08.25.2025

Podcast: MCNC pulls curtain back on what it takes to build, operate a world-class broadband network

Episode 15 Podcast
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Broadband is today’s digital cornerstone of economic growth, education, and community development. Building a high-speed fiber network is a monumental undertaking with many layers and requires massive capital investment, meticulous planning, a skilled workforce, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory and logistical challenges.

On today’s MCNC Community Connect podcast, MCNC President and CEO Tracy Doaks pulls the curtain back and talks about what it takes to build and operate a world-class broadband network. She is joined by Chauncey Ray, MCNC’s Senior Manager of Facilities Engineering and Operations; Jeremy Rollins, MCNC’s Senior Manager of Outside Plant Engineering and Operations; Matthew Valenzisi; MCNC’s Senior Director of Network Architecture and Management and Chief Network Architect; and Jammie Starks-Benthem, Chief Commercialization Officer with one of MCNC’s important networking partners at ECC Technologies.

Listen the latest episode here.

MCNC’s broadband network is an ecosystem of interconnected partnerships that connects all 100 counties in North Carolina. Now at more than 4,500 miles, this high-speed highway serves all K-12 schools, community colleges, many of the country’s top colleges and universities, non-profit health care, state and local governments, public safety, libraries, and so much more. The unselfish opportunities that MCNC has provided for more than 45 years is attributed to the organization’s commitment to designing, building, and operating a one-of-a-kind network serving the public good.

You can listen to this episode on our website, on Apple or Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Archives of previous episodes of MCNC Community Connect also are available. If you have a suggestion for future episode of MCNC Community Connect, please connect with us!

Enjoy the conversation.

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