About Us
Based in the Bay Area, BroadbandOne is passionate about creating wireless connections within communities, whether rural, urban, or somewhere in between. We understand that broadband has become a necessity in everyday life, and we want to be there to provide you with fast and reliable service using our licensed spectrum.
BroadbandOne has a rich background in wireless via its managing company Douglas Telecommunications, Inc., which participated in the advent of cellular over thirty years ago. From an office in the Bay Area, it built and operated a multi-state system of mobile networks that ultimately served more than 75,000 customers across Georgia, Illinois, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Markets were organized under the trade name CellularOne until the early 2000s.
Now, BroadbandOne is driving the next generation of networks. Coupled with emerging technology, our mmWave spectrum will allow for a new type of internet experience with greater bandwidth, lower latency, and faster speeds.
We’re currently building out infrastructure to support an Internet of Things (IoT) network across our licensed counties in 19 states, including Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, and California. BroadbandOne is excited to expand its operation in months to come with the goal of connecting you to the future of 5G.
Meet the Team
Our footprint spans the country

Eric Watko
Chief Executive Officer
BroadbandOneAs CEO, Eric is focused on supporting communities, enterprises, and municipalities as they transform and grow their wireless connectivity solutions across the BroadbandOne markets. He is a highly-accomplished, solutions-driven business and technology leader with over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Most recently at American Tower, Eric led their innovation initiative on the convergence of wireless and wireline networks and edge data centers. His specialties include developing digital infrastructure, terrestrial and satellite wireless network solutions, and network equipment.

Steve Russo
Chief Financial Officer
BroadbandOneAs Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Steve oversees all financial systems and functions for the BroadbandOne. Steve has more than 25 years of executive management experience in finance and operations. He has served in a variety of senior management roles for several high-tech companies and has a track record of taking companies with little or no revenues and building them into competitive organizations with strong financial results. During his career he has negotiated and guided the sale and purchase of several companies and business units.

Chris Craven
Chief Operating Officer • Chicago, IL
BroadbandOneA longtime advocate of RF technology and current COO, Chris is responsible for BroadbandOne’s network deployment in the Midwest alongside considerations regarding our future rollout of services. He got his start in telecom serving as Technical Controller in the U.S. Air Force over 40 years ago and has since held key positions for CLECs, fiber providers, and wireless operators. He most recently served as VP of Fixed Wireless Operations for Windstream Communications.

Luke Marrott
VP Network Engineering and Product Management • Lehi, UT
BroadbandOneAs VP of Network Engineering, Luke will oversee the build of BroadbandOne’s high availability core network, and he will partner with our customers to ensure that we deliver services in line with market needs as VP of Product Management. Luke served 5 years in the U.S. Navy before embarking on over 15 years in network design and deployment with a focus on Fiber to the Home, including greenfield, open infrastructure, and redundant municipal builds. He recently received his MBA from BYU Marriott School of Business.

Chris Negron
Regional VP Engineering and Site Development • Long Beach, MS
BroadbandOneChris is BroadbandOne’s Regional Vice President of Engineering and Site Development, managing our network deployment in the South from site selection through construction. Chris served 10 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force and has spent 22 years in commercial telecom, both wireline and wireless. He previously tackled challenges like implementing high-cap microwave networks in the Gulf of Mexico for oil exploration and designing carrier class networks for regional network expansions by Verizon and T-Mobile.

Melanie Harrell
VP Program Management • Kenner, LA
BroadbandOneAs VP of Program Management, Melanie oversees project management and logistics for BroadbandOne across our 19 states. She has spent 25 years in telecom supporting site development, transport, and construction. Former employers include major carriers such as Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon as well as wireless vendors. Before BroadbandOne, Melanie specifically focused on site development for small cell projects with multiple carriers.

Eileen Wheatman
Vice President & Director • Greenbrae, CA
BroadbandOneAs VP and Director of BroadbandOne, Eileen (CPA) oversees the progress of the network’s deployment across the country and reviews potential deals and acquisitions with a focus on financial feasibility. She joined Douglas Telecommunications over 25 years ago as Controller and subsequently became CFO, then President. Her diverse experience includes executive level managerial positions with the CellularOne regional markets, auto parts manufacturer KSR International Co., and Quantum Fuel Systems.

Amanda Douglas
Chairman • Greenbrae, CA
BroadbandOneAmanda oversees the company on behalf of her family. Day to day, she works closely with the team to meet buildout milestones while strategizing long-term direction for the business. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Southern California in 2021 and assists in managing several investment positions at DouglasTelecommunications. Her parents were involved in the first cellular networks, and she’s excited to follow in their footsteps with today’s 5G rollout.