NEDAS Live! Where Wireline and Wireless Meet

In this episode, you'll hear a wide-ranging conversation with David Bacino, CEO of Symphony Towers Infrastructure, exploring how wireless networks are built, scaled, and future-proofed across the United States. Drawing on more than three decades of leadership in telecom and digital infrastructure, David breaks down what it takes to support nationwide connectivity, the role towers and rooftops play in everyday wireless use, and how emerging technologies like 5G, 6G, and AI are shaping the next phase of the industry. Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at the infrastructure powering modern life—and what's coming next as demand for wireless connectivity continues to grow.

In this episode, we explore what it really takes to build the next generation of talent in the digital infrastructure industry. Guest Luke Adams, Co-Founder of Data Center Youngbloods and an analyst at DPGlobal Assets, shares his journey from discovering the world of data centers in college to launching a fast-growing community designed to make the industry more visible, accessible, and welcoming to young professionals. Luke discusses the gaps in education-to-career pathways, the power of mentorship, the misconceptions young people have about entering the field, and why curiosity, resilience, and real human connection are essential for the future of digital infrastructure. This conversation offers a rare look at how emerging leaders are shaping the sector—and how seasoned professionals can play a role in elevating the next generation.

In this episode, we are joined by Brian Moon, CEO of the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC), for a timely conversation about how the organization is evolving in the age of AI, data centers, and global connectivity. Brian shares how PTC is expanding member benefits, reimagining its annual conference, and launching new initiatives—from The Alakaʻi Stage, a new leadership and innovation platform, to next-gen talent programs and the Week of Laulima for women in the industry. It's an inside look at how PTC is shaping the future of connectivity and why PTC '26 is set to be one of the most impactful events yet.

Tune in for a conversation with Marci Nigro, Founder and CEO of Purpose Consulting Services, for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership in the age of AI. Drawing on nearly three decades of executive search experience, Marci shares how artificial intelligence is transforming not just technology, but the very fabric of leadership—reshaping what investors seek, how executives are evaluated, and which skills define success in today's AI-driven landscape. From navigating hyper-growth and managing complexity to cultivating emotional intelligence and culture alignment, Marci offers candid insights on what it takes to lead—and stay human—in an era defined by intelligence, innovation, and rapid change.  

Tune in for a conversation with David Dorman, Director of Commercial Operations at APR Energy. David shares how mobile gas-turbine solutions deliver hundreds of megawatts “behind the meter,” enabling data centers and municipalities to bridge grid delays, accelerate AI and cloud expansion, and meet surging energy demands. From disaster recovery projects in Puerto Rico to modular power strategies for hyperscale growth, this conversation reveals how converging energy and digital networks power the future of connectivity.

Tune in for a conversation with Josh Dorfman, CEO and host at Supercool, about real-world climate solutions revolutionizing the digital infrastructure industry. From seawater-cooled data centers in Finland to Amazon’s experiments with mass timber, Josh unpacks how sustainable innovations are not only possible but already reshaping business models. He shares his journey from “Lazy Environmentalist” to climate tech leader, offering insights on how companies can harness emerging technologies to cut carbon, drive growth, and build a more resilient future.

In the latest episode of NEDAS Live!, host, and founder and CEO of iMiller Public Relations, Ilissa Miller welcomes Tod Higginbotham, COO of ZincFive and an expert in energy storage solutions and the former CEO of Powergenics. Episode #58 dives into the critical role that innovative battery technologies play in powering digital infrastructure today and in the future. Tod’s extensive background in the energy storage, semiconductor, and solar markets brings invaluable insights into the conversation. His expertise sheds light on the transformative impact of advanced battery solutions, especially within the context of digital infrastructure. Throughout the discussion, Tod emphasizes the importance of battery technology in ensuring that data centers, communication networks, and cloud services remain sustainable, resilient, and efficient.

In this episode of NEDAS Live! podcast, you'll join host Ilissa Miller as she sits down with Joel Ogren, CEO and founder of Assured Communications, for a fascinating look at how communications infrastructure has evolved over his 40+ year career. You'll discover how the telecommunications landscape has transformed since Joel founded his company more than twelve years ago, learn why resilient networks are increasingly crucial as businesses depend more heavily on data and cloud services, and hear Joel's insights on how AI is revolutionizing network management. This conversation offers you a unique perspective from an industry veteran on the past, present, and future challenges of building the digital infrastructure that powers our global economy.

Tune in for a conversation with Jonathan Hjembo, Senior Manager of Infrastructure Research at TeleGeography. The discussion explores the critical challenges and opportunities in the communications infrastructure ecosystem, particularly focusing on the unprecedented growth driven by AI deployment needs in 2024-2025. Jonathan explains TeleGeography's role in tracking global network development and discusses the ongoing power crisis affecting major data center markets worldwide, from Singapore to Northern Virginia.

In this episode you'll discover insights about the upcoming PTC conference in Honolulu, Hawaii - often called the "Davos of digital infrastructure." The discussion explores how the conference brings together over 30 industry categories, from data centers and subsea cables to satellite and mobile networks, fostering crucial conversations about the future of global telecommunications. Listeners will learn about the growing importance of mobile infrastructure, cybersecurity challenges, and regulatory developments in the digital infrastructure ecosystem. 

