It is a season of conferences. This means that this issue, like the August issue, is largely composed on an airplane. One benefit of conference season is connecting and making memories with friends new and old, in places near and far.
Thanks to the Broadband Forum, my employer, for supporting this newsletter. The content, views, and opinions expressed herein are not those of the Broadband Forum.
Tuesday, 9/30, 1:30 PM, in The Loft at SCTE’s TechExpo #
First up is SCTE’s TechExpo25 in Washington DC. As usual, TechExpo has an enticing agenda and a massive exhibit floor. It will be a pleasure to moderate the Broadband Forum BASe Panel on how AI can help operators turn from reactive to proactive. Incognito’s Ladi Astrab, Motive’s Randy Van Buren, and Uniti Group’s Josh Angiotti will provide their real-world insights on the topic. In this brief video snippet, Incognito’s Sonya Goodanetz provides an overview of what to expect.
Stay tuned for an Exclusive Look at the 2025 Innovation Demonstrations #
Motive’s Jeevithan Muttu discussing the Innovation Demos
Stay tuned to the Broadband Forum’s, LinkedIn and YouTube channels for an interview with Motive’s Jeevithan Muttu where he discusses the importance of the Broadband Forum’s Innovation Demonstrations. Dozens of people from more than a dozen companies have been pouring their sweat and treasure into turning standards and open software into tangible demonstrations. His comments, coupled with another soon-to-be released video with UNH-IOL’s Lincoln Lavoie, give a preview of what to expect at Network X in Paris, October 14-16th.
Rest in Peace, Ron Laudner #
Ron Laudner at the OPASTCO 2008 Winter Conference
It is sad to hear of the passing of Ron Laudner, long-time CEO of OmniTel, an innovative, Iowa-based broadband service provider. His love of community and people shone through in the amazing things he did to make the world a little bit better, as documented in this touching memorial.
He moved the rural broadband industry forward through his work at OmniTel, as well as his contributions to industry associations. His work is recognized through the Foundation for Rural Service’s Tim Owens-Ron Laudner Memorial Fund. This fund supports scholarships for students studying the arts and grants for community arts-related projects.
Ron’s support for Viodi was invaluable and cherished. We had many interviews with Ron over the years, but this impromptu one from 2008 stands out because it shows his care for his employees and his love of country. Rest in Peace, Ron.
Congratulations to Roger Musick on His Retirement #
That video with Ron was made possible thanks to Innovative Systems and Roger Musick. Roger’s support of Viodi is much appreciated as it helped us capture memories that would otherwise have been forgotten in the dustbins of time. Congratulations, Roger, on your retirement and the success of you and your team in building Innovative Systems and helping make Mitchell, South Dakota, the home of Silicon Plains. This video from 2007 highlights Mitchell, South Dakota and hints at some of the influence Roger had in improving Innovative System’s hometown.
Chirps and Short Thoughts
- It is bittersweet to hear another long-time Viodi supporter, Shirley Bloomfield is retiring early next year. She has graciously appeared and provided insight in front of Viodi’s camera many times through the years. Stay tuned as we hope to catch up with her prior to her farewell from NTCA.
- Some smart people are suggesting that it is time to unlock the broadcast airwaves and return them to the public domain. Yes and yes. And when the spectrum is returned, the Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal and Economic Public Policy Studies has a framework for how to maximize the public good when allocating spectrum between licensed and unlicensed use.
- Interesting view of the end state for Mobility as a Service from Uber’s Dara Khosrowshahi on the All In Summit (YouTube). He predicts that, from an ownership perspective, the vehicles could be owned by groups in a Real Estate Investment trust-type structure. Similar to hotels and airlines, there will be brands in front of that ownership, but those brands might not necessarily own the underlying physical assets.
The Korner – Lovely to See You Again My Friend – The Timeless Justin Hayward in Concert
It is said that broadband is about connecting people, but it pales compared to the power of music to connect. Music connects across time and space, triggering vivid thoughts of the past while providing markers for future memories. In a world of AI-driven bots and the ensuing confusion that can make us feel like magnetic ink, it is refreshing to be disconnected from the noise for a couple of hours and hear timeless music.
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