Connecting Communities: The Impact of BEAD Funding on Internet Access E52
In the latest episode of AZ Tech Cast, hosts Steve Zylstra and Karen Nowicki discuss the impact of BEAD funding on internet access in Arizona with experts Sandip Bhowmick, Ben Elkins, and Kelly LeBlanc. Steve and Karen introduce the Arizona Technology Council’s role in advocacy and events, while Kelly presents IP Infusion’s solutions, Ben discusses Airbeam’s internet efforts, and Sandip outlines his office’s responsibilities with the BEAD program. The conversation covers BEAD funding’s significance, its impact on infrastructure, and the potential for improved internet access in rural areas.
The discussion addresses the challenges of providing internet access in Arizona, emphasizing the importance of future-proofing with fiber and the benefits of improved connectivity for small businesses and communities.
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.
Sandip Bhowmick currently serves as the Vice President of Infrastructure and State Broadband Director at the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). He is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and expansion of broadband infrastructure throughout Arizona.
Prior to his current role, Sandip served as the Assistant Broadband Director at the ACA, further strengthening his expertise in the field. His extensive experience includes working with renowned telecommunications service providers such as AT&T and Verizon, as well as industry-leading telecommunications software and equipment manufacturers like Nokia and Ericsson.
Moreover, Sandip has made valuable contributions to satellite communication startups, nonprofit organizations, and local and state governments, assuming diverse roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Solutions Architect, Broadband Consultant, and Government Affairs Manager, among others. Additionally, Sandip proudly served in the US Army.
He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Wichita State University, highlighting his strong academic foundation in the field.
Connect with Sandip on LinkedIn.
IP Infusion manufactures open network software and solutions for carriers, service providers and data centers. With hundreds of customers and thousands of deployments, IP Infusion is a market leader in Network Operating Systems. Our flagship software platform OcNOS® allows network operators to disaggregate their networks, streamline operations, and reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Network OEMs may also disaggregate network devices to expedite time to market, offer comprehensive services, and achieve carrier grade robustness.
IP Infusion is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., and is a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of ACCESS CO., LTD.
As Chief Marketing and Product Officer (CMO), Kelly LeBlanc is responsible for global marketing and product management at IP Infusion.
Kelly is a seasoned Silicon Valley marketing executive with 25 years of experience across multiple technology markets. For over a decade, Kelly has been driving marketing and product strategies for open networking solution providers that offer an alternative to incumbent networking vendors.
Previously, she also worked for several networking technology incumbents. Kelly was the Head of Worldwide Marketing for A10 Networks when the company became the fastest growing Silicon Valley networking company prior to Initial Public Offering (IPO). She also held marketing positions at Fortinet and VERITAS Software.
Kelly began her career at several top ten Public Relations agencies for Hewlett-Packard and Sun Microsystems. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, California.
Follow IP Infusion on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.
AireBeam was founded in 2004 and is one of Arizona’s fastest growing fiber to the home and fixed wireless Internet service providers. AireBeam is locally operated and proudly serves Pinal and Maricopa Counties, Arizona City and the surrounding areas. Their mission is to provide affordable and accessible Internet access to rural areas in Arizona. AireBeam is a subsidiary of Boston Omaha Corporation (NYSE:BOC).
Ben Elkins brings over 20 years of experience in telecommunications and strong management skills in the areas of sales and business development, strategy, negotiations, and P&L responsibility in a variety of networking sectors, including with ISPs.
It is his second year as the CEO of AireBeam and he has seen Arizona’s fastest growing fiber to the home and fixed wireless Internet service provider expand exponentially in Arizona to become one of the leading providers in the state.
Winning landmark deals both domestically and internationally along with leading teams from across the globe provided Elkins with the knowledge and experience to be a great leader at AireBeam.
Prior to AireBeam, Elkins was with Voce Telecom and GP Voice where he was Chief Sales Officer and Chief Operations Office for both companies for 20 years. He has extensive sales experience with a variety of telecommunications solutions including VOIP, AI Chat Bot, UCASS, SaaS, SIP Trunking, Managed Services and IoT services. In addition, he has executive management experience in operations centers, engineering groups, channel sales organizations and customer service in his career.
Elkins holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a minor in business administration from Arizona State University.
Follow AireBeam on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Your Hosts
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.
Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.
Leslie Cooper Marquez is a dynamic marketing professional with over 17 years of broad-based marketing, public relations and advertising experience in both in-house and agency environments.
Originally from Birmingham, AL, Leslie has honed her expertise across diverse sectors, including non-profit performing arts, legal marketing, mortgage technology, and residential mortgage marketing.
Leslie has been an integral part of the Arizona community for the past 5 years. Most recently, she served as the Marketing Director for Scottsdale-based mortgage technology firm, focusIT, Inc., and previously as the Director of Marketing for Ballet Arizona.
Beyond her professional commitments, Leslie is an active member of the community. She serves as a Sustainer with the Junior League of Phoenix, volunteers with the Distinguished Young Women of Arizona scholarship program and is an alumna of the esteemed Valley Leadership Accelerate class of 2019.
In her spare time, Leslie shares her passion for fitness as a dedicated barre instructor at TenPoint5 Central. Above all, she cherishes her roles as a devoted mother to a young son and a loving wife to her husband, David.
About Our Sponsor
The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.
A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.
Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