This episode of NEDAS Live! features a conversation with Doug Recker, President of Duos Edge AI. Host Ilissa Miller and Doug discuss edge data centers and how these compact facilities are changing connectivity in underserved communities. Doug shares his journey from traditional data centers to edge solutions, highlighting the impact of edge pods on education, healthcare, and rural development. The discussion covers edge data centers, their role in bridging the digital divide, and how they're enabling AI in unexpected places. Tune in to learn about the future of digital infrastructure and how edge solutions are changing access to technology in schools, businesses, and communities across America.

This episode features a conversation about AI with Phil Shih, Founder and Managing Director of Structure Research, an independent research firm specializing in internet infrastructure. Phil shares insights from his 13 years of experience running his own research company, discussing both the challenges and rewards he has encountered along the way. He elaborates on Structure Research's niche focus areas, which include data centers, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure. Additionally, Phil explains how the firm dispenses valuable market analysis and projections to industry executives, investors, and vendors through both subscription-based services and the annual infra/STRUCTURE summit, which marks its fifth year in 2024.

Tune in for another episode of NEDAS Live! as we are joined by David Bronston, Special Counsel and Co-Lead of the Telecommunications Practice at Phillips Lytle. David brings his vast experience to the discussion, shedding light on the evolving telecommunications landscape and the challenges faced by the industry. From the impact of the 1996 Telecommunications Act to the controversies surrounding net neutrality, David provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory environment. The conversation also delves into the transformative Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which allocates $42 billion to states for broadband infrastructure development. David explains the requirements for companies to access these funds and shares his predictions on the potential winners and losers in the digital race.

 Tune in for another episode, as we are joined by John Wilson, CFO of Sabey Data Centers. John discusses Sabey's unique position in the data center industry, focusing on their commitment to providing affordable, renewable power and reliable service. He also highlights Sabey's sustainability efforts, flexible solutions through their in-house construction arm, and the importance of maintaining long-lasting customer partnerships while navigating the rapidly evolving technology landscape. 

Tune in for a conversation with Bill Thompson, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at DC BLOX, a vertically integrated digital infrastructure provider specializing in the Southeast U.S. Bill shares his fascinating career journey, from his early days at AT&T commercializing the internet to his current role at DC BLOX. The conversation delves into DC BLOX's evolution from a traditional data center operator to a company offering a wide range of services, including cable landing stations, dark fiber networks, and high-capacity compute infrastructure. Bill also discusses the importance of relationships in the industry, the company's ability to innovate and adapt to rapidly changing technologies, and how DC BLOX is positioned to support the growing demand for AI, machine learning, and other high-density applications in the Southeast.

Tune in for a conversation with John Bonczek, Chief Revenue Officer of fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547), as he takes a deep dive into the world of interconnection and its pivotal role in shaping the digital infrastructure landscape. John shares his wealth of experience, tracing the evolution of interconnection from the early days of Telex to the current challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of AI and the surging demand for data center capacity. The discussion explores the necessity of retrofitting existing facilities, the complexities of building out for scalability, and the vital importance of interconnection in facilitating the seamless movement of content from gigawatt-scale facilities to the edge.

This episode features an interview with Bob DeSantis, CEO of 365 Data Centers. Bob shares his extensive background in the communications, technology and energy industries, and discusses how 365 Data Centers has evolved since he joined in 2017. The company has grown from 8 data centers to 20 fully interconnected facilities, and expanded its services to include a national fiber network, cloud regions, and managed services. Bob also shares his thoughts on the impact of AI on the data center industry, the importance of network connectivity, and 365's aggressive plans to gain market share in 2024. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the trends shaping the digital infrastructure landscape.

Justin Matney, Director of Resource Integration at Quantum Loophole, joins the program to discuss his role steering the company's decarbonization and sustainability initiatives. With degrees in physics and freshwater science research, Matney brings his lifelong passion for nature and the outdoors to develop the master-planned, 2,100 acre Quantum Frederick data center campus to be the world's first carbon-negative industrial site. Justin also discusses projects underway like the 600-acre nature reserve for new forests, stream restoration, trails, and more to buffer and improve the local environment.

This episode features a conversation with Brian Duffner, VP of Connectivity Solutions at fiber network provider Aureon, as he discusses his organization's connectivity and IT services offerings across Iowa. He also shares details about Aureon's 4,500 mile fiber network, differentiation selling to Iowa enterprises, and the importance of robust connectivity & security for businesses today. Discover how Aureon is assisting companies lacking IT resources, and preparing for future bandwidth demands.

Tune in for a conversation with Mike Underdown, President & CEO of Crosstown Fiber, a Chicago-based dark fiber network operator focused on providing state-of-the-art infrastructure to support the growing needs of hyperscale data centers, cloud, AI, and machine learning applications. Mike discusses the genesis of Crosstown Fiber, the challenges of building fiber infrastructure in a major city like Chicago, and the unprecedented demand for capacity driven by AI. He also shares his perspective on where communications technology may head next, with quantum computing as a potential disrupter on the horizon.