Carrier 2.0

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Carrier 2.0, host Steve Saunders examines how AI is reshaping security for carriers and widening the threat surface. Cisco’s Tom Gillis and Martin Lund explain why nation-states are increasingly targeting network infrastructure and how security is being embedded into the network fabric itself.Hawaiian Telcom’s Jason Thune highlights how regional carriers can out-execute hyperscalers, and Brightspeed’s Michel Combes discusses how BEAD funding is accelerating fiber build-outs to hundreds of thousands of new premises. Steve also tackles the question on everyone’s mind: is AI in a bubble, or just early?Key Talking PointsAI Security at the Edge (02:27) – Cisco’s Tom Gillis explains how AI dissolves traditional firewalls into the network fabric, with security embedded everywhere. This shift requires AI-driven orchestration at massive scale.Infrastructure Under Attack (04:15) – Nation-states are increasingly targeting routers, switches, and firewalls. Tom highlights Cisco’s “Live Protect,” which applies compensating controls without reboots to protect legacy infrastructure.Local Advantage Over Hyperscalers (06:16) – Hawaiian Telcom’s Jason Thune shares how deep local knowledge lets regional carriers outpace hyperscalers on deployments. Permitting, shoreline rules, and community engagement become strategic differentiators.The AI Bubble Debate (09:07) – Steve asks whether AI is heading for a crash or just a timing correction. His take: demand is real, valuations are inflated, and carriers should set their own AI strategy—not follow vendor hype.BEAD Funding Unlocks Growth (12:11) – Brightspeed’s Michel Combes announces $560M in provisional BEAD awards, unlocking nearly 300k new premises across 18 states. Combined programs now support up to 600k previously unserved homes.Unified Security Architecture for AI (13:52) – Cisco’s Martin Lund describes a converged IP/Ethernet architecture spanning data centers to edge with security integrated throughout. Agentic AI drives synchronous traffic demands that carriers must prepare for.LinksJoin Steve Saunders’ mailing list for bonus insightsCreditsThis show is brought to you by FNTV, supported by Cisco.

Show Notes

Episode Summary

In this episode of Carrier 2.0, host Steve Saunders examines how AI is reshaping security for carriers and widening the threat surface. Cisco’s Tom Gillis and Martin Lund explain why nation-states are increasingly targeting network infrastructure and how security is being embedded into the network fabric itself.

Hawaiian Telcom’s Jason Thune highlights how regional carriers can out-execute hyperscalers, and Brightspeed’s Michel Combes discusses how BEAD funding is accelerating fiber build-outs to hundreds of thousands of new premises. Steve also tackles the question on everyone’s mind: is AI in a bubble, or just early?


Key Talking Points

AI Security at the Edge (02:27) – Cisco’s Tom Gillis explains how AI dissolves traditional firewalls into the network fabric, with security embedded everywhere. This shift requires AI-driven orchestration at massive scale.

Infrastructure Under Attack (04:15) – Nation-states are increasingly targeting routers, switches, and firewalls. Tom highlights Cisco’s “Live Protect,” which applies compensating controls without reboots to protect legacy infrastructure.

Local Advantage Over Hyperscalers (06:16) – Hawaiian Telcom’s Jason Thune shares how deep local knowledge lets regional carriers outpace hyperscalers on deployments. Permitting, shoreline rules, and community engagement become strategic differentiators.

The AI Bubble Debate (09:07) – Steve asks whether AI is heading for a crash or just a timing correction. His take: demand is real, valuations are inflated, and carriers should set their own AI strategy—not follow vendor hype.

BEAD Funding Unlocks Growth (12:11) – Brightspeed’s Michel Combes announces $560M in provisional BEAD awards, unlocking nearly 300k new premises across 18 states. Combined programs now support up to 600k previously unserved homes.

Unified Security Architecture for AI (13:52) – Cisco’s Martin Lund describes a converged IP/Ethernet architecture spanning data centers to edge with security integrated throughout. Agentic AI drives synchronous traffic demands that carriers must prepare for.


Links

Join Steve Saunders’ mailing list for bonus insights


Credits

This show is brought to you by FNTV, supported by Cisco.

What is Carrier 2.0?

Carrier 2.0 goes beyond the headlines to uncover the future of telecom. Hosted by Fierce Network’s Steve Saunders, the show brings you inside the minds of the executives rewriting the rules of connectivity. Each episode delivers unfiltered conversations with industry leaders as they confront today’s biggest challenges, share hard-won lessons, and offer bold predictions about what comes next. From 5G and AI to the cloud and open networks, Carrier 2.0 cuts through the hype to reveal the real signals shaping tomorrow’s connected world.