More than 1,200 rural broadband providers gathered in Indianapolis this week for the NTCA 2024 Fall Conference.
Themed “Amplifying Rural Community Connections,” the conference highlighted the importance of sharing success stories in rural broadband and achievements in universal service, and it focused on the association’s plan to address a federal court ruling that the Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution mechanism is unconstitutional. Panel discussions about broadband grants, esports, workforce retention strategies and more also helped attendees celebrate the many benefits of robust and reliable connectivity and learn about the latest industry trends.
NTCA Board Chairman Mike Grisham, president and CEO of Shawnee Communications (Equality, Ill.), spoke about the USF and said NTCA would leave no stone unturned in defending the critical program.
“We have led the charge for more than a decade in saving, reforming and promoting USF,” he said. “This newest threat is one that we stand ready to tackle together.”
NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield spoke about a member strike force that has been formed to work with key members of Congress on potential legislation and detailed a coalition of organizations formed to highlight the importance of the USF.
“This is no time to be sitting out,” Bloomfield said, explaining the judicial, legislative/lobbying, regulatory and public relations/stakeholder coordination efforts underway.
The opening day concluded with a night of live music at Howl at the Moon! dueling piano restaurant benefitting the Foundation for Rural Service.
On Tuesday, the Women in Telecom program gathered a networking breakfast before sessions began on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, ag innovation and advancing rural health care. That evening, the NTCA Rural Broadband PAC hosted an event at St. Elmo Steak House to benefit its administrative fund.
The Closing General Session saw NTCA Executive Vice President Mike Romano outline the association’s efforts to highlight the importance of the USF. This included a discussion about a recent member survey which found that rural Americans’ broadband rates could skyrocket, broadband network investments could drop and that there is substantial potential for default on outstanding network construction loans if USF support is eliminated.
NTCA also announced the first-ever Rural Rumble, an online esports tournament open to players 13 years and older who either reside in a household served by an NTCA member or are employed by an NTCA provider member. The dynamic 3-on-3 Rocket League tournament will test players’ skills while building excitement and greater awareness of esports opportunities in rural America.
Thanks to everyone who attended in person or streamed portions of the conference online. A recording of the Opening General Session is available on the NTCA Facebook page.
See you at RTIME!