Rural broadband providers gathered in Las Vegas this week for the NTCA 2025 Fall Conference, where more than 1,200 attendees explored how innovation, policy and partnership can expand internet access and drive progress across rural America.
NTCA Board Chair Roxie Jorgenson, board secretary at MTA (Palmer, Alaska), opened the conference by celebrating the “united front” the association has presented in the wake of legal challenges to the Universal Service Fund (USF). NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield thanked members for their role in that victory while highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure the fund’s long-term sustainability. She also pointed to NTCA’s leadership in areas such as AI, broadband mapping and navigating the changing requirements of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
In what she called “a bittersweet message,” Bloomfield announced her intention to step down as CEO in March 2026 after 36 years with NTCA.
“I am proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I’m even more excited about what lies ahead for this industry,” she said. “Rural broadband is no longer an afterthought — it’s essential infrastructure, a driver of opportunity and a national priority. I will leave confident in the momentum we’ve built and the strong foundation in place with a strategic plan focused on how to tackle the challenges to come.”
Eight winners were recognized with 2025 Smart Rural Community (SRC) Showcase Awards, presented annually to rural broadband providers who not only provide high-quality, reliable connectivity, but who also have led the way on collaborative and innovative projects that advance the communities they serve.
The Foundation for Rural Service’s Rise for Rural: An Evening at the Vegas High Roller capped off a full day of sessions and networking. The next morning, the Women in Telecom program hosted a networking breakfast, followed by sessions on AI, workforce development and network optimization. That evening, the NTCA Rural Broadband PAC welcomed attendees to Cirque du Soleil’s O at the Bellagio.
At the Closing General Session, NTCA Executive Vice President Mike Romano outlined the association’s broadband policy priorities and led a state broadband office staff panel on the BEAD program. The conference wrapped with the launch of NTCA’s new 30-Day AI Challenge, encouraging members to explore practical AI solutions across their businesses.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Las Vegas for the 2025 Fall Conference. We look forward to continuing the conversation and seeing you at RTIME, February 22–25, 2026, in Orlando.