More than 2,000 broadband providers, industry partners and advocates gathered in Orlando this week for NTCA 2026 RTIME, bringing energy to conversations shaping the future of universal service and rural connectivity.
RTIME also marked Shirley Bloomfield’s final conference as NTCA CEO before her retirement at the end of March. True to form, she used her remarks to share lists of accomplishments, memories and what lies ahead. From elevating rural broadband in national policy conversations to securing historic funding, Bloomfield’s nearly four decades of leadership left a lasting impact on NTCA and its members. Attendees also celebrated the announcement that Executive Vice President Mike Romano will serve as the association’s next CEO.
During the Opening General Session, Bloomfield also hosted a fireside chat with FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty focused on strengthening collaboration between policymakers and broadband providers. Trusty pointed to ongoing work with Congress to bring certainty and sustainability to the USF, and she spoke about efforts to improve broadband mapping accuracy and the importance of rural connectivity to achieving a “golden age of communications.”
Throughout the week, members attended sessions on USF implementation, broadband mapping, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, along with discussions on workforce development, permitting challenges and partnership opportunities. More than 100 vendors were also on site in the Expo to help members meet their business needs.
The Women in Telecom program hosted a discussion on navigating change and announced the Foundation for Rural Service’s (FRS) new Shirley Bloomfield Fund for Women’s Advancement for a woman student who is either a recent high school graduate, a non-traditional student returning to school after/while working, or a current student seeking to complete her degree. FRS also held a1980s-themed Telecom Prom in support of its work, and the NTCA Rural Broadband PAC hosted a night at Universal Studios.
On the final day of the conference, Bloomfield presented the annual Excellence Awards, recognizing leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities and the industry. FRS also honored this year’s Distinguished Service Award recipient Dee Herman for his work in support of its education and programming.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Orlando or followed along online. We look forward to continuing the conversation in Washington, D.C., at the 2026 NTCA Legislative and Policy Conference.