There is something about the nip in the air once we hit December that causes me to reflect on where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going for the year ahead, so I simply wanted to share some of those thoughts with you today.
This was certainly a notable year. The passage of a “once-in-a-generation” broadband funding opportunity with enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was the culmination of years of grassroots effort by NTCA members alongside our amazing advocacy team. I marvel at the progress that was made from simply trying to convince Congress a few years ago that broadband was worthy of consideration as 21st Century critical infrastructure, to $65 billion for broadband networks and affordability being included in the final bill passed into law. I hate to think there were any silver linings in this ongoing pandemic, but if there was one, it would be the recognition that the work you do to connect your consumers, businesses and communities to the rest of the world at a time when connections are everything is profound. I know I have said it before and I will likely say it another 50 times, but the innovative work you did keeping your communities humming and your local students online made us all so very proud to represent you.
So many NTCA priorities were included in this landmark legislation. Chief among them is statutory text for the new Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program putting community-based providers—regardless of corporate structure—on equal footing. Our work on this particular point was significant. And when the day came for the legislation to be signed into law, I was thrilled not only to be invited to the signing ceremony, but to be invited onstage with President Biden as he signed the bill into law. It was truly an honor to share with the President that our NTCA member companies are ready to be part of the solution to end the digital divide once and for all! My father is still pondering why I didn’t get a pen, but a copy of the signed law and $65 billion for broadband programs more than makes up for the loss of a souvenir.
Now the real work begins. We need to ensure we stay front and center as these rules are written. Ensuring the money flows to the right players, the right way with the right checks and balances in place will be Job No. 1 in the year ahead. We will work tirelessly to share with federal, state and local officials that they need to invest in future-proof, scalable technology like fiber, and to partner with small, community-based providers who have already proven their ability and commitment to build and maintain strong networks in rural areas. Proper vetting of capabilities must take place (because we know federal money brings all kinds of “players” out of the woodwork), and we must continue to address ongoing supply-chain issues, find creative ways to build public-private partnerships and create tools to support growth in the workforce.
We are also so excited about the tools we are creating in partnership with others to support your efforts. We are partnering with our friends at ACA Connects to create a BEAD Program State by State Tracker. As NTIA awards funding to each State/Territory later next year, and as each state moves forward to award grants, we will provide up-to-date information about requirements and actions for each state, including terms and conditions adopted, deadlines for challenge processes and awards themselves. We are also partnering with the Fiber Broadband Association on a Broadband Infrastructure Playbook to assist state governments as they seek to implement the BEAD Program and put funding to the best possible use. Creative partnership are certainly the theme, and all of us are ready to roll up our sleeves once again and get to work right alongside you! I appreciate the NTCA Board of Directors for the allocation of additional advocacy resources to ensure we have the tools needed to get the job done.
We also know that while building networks might generate more buzz, sustaining those networks is just as important—hence our efforts to support the future of Universal Service and why we have led the effort to promote data-driven decision-making around USF contributions reform and pulled some interesting public interest partners to the table. Hundreds of you joined our call to broadband policymakers to reform and stabilize the USF funding mechanism by requiring contributions to USF from providers of broadband internet access services. The time is now to ensure that program can support the future needs to sustain rural broadband networks and keep services affordable, and this will certainly be front and center in the year ahead.
In addition to all the work by NTCA members and our staff on the policy front, we are also working hard to bring more value to our membership in a variety of ways. CyberShare: The Small Broadband Provider ISAC, our tool for small broadband providers to share network threats, just hosted two nationwide ransomware exercises for the broader industry with Breached!, a virtual wargame that allowed participants to safely learn from experts what happens when the bad guys hit! Our Smart Rural Community branding program is more important than ever as our members need to ramp up education with states and localities on why you are the best recipient for state and local broadband funding. Having an SRC designation means you have deployed 100 Mbps and are focused on ways your local communities benefit from that robust broadband network. Oh, and by the way, it shows that community focus is your top priority.
Providing automobile and safety discounts, focusing on workforce development and supply chain solutions are also all top priorities for your NTCA team. And our benefit plans—whether for health care, savings or retirement—are also very top of mind as we strive to meet the evolving needs of your teams. And between our Bandwidth newsletter and the new Broadband Opportunity Hub launching on our website next month, you’ll always stay up to speed. Get everyone on your team a free subscription to Bandwidth for the holidays!
While we are focused on making the most of this broadband moment, it does not mean that we don’t have an eye toward the future. We have created a roadmap with our Vision 2030 that you will hear more about in the year ahead. And we know that the success of our industry in the future is determined by keeping our eye on where we need to go. With a vision consistent with the timeless principle of universal service, every rural American should by 2030 have access to robust and reliable fixed and mobile voice and broadband services at affordable rates. Roadmaps are always helpful when you know where you want to go but we will need to keep our eyes on mile markers to get there.
And as we look ahead, we are also looking forward to more in-person gatherings in 2022 that we can safely host. RTIME, taking place February 13-16 in Dallas, will be amazing, with a special Broadband Funding Workshop designed to give you a clear understanding of the opportunities coming your way. You can’t afford to miss this.
I have worked in this industry for many years, and there has never been more momentum to get the job done and connect all Americans to broadband. I have also never been prouder of our membership and our own team. The work that you do every day inspires us here at NTCA to do what we do every day, as well.
I am also grateful for the return to in-person meetings and networking, new leadership on the NTCA board ready to hit the ground running, a staff team focused on the member experience for our companies, friendship and camaraderie with so many of you and the continued health and happiness of my own family with the addition of a new son-in-law into our fold.
We have all of that and more to look forward to in the year ahead. I extend the best to you and yours for a happy, safe and prosperous 2022.
