Nearly 500 NTCA members gathered in Washington, D.C., this week to learn about funding opportunities and advocate for universal service with members of Congress and key policymakers.
Amid historic investments in rural broadband, the conference helped showcase the successes that NTCA members have had in their local communities while also highlighting the need for continued support from Congress, the FCC and other federal agencies.
“There’s never been a better time to work in rural broadband,” said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield in her opening remarks on Monday. “And this isn’t something that’s new for NTCA’s members. We know you have been working to achieve universal service since Day 1. Now is a great opportunity to showcase not only the great work you’re doing every day, but also to ensure we’re helping shape the policies coming from Washington, D.C., directly. Now is our time.”
Also on Monday, attendees heard from U.S. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), who reminded them that “rural America really matters.” Welch also noted the importance of community-based broadband providers because, “in today’s modern economy, if you don’t have broadband, you don’t have a chance.”
Panel discussions also were held with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Farah Ahmad, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce for Communications and Information April McClain-Delaney, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, and Joseph Wender, director of the Capital Projects Fund at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
During her remarks, Ahmad announced the availability of $20 million from the USDA’s new Broadband Technical Assistance Program, its first program designed to provide funding for technical assistance on feasibility studies, training and network design.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Wender said. “I have no idea when there will be tens of billions of dollars flowing from the federal government for broadband buildouts [again].”
On Tuesday, U.S. Reps. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C,), Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Bob Latta (R-Ohio) spoke about the importance of federal agency coordination and broadband partnerships. NTCA members then headed to Capitol Hill, meeting state-by-state with their congressional delegations to encourage continued support for rural broadband.
Thanks to all who attended this year, as well as all those who are working year-round to advocate for the advancement of rural broadband.