More than 2,200 community-based broadband providers, exhibitors and other stakeholders arrived in Tampa, Florida, this weekend for the annual Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO (RTIME).
Attendees on Sunday had the opportunity to dip their toes into the exciting world of esports at the NTCA PlayerZone Esports Pavilion. Presented by the NTCA Innovation and Business Opportunity Committee and sponsored by the NTCA Smart Communities program, the pavilion showcased NTCA members who are engaged in esports and gaming in rural spaces and how esports can be an excellent opportunity for business differentiation and a chance to develop a talent pipeline.
Representatives from the National Esports Association and NTCA members Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (Guymon, Okla.), MTA (Palmer, Alaska), Norvado (Cable, Wis.), Nex-Tech (Hays, Kan.) and Paul Bunyan Communications (Bemidji, Wis.) shared their experiences in esports and information about how to get started. In addition, representatives from the Iowa Communications Alliance and Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association shared how they are supporting esports on a statewide basis.
As NTCA members work to grow their own workforce of the future, esports has been one area where they have found success in connecting with students who may be interested in broadband careers down the line. The Broadband Opportunities and Leadership Development (BOLD) K-12 Career Awareness Toolkit contains guidance and best practices on ways to engage with youth and features profiles on several NTCA providers who have hosted esports tournaments, supported robotics teams, developed programs or engaged in career awareness efforts to connect with students at a young age.
Also on Sunday were six Regional Raps which gave attendees the opportunity to hear important updates from their respective regions and connect with NTCA board members and others from their area.
This year, the regional gatherings were focused on NTCA’s work on behalf of rural providers and their long-term goals. On the advocacy front, 2024 is an important year for NTCA and the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), which are celebrating a combined 100 years of connecting communities.
NTCA, originally known as the National Telephone Cooperative Association, was incorporated on June 1, 1954, and eight rural telephone systems in seven states became its original members. Since then, NTCA has worked to represent providers across rural America in the field and on Capitol Hill.
CEO Shirley Bloomfield recently talked about her time at NTCA, and some of the association’s board directors, members and staff filmed a video looking back at its success and planning ahead for its future.
For FRS, 2024 marks its 30th anniversary of sustaining and enhancing the quality of life in rural America. As the philanthropic arm of NTCA, FRS offers a variety of philanthropic and educational programs to help and teach people of all ages. Its annual gala celebration is Monday night, so be on the lookout for more information and photos if you’re unable to attend.
You should also continue to read Bandwidth, NTCA’s weekly enewsletter, as well as follow NTCA on social media for more exciting announcements and giveaways as we celebrate 70 years of NTCA and 30 of FRS. Thanks for all you do.