The NTCA team has been busy preparing for the 2025 RTIME, organizing sessions, working through logistics, planning special events, and, of course, packing up resources and giveaways for attendees. As we pack our bags and head to San Antonio, we look forward to catching up with old friends, making new friends and learning a thing or two along the way.
The conference theme is “Connecting Today, Navigating Tomorrow.” In this pivotal moment for the industry, NTCA is at the forefront of discussions about protecting the Universal Service Fund (USF) and ensuring the continued funding of essential rural broadband initiatives.
The conference starts Sunday morning with an executive policy discussion, where attendees will have the opportunity to ask NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield and Executive Vice President Mike Romano questions on key policy issues.
In the afternoon, make sure you attend the Regional Raps, a time to gather with attendees from your region and hear essential updates from NTCA Board directors who represent you. While we are keeping everything under “raps” for now (I couldn’t resist a good pun), there may be some fun prizes for attendees.
Sunday evening closes with the championship round of the Rural Rumble online esports tournament and the welcome reception. The Rumble began play in early February. This dynamic 3-on-3 Rocket League tournament has tested the skills of more than 60 teams made up of members and their customers while building excitement and greater awareness of esports opportunities. Attendees will gather to watch Bath Bomb (West Carolina; Abbeville, S.C.) and the UW-Stout Blue Devils (West Wisconsin Telcom Cooperative; Menomonie, Wis.) compete head-to-head for the championship title belt. The finals will be streamed online if you aren’t joining us in San Antonio.
On Monday morning NTCA Board of Directors Chair Roxie Jorgenson, MTA Board secretary (Palmer, Alaska), and Bloomfield will share updates on the industry and policies impacting rural broadband providers. With arguments scheduled before the Supreme Court in its review of the USF contribution mechanism, Bloomfield will share more about the association’s judicial and legislative efforts and ways members can educate the public and policymakers on the importance of the USF and #BroadbandBuiltToLast.
Throughout the week, there will also be dozens of sessions and committee meetings on a wide array of topics impacting the broadband industry. This includes a broadband mapping discussion, a panel on the role of the USF and its future, and a keynote address from retired Lt. Col. Jason Harris, bestselling author, thought leader and professional pilot.
In addition to the educational sessions, the 2025 RTIME will feature an expo hall with more than 120 exhibitors and solutions providers. The NTCA booths will also have some surprise NTCA and Texas-themed activities; make sure you stop by to learn more!
Looking for a true taste of San Antonio? The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) will host a Rural Rodeo Celebration at the Tejas Rodeo on Monday night, and the NTCA Rural Broadband PAC will host an evening at the Natural Bridge Caverns on Tuesday. Stop by the FRS and PAC booths in Conference Central for more information.
To close out the week, join the annual Excellence Awards Ceremony, a time to celebrate the best and brightest in the rural broadband industry. The ceremony will also be streamed on the NTCA Facebook page.
See you in San Antonio!