Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
The 2024 Diamond State Networks Middle Mile Summit concluded last week in Hot Springs, Arkansas, bringing together rural broadband providers and industry experts for three days of focused discussions. From May 14th to 16th, attendees including VETRO’s Pete Pizzutillo, Amy Farrell and Charlie Holm, at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort delved into the latest advancements in middle-mile network technologies, funding opportunities, and best practices for bridging the digital divide in rural America.
“Managing Resources in the Middle and Last Mile” Panel Generates Buzz
One of the summit’s most highly anticipated sessions was the panel discussion titled “Managing Resources in the Middle and Last Mile.” Moderated by Nick Jones, Sr. Manager of Electric Coops at Calix, the panel featured a powerhouse line-up:
- Pete Pizzutillo, Head of Marketing and Channel at VETRO
- Patrick Reams, VP of Technology & Communications at Irby
- Charlie Parker, President of CEFiber
The panelists tackled the crucial challenges of resource allocation and optimization in both middle-mile and last-mile broadband deployment. Key takeaways from the session reportedly included:
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Collaboration is Key: Building strong partnerships between electric cooperatives, internet service providers (ISPs), and vendors is essential for efficient resource utilization.
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Strategic Planning for Long-Term Sustainability: Careful planning that considers future growth and maintenance needs is crucial for maximizing the lifespan of deployed infrastructure.
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Leveraging Innovative Technologies: New technologies like fiber optic ribbon cables and fixed wireless access can offer cost-effective solutions for reaching underserved communities.
A Successful Event for Rural Broadband Advocacy
The Diamond State Networks Middle Mile Summit served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration within the rural broadband industry. Attendees not only gained insights from industry leaders but also had the opportunity to network and build connections that can pave the way for future partnerships.
In addition to the informative sessions, the summit offered a fun social element – the ever-popular Bad Golf Annual Tournament! This lighthearted activity provided a chance for attendees to unwind and connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting.
Overall, the 2024 Diamond State Networks Middle Mile Summit was a resounding success, fostering progress towards the critical goal of bringing high-speed internet access to all corners of Arkansas.
About VETRO
At VETRO, we believe visualizing data unlocks hidden potential, radically simplifying the way businesses operate and digitizing the future of connectivity. We focus on empowering network operators with unparalleled clarity and control over their fiber networks, enabling them to move faster, better, and more efficiently than ever before. Our revolutionary platform isn’t just software – it’s the physical network asset system of record, offering unprecedented visibility and control from strategic planning to daily operations. We empower our customers to bridge the digital divide at a rapid pace, unlock unforeseen opportunities, and squeeze the maximum value from their networks. Let’s illuminate the unseen, digitize the way we connect, and shape the future of connectivity, together.
