One doesn’t even need to look at a calendar to know that we have been in a Pandemic-driven virtual world for over a year because here at NTCA, we just finished hosting our second annual virtual Legislative and Policy Conference. While I will say that we would all prefer to do these in person, our team has actually gotten very good at this digital world and our membership has really mastered telling their impressive stories of deployment and service on a zoom screen!
With so many eyes on broadband policies here in our nation’s capital, there could have been no better time for the more than 100 separate zoom congressional meetings that took place after the close of the briefing session. And there are so many things to talk about in the broadband space as policymakers have really made a priority on broadband accessibility, affordability and equity.
A comprehensive rural broadband infrastructure strategy is essential, and the time is now to get it done. Direct funding for broadband deployment to unserved areas first, deploy future proof networks. Networks must be maintained and service kept affordable, coordination among existing broadband programs is critical, providers should be kept accountable and the federal government should look first to community-based providers of all kinds, whether cooperative or commercially owned, to finish the job of connecting rural America to broadband.
This conference was such a wonderful time for NTCA members to hear from key leaders, such as acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel as she set out some of her priorities for the Commission in the year ahead, including a close examination and vetting of the RDOF results. Will McIntee, associate director of public engagement for the White House, also shared the Administration’s priorities for rural America, and Chris McLean, acting RUS Administrator, talked about the next rounds for its ReConnect program.
Key staffers from Capitol Hill and the FCC also shared their perspectives and words of wisdom, and it was such a great opportunity to hear what lies ahead for policymakers in the year ahead.
I have a feeling that things will only accelerate from here, but our L&P Conference was a great place to start.
