The annual NTCA The Rural Broadband Association RTime conference, held February 11-14 in Tampa, Florida, brought together key players in the rural broadband industry to discuss crucial topics at a pivotal moment. Will Mitchell, CEO of VETRO and Amy Farrell, Account Executive at VETRO were among the attendees. With major funding legislation in place, the focus shifted towards forging ahead with plans for future success.
Rural Broadband Association RTimeKeynote Inspiration:
Shawn Kanungo’s opening address, “Bold Ones: How to Innovate and Disrupt Ourselves,” set the tone for the event. He urged attendees to embrace change, experiment, and become more dynamic in a rapidly evolving world. His actionable techniques resonated with participants, equipping them with tools to innovate and disrupt themselves.
Rural Broadband Policy and Regulatory Insights:
A high-powered panel discussion led by Mike Romano, Shawn Arner, and Jodie Griffin tackled “Connecting Communities: A Crucial Moment for Broadband Investment.” Their insights on policy considerations and funding opportunities painted a clear picture of the landscape ahead,
Rural Broadband Best Practices: Board Governance
Several sessions focused on effective board governance. Celeste Cook and Dottie Schindlinger offered practical approaches and strategies for directors to fulfill their duty of care, navigate board dynamics, and foster productive conversations.
Rural Broadband Staying Ahead of the Curve:
Sessions like “Incorporating Fixed Wireless as Part of Enhanced A-CAM” which included Sebastian Ivansky, CTO at Valley Telephone Cooperative, and “Staying Relevant With Gen Z Customers” explored innovative solutions to address emerging challenges. Participants gained valuable insights on utilizing hybrid networks, engaging younger generations, and adapting to market shifts.
Broadband Cybersecurity in Focus:
Tamber Ray’s session on “Cybersecurity Compliance Essentials” shed light on the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Attendees learned about navigating regulations, protocols, and achieving NIST compliance.
Middle Mile Matters:
A timely discussion on “Focusing on Middle Mile Needs and Internet Exchange Facilities” highlighted the importance of robust middle mile infrastructure and rural aggregation points. The session presented creative approaches and collaborative solutions to address these challenges.
AI Adoption for Internet Service Providers:
“Practical AI for Service Providers: Creating Immediate Value with New and Existing AI Solutions” explored the practical applications of AI for small businesses. The session addressed ethical, operational, and governance considerations, providing valuable insights for directors and other stakeholders.
Rural Broadband Industry Outlook:
The “USF: Future Perspectives” session offered a glimpse into the potential trajectory of the Universal Service Fund and potential issues surrounding contribution reforms. Industry leaders and policy experts provided valuable insights for navigating the future of USF.
Emerging Technologies in Rural Broadband:
“Using LEO for Backhaul and Other Apps” delved into the potential of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technology. The session explored practical implementations and the impact of LEO on diverse communication needs.
Overall, RTime 2024 provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and inspiration. With a mix of bold ideas and practical strategies, the conference empowered attendees to navigate the current climate and build a brighter future for rural broadband.
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.
