough in AI efficiency. Plus, Hunter weighs in on major investments in AI and digital infrastructure, how they could transform the tech industry, and what it means for jobs, telecom, and data centers.Tune in for a high-energy conversation packed with expert insights on AI, digital infrastructure, and the future of connectivity.

In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, Carrie Charles speaks with Dennis McColl, founder of PracticalRF. Dennis shares his career journey, starting with his early fascination with wireless technology and his three-decade tenure at Verizon, where he transitioned from hands-on market-level roles to corporate policy development. He discusses his leap into entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to solve complex industry problems on his terms.Dennis outlines critical challenges in the wireless industry, including inefficiencies in operational expenses and contractor management, and highlights his commitment to finding cost-effective solutions. He emphasizes the need for stronger training programs for engineers and collaboration across the sector. Dennis also touches on the evolution of technology, noting the potential of AI to enhance processes but stressing the continued importance of hands-on expertise.This episode covers the importance of passion, networking, and rekindling one’s "why" in the face of industry challenges. We also get a 'sneak peek' into some of the hot topics to be discussed at the upcoming AvalonTUF in Dallas, Texas on January 22 - 23, 2025. To learn more about AvalonTUF and register to attend, visit avalontuf.com.