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This week on the podcast, Christopher speaks with Keith Quarles, President and CFO of A2D, a fiber-based, open access competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC). A2D stands for \\u2018Analog to Digital,\\u2019 and as Keith explains, represents the infrastructure transition from analog to digital communications.\\xa0

Chris and Keith discuss A2D\\u2019s business model, which focuses on filling in the gaps \\u2013 serving communities where connectivity is unaffordable or the incumbent has chosen not to upgrade its infrastructure. Keith explains how many gaps still exist, even after the influx of federal funding for broadband. A2D takes a creative approach to building out fiber backbones in these pockets, which involves connecting existing ecosystems like municipalities, school systems, and electric membership corporations (Georgia\\u2019s equivalent of electric cooperatives). Keith\\u2019s background in real-estate development and training in civil engineering, along with the backgrounds of his three business partners who are also engineers by trade, informs A2D\\u2019s strategy and willingness to "just figure things out."\\xa0