NTCA members gathered this week for the first in-person Legislative + Policy Conference since 2019. A lot has happened since then, including the passage of $65 billion in broadband funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, not to mention the millions more that came before that as policymakers recognized the importance of broadband connectivity during the pandemic. With broadband top of mind for so many, NTCA was able to continue the conversation in Washington, D.C., and remind members and lawmakers that now the real work begins to connect rural America and bridge the digital divide once and for all.
NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield kicked things off on Monday by remembering the life of long-time NTCA Government Affairs Committee Chairman David Crothers, who passed away recently. Following Bloomfield's remarks, FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington addressed members, acknowledging the importance of ensuring the future of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and saying, "Today more than ever we need your input to get this right." Alan Davidson, administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration spoke about the agency's mission to connect all Americans as it implements the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. NTCA members also heard from key FCC and congressional staffers.
On Tuesday, Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., spoke about the importance of federal agency coordination and broadband partnerships. After breakfast, NTCA members headed to Capitol Hill, meeting state-by-state with their congressional delegations to encourage continued support for rural broadband.
During the conference, NTCA also unveiled the second part of the Digital Inclusion series and a new paper from the Smart Rural Community program on workforce development.
NTCA thanks everyone who made the trip to Washington, D.C., for this timely meeting as we work together to make the most of this broadband moment.
