More than 2,000 community-based broadband providers joined NTCA this week at its annual Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO (RTIME) in San Diego to discuss the business, the people, and the technology of rural broadband.
Themed “Make this Moment Count,” the conference focused on ways attendees could best position themselves during this historic period of investment and interest in bringing broadband to more rural Americans.
NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield challenged members to, “take back the narrative of providing broadband to rural America.” Through a set of 10 calls to action, Bloomfield talked about the importance of educating policymakers, telling the stories of rural America, and coordinating with stakeholders on the many grant and loan programs that exist.
NTCA also unveiled two new strategic collaborations to help members overcome supply chain and workforce challenges and prepare for future growth. Corning Optical Communications is making available an exclusive supply of cable and connectivity solutions specially reserved for NTCA members’ network buildouts, while Northwood Technical College will provide online courses that can be paired with apprentice-type training at NTCA member companies.
“Demonstrating some of the competencies and occupational areas that maybe [our youth] don’t think of that maybe are not a traditional straight-to-four-year-university-type track is really important,” said Northwood Tech President Dr. John Will. “We don’t have to be second to anyone anymore.”
Chief among the policy goals discussed at RTIME was achieving a sustainable Universal Service Fund (USF). NTCA Board of Directors Chairman Barry Adair, chief executive officer of Wabash Communications CO-OP (Louisville, Ill.), said NTCA is “doing everything possible to protect, modernize, and promote the successes of the high-cost USF programs through frequent discussions with members of Congress and every branch of the government.”
Monday saw the opening of the sold-out EXPO, which connected attendees with solution providers working to improve operations, assist with new deployment efforts, and explore new business ventures. The Foundation for Rural Service also hosted a California Dreaming Poolside Party to benefit its scholarship, community grant, and educational programming.
On Tuesday, those in attendance heard panel discussions about transitions in leadership, USF reform, and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding. Lisa Brouwer, a certified “Dare to Lead” facilitator, also challenged the Women in Telecom program to continue connecting to overcome industry obstacles. The day ended with a dinner event hosted by the NTCA Rural Broadband PAC aboard the USS Midway to benefit advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.
The conference concluded following an address from Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke and the presentation of NTCA eXcellence Awards. NTCA would like to thank all those who attended in-person or followed along online. A recording of Opening General Session remarks and collaboration panel is available on the NTCA Facebook page.