More than 1,500 rural broadband providers gathered in Boston this week at the NTCA 2023 Fall Conference.
Themed “Forging the Future of Rural Broadband,” the conference focused on the latest on the FCC’s enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM), requirements and next steps for Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, esports, cybersecurity and more. Conference panels and committee meetings were held to help attendees get ready for the distribution of federal funding and learn more about the latest in broadband technologies.
NTCA Board Chairman Barry Adair, general manager and CEO of Wabash Communications CO-OP (Louisville, Ill.), spoke about the criticality of the Universal Service Fund in the wake of ongoing legal challenges to it.
“Just as NTCA was actively involved in the development of the program, we will also continue to share updates in this critical arena as the only trade association focused on universal service as its top priority,” he said.
NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield spoke about enhanced A-CAM and the future of universal service before highlighting NTCA members’ efforts to continue leading the charge to reach all un- and underserved communities across the country. She also spoke about key NTCA collaborations with Northwood Technical College and Corning Optical Communications, designed to help members develop their workforce and stay on top of supply chain demand.
Bloomfield also hosted a discussion with Kevin Gallagher, senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, about the BEAD program and what to expect as states prepare to distribute the historic amount of broadband funding to companies.
“We want to make sure that this is a program that all of you can participate in,” Gallagher said, “so stay engaged, tell your story, engage with your policymakers at the federal, state and local level. We do want to hear from you. It’s the best thing you can do for your company, it’s the best thing you can do for your customers and we’ll all be better off because of that engagement.”
The opening day concluded with a networking reception and the Foundation for Rural Service’s “Let the Good Times Roll” bowling event.
On Tuesday, the Women in Telecom program gathered for a networking breakfast before sessions began on FCC mapping, emerging technologies and funding opportunities. That evening, the Rural Broadband PAC hosted an event at Fenway Park, where the Red Sox were playing the Tampa Bay Rays.
Thanks to everyone who attended in person or streamed portions of the conference online. A recording of the Opening General Session is available on the NTCA Facebook page.
See you at RTIME!