The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap.
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Jeremiah Sloan, a former utility CEO turned broadband consultant, to explore the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in the broadband industry. Drawing from his extensive experience leading a power cooperative and building a broadband subsidiary in rural Arkansas, Jeremiah provides actionable insights for broadband operators navigating a rapidly evolving market.
Jeremiah’s journey to becoming a broadband consultant is anything but ordinary. He grew up working on his family’s farm, managing poultry operations, and developing an early interest in problem-solving and efficiency. His curiosity about improving processes continued as he served as a developmental engineer in the Air Force, working closely with pilots to design solutions that enhanced mission success.
After his military career, Jeremiah transitioned to the utility sector, where he led a rural power cooperative serving eight counties in Northeast Arkansas. Recognizing the critical need for robust communication networks, he spearheaded the development of a broadband subsidiary, building 5,000 miles of fiber infrastructure and scaling operations from zero to over 10,000 subscribers. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his consulting work, where he now helps broadband operators optimize operations and embrace digital transformation.
Jeremiah emphasizes that digital transformation is not merely about automation or eliminating jobs—it’s about creating a connected, digital ecosystem that empowers employees and enhances efficiency. By digitizing workflows and processes, operators can improve data integrity, streamline operations, and respond more effectively to consumer demands.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about digital transformation is that it’s about task elimination,” Jeremiah explains. “In reality, it’s about enabling employees to work more efficiently and with greater autonomy by providing them with the tools and information they need at their fingertips.”
Jeremiah draws parallels between the utility and broadband industries, particularly in how they engage with consumers. Utilities, he notes, have long relied on proactive measures to ensure service reliability and maintain customer relationships. Broadband operators can adopt similar strategies to meet the growing expectations of modern consumers.
For example, utilities have implemented systems that autonomously monitor the health of their networks, allowing them to identify and address issues before they disrupt service. Broadband operators can benefit from adopting comparable approaches, such as proactive monitoring of network performance and preemptive maintenance.
“Broadband is becoming the new utility,” Jeremiah says. “Operators need to learn from the mistakes and successes of traditional utilities to build stronger, more reliable networks.”
A recurring theme in the discussion is the importance of interoperability. Jeremiah stresses that broadband operators must invest in systems and processes that allow seamless communication between different tools and platforms. This is especially crucial as the industry faces increased competition, regulatory scrutiny, and consumer demand for higher speeds and lower latency.
“Interoperability isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have,” Jeremiah argues. “It allows operators to remain agile, integrate new technologies, and ensure compliance with evolving standards.”
He points to the example of broadband nutrition labels, which were mandated to help consumers compare services more easily. Implementing such requirements becomes far less daunting when operators have interoperable systems that can manage and report data efficiently.
One of the biggest hurdles in digital transformation is securing employee buy-in. Jeremiah acknowledges that change can be intimidating, particularly when employees fear that automation will render their roles obsolete.
To address this, he recommends open communication and involving employees in the transformation process. By explaining how digital tools will enhance their work rather than replace it, leaders can alleviate concerns and foster a culture of collaboration.
“Transformation starts with trust,” Jeremiah says. “If you can’t show employees how the changes will benefit them and the company, you’re setting yourself up for resistance.”
Jeremiah highlights the critical role of high-quality data in enabling digital transformation. Operators need accurate, reliable, and easily accessible data to make informed decisions about investments, customer needs, and network performance.
He shares a cautionary tale from his time as CEO, where multiple departments maintained separate records of the same inventory data. This duplication led to inefficiencies and made it challenging to implement new processes. By consolidating and digitizing data, organizations can eliminate redundancies and gain a clearer picture of their operations.
“Good data is the foundation of any successful transformation,” Jeremiah says. “Without it, you’re flying blind.”
Looking ahead, Jeremiah believes that broadband operators must embrace change as a constant. The industry’s dynamic landscape—driven by competition, grant funding, and consumer demands—requires operators to be agile and forward-thinking.
He advises operators to take a proactive approach to transformation by auditing their current processes, engaging with vendors and consultants, and prioritizing interoperability. While change can be daunting, the benefits far outweigh the challenges, particularly in an industry as essential as broadband.
“Transformation doesn’t happen overnight,” Jeremiah cautions. “But by taking small, deliberate steps, operators can position themselves for long-term success.”
Jeremiah’s conversation with Pete Pizzutillo offers a roadmap for broadband operators seeking to navigate digital transformation successfully. By learning from utilities, prioritizing data integrity and interoperability, and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, operators can meet the challenges of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.
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