Stories can help shape broadband policy in ways that maps simply can’t. Dr. Christopher Ali, a professor of telecommunications at Penn State and the author of Farm Fresh Broadband: The Politics of Rural Connectivity explained.

Connectivity can literally make the difference between life and death for a first responder, according to Dr. Christopher Ali, who recently sat down for an interview with Beyond the Cable for the podcast’s latest episode.

“I heard a story about a firefighter who was trapped,” Dr. Ali explained. “And firefighters have a device that they can basically allow to call for a mayday, but of course it requires connectivity.”

Dr. Ali said the firefighter he spoke to did not have the connectivity needed to lodge a mayday call. While that individual ended up being saved, according to Dr. Ali, the story served as a wakeup call to him regarding the urgency of connectivity for the first responder community. He said that’s only one example of how powerful stories can shape policy when they’re told.

In addition, Dr. Ali shared his unique perspective on the FCC’s recent adoption of new digital discrimination rules. Hear that and Dr. Ali’s thoughts regarding connectivity progress in his own home state of Pennsylvania.

Click here to listen to Beyond the Cable’s full interview with Dr. Christopher Ali and to hear a roundup of recent headlines from around the industry.

Reach Brad Randall, the host of “Beyond the Cable,” at brad.randall@totaltele.com.