Blog

Ron is the Vice President of Network Operations and is responsible for technology and service management functions including; the Network Operations Center, planning and engineering, central office support and the technology and networks at the heart of the company’s residential, business and wholesale services, for both Cincinnati and Hawaii. Ron has been with the company since his co-op days in 1993 and has held leadership positions in several areas of the organization including IT, Contact Center, Managed Services and Field Operations. We sat down with him to ask how Cincinnati Bell has prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic and how the network is holding up to the increased demand.

Today, everything in your home, from your TV to your toaster, can be “smart.”

Smart devices have become so ubiquitous, that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options (who needs a smart toilet paper dispenser anyway?). But, with 69% of U.S. households already equipped with at least one smart home device, and smart home sales expected to grow at double-digit rates annually for the next several years, it’s safe to assume that if you haven’t already purchased a smart home device, you probably will soon.

Imagine an expo. A place where all sorts of different things and companies are on display in one space, over a set layout. Next, imagine all the coolest technology. Everything from VR technology to robots to smart home and flying cars. Now, imagine walking around and seeing all the most exciting technology in one place, current and future facing. How cool is that?

This awesome event exists, and is called the CES (Consumer Electronics Show). Since 1967, the Consumer Technology Association hosts this annual event in Las Vegas that “sets the Global Stage for Innovation”.

Like many of you, we are excited for 2020 and the promise of a new year and decade. We have a lot of great new content in store for you over the next 12 months, but before we dive headlong into the new year, here's a look at our 10 most read blogs from the past year. 

Everybody knows the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear, but not everyone knows the second best way to spread Christmas cheer (or any holiday cheer, really) is to enlist the help of your virtual assistant. 

Whether you are looking to check up on Santa Claus before the big day or light the next candle on your menorah, all you have to do is ask your Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Below we have compiled 20 holiday-themed commands for both systems sure to add a little magic to your holidays.  

Thanksgiving is right around the corner; this is not a drill! We all know that Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and food. However, being the host can sometimes feel a little stressful. From trying to prep for the day, plan all of the dishes – all requiring different cook times – limited oven space, a house to clean and keeping everyone entertained, turkey day can feel like an overwhelming project.

Although the day is worth all the time and energy, we have some ways for you to work smarter not harder this Thanksgiving. How? Through smart home automation! It’s time we give some thanks for smart home products that can make your holiday season easier. Here are just a few ways popular smart home devices can help you pull off the perfect Thanksgiving day feast!

Let’s talk podcasts! Podcasts have the ability to broaden your perspective and grow your understanding and knowledge of a subject in a relatively short period of time. They are great for educational reasons and also entertainment.

Plus, there are a vast number of podcast categories so you can listen to whatever you want. You can listen to any subject including comedy, true crime, education, storytelling, audio books, health/wellness, arts, entertainment, society/culture, sports, games, lifestyle, kids/family, business, and technology. Any information you are looking for, you can most likely find a podcast that correlates.  The podcast possibilities are truly endless!

Receiving unwanted spam calls can be inconvenient and frustrating, but if you happen to fall victim to one of these scams, it can also be financially disastrous.

According to a report from Truecaller, in 2018 43 million Americans fell victim to phone scams for a total loss of approximately $10.5 billion. That's nearly one in every six adult Americans. 

Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to identify legitimate calls and avoid the rest.

TV on the Go:

What happens when you are on a road trip and your kids desperately want to watch their favorite TV show? Or you are stuck at the airport during a layover and know you are about to miss the big game? How do you watch your favorite Cincinnati Bell Fioptics TV shows and movies when you are not at home? The answer: Watch TV on the Go with Fioptics TV Everywhere.

As the summer begins to heat up, your outdoor space becomes your patio oasis...your barbecue kitchen… and your backyard football field. You want your space to be ready for every event this summer. In order to make your outdoor space feel like it’s ready for fun in the sun, you need to “deck” it out with all the smart home accessories.

You might think that a smart home only pertains to the inside of your home, but that’s not always true. There are plenty of ways to automate your outdoor space that will allow you to enjoy the outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of technology. You can make your dream yard into a reality. Here is a detailed look into ways you can bring your smart home outdoors: