# Chris Shoe | Why Smart Towns and Community Wi-Fi are Changing Rural America

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/power-the-network-6671791/chris-shoe-why-smart-towns-and-community-wi-fi-are-changing-rural-america
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/power-the-network-6671791/chris-shoe-why-smart-towns-and-community-wi-fi-are-changing-rural-america.md
Podcast: [Power the Network](https://stenobird.com/podcast/power-the-network-6671791)
Published: 2026-04-16T09:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://cbmrep.com/podcast
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/MMTAE9015169770.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/power-the-network-6671791/episodes/chris-shoe-why-smart-towns-and-community-wi-fi-are-changing-rural-america
Duration seconds: 2767

## Resource

For more information, connect with us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cbmrep.com/contact⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discover how independent telcos are bridging the digital divide through robust broadband infrastructure and community-focused service. Join us as we explore the future of connectivity with Green Hills Communications. ‍In this episode of Power of the Network, host Tim Locker sits down with Chris Shoe, Plant Operations Manager at Green Hills Communications, to discuss the evolving landscape of rural internet service. As the industry faces critical challenges—from BEAD funding delays to the increasing demand for high-speed fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks—Green Hills shares their unique approach to balancing subscriber needs with long-term infrastructure health. We dive deep into the cooperative mindset that makes rural communications essential and examine why 'building it right the first time' is the ultimate strategy for operational success. Whether you are a fellow operator, a contractor navigating the complexities of fiber deployment, or simply interested in how small towns are gaining big-city speeds, this conversation provides essential insights. Learn about the shift toward micro-ditch technology, the importance of future-proofing network designs, and how local providers are navigating the political landscape to bring reliable digital access to underserved communities across Missouri and beyond. If you've enjoyed this conversation, leave a review and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Hosted by CBM's own Vice President of Broadband, Tim Locker, Power the Network is bringing industry leaders to your feed every other week. One minute, you'll dive deep into products and innovative new processes. The next minute, you'll be learning ti…

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## Transcript

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