A panel discussion moderated by Ilissa Miller, CEO of iMiller Public Relations (iMPR), Mavericks: Democratizing Access to the Information Superhighway, explored the various approaches to providing access to network infrastructure. The panel brought together industry thought leaders to tackle critical issues surrounding digital infrastructure, AI latency, and the ongoing challenges in connectivity. The panelists included C. Steven Lucero, CEO of ZB8 Infra; Hugh Carspecken, Managing Director of Ubiquity Edge; and Hunter Newby, Founder, Chairman & CEO – Newby Ventures of which Connected Nation is one of his ventures. All of the esteemed panelists offered a wealth of insights into how infrastructure is evolving to meet the demands of modern technology. Read on to learn more.
Steven Lucero: Addressing the Digital Divide
Kicking off the conversation, Lucero emphasized the need to improve connectivity, particularly in underserved areas. His focus on bridging the digital divide highlighted the core of the issue: “The pinnacle of the problem is how to actually get better connectivity at lower prices.” He pointed out that while infrastructure is essential, the real challenge is how data is distributed affordably and efficiently. Lucero’s approach to innovation lies in addressing this imbalance, ensuring more equitable access to the internet backbone.
Hugh Carspecken: Building Solutions at the Edge
Carspecken, Managing Director at Ubiquity Edge, took the conversation further by discussing the importance of decentralizing infrastructure to support the growing demands of AI and data processing. He noted the critical role of edge facilities, saying, “Latency is extremely important, and we focus on the last mile — where your cell phone jumps off.” This focus on the last mile is essential for AI-driven applications that require localized processing, such as gaming or real-time data services.
Carspecken shared examples of how his team is already deploying this technology, citing a specific case in California where “AI is being used for theft prevention in stores, with localized AI nodes handling data processing on-site.” This decentralized approach minimizes latency and provides more efficient, real-time results.
Hunter Newby: Neutral Interconnection and Expanding Access
Newby, a pioneer in network-neutral interconnection infrastructure, brought attention to the barriers that still exist in expanding internet access, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Newby highlighted a striking example from Wichita, Kansas, an aerospace hub with top-tier industries but limited internet infrastructure: “The internet’s not there… companies on campus have a 25-megabit email attachment limit and are using thumb drives to transfer data.”
Newby emphasized the urgent need for neutral interconnection points to expand local access and reduce reliance on long-haul networks. He remarked, “We need a holistic national plan to address these issues — 50 states, 50 different countries, different rules, different regs.” Without collaboration and shared resources, he warned, the current infrastructure might not scale to meet the burgeoning demands of AI and cloud computing.
Mavericks Driving Change
Miller wrapped up the discussion by acknowledging the forward-thinking nature of the panelists, summarizing their approach as “Mavericks… they think outside the box, do what it takes to get it done, and take a holistic approach to solutions.” Miller stressed the importance of combining creative approaches with real-world applications, pushing the boundaries of traditional infrastructure to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
She encapsulated the panel’s key themes — extending connectivity, reducing latency, and addressing the physical infrastructure challenges posed by AI and cloud computing — highlighting the importance of innovation in both urban and rural settings. “We need to be nimble and adaptable, constantly evolving our infrastructure to meet customer needs and anticipate future challenges,” Miller concluded.
Yotta 2025 will be returning to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas September 8-10, 2025. Save the date, it’s an evolving event that aims to bring to the forefront discussions around the evolving needs of global digital infrastructure.
