NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield took part in a broadband listening session and Smart Rural Community award event August 16, 2017, in Maine, with Sen. Angus King (I) and FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel.
Bloomfield traveled to different sites across the state, including the Waterville Library Business, Career and Creativity Center, which supports digital-literacy efforts, career development and entrepreneurial support; and Buckle Farm in Unity, where the role of rural broadband and its importance in reaching local markets were discussed.
An afternoon listening session, “Improving Broadband Infrastructure and Closing the Digital Divide,” included comments from King, Rosenworcel and Bloomfield. A large audience participated in a Q&A session that addressed technology, telemedicine and policies to increase broadband deployment throughout the state. Bloomfield also presented Unitel Inc. with a Smart Rural Community award.