NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association

Fiber Broadband Association and NTCA Release Complete Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0 Ahead of BEAD Initial Proposal Deadline

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association today announced the complete Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0 is now available.

Key Points: 
  • The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association today announced the complete Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0 is now available.
  • Soon after the BEAD program was created, a direct result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, FBA and NTCA developed the first Broadband Infrastructure Playbook to map out key issues that states need to address as they implement the BEAD program.
  • “NTCA is proud to partner with the Fiber Broadband Association on the Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0, which contains critical guidance for state broadband offices as they craft their initial proposals and look to make a lasting impact on broadband access.”
    The Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0 was developed in partnership with Cartesian .
  • To learn more about the Broadband Infrastructure Playbook 3.0, visit fiberbroadband.org/resources/broadband-infrastructure-playbook-3-0/ .

TDS Telecom doubles down on commitment to improve rural broadband

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 28, 2023

With this program, TDS and the federal government are ensuring quality, high-speed internet in our rural service areas,” said TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Drew Petersen.

Key Points: 
  • With this program, TDS and the federal government are ensuring quality, high-speed internet in our rural service areas,” said TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Drew Petersen.
  • The E-ACAM program supports TDS’ ability to make long-term investments to improve rural broadband by providing predictable support over 15 years while aligning network deployment requirements with the federal Broadband Equity Access & Deployment (BEAD) program.
  • “TDS looks forward to improving broadband in our communities and assisting states in their efforts to prevent duplicate broadband funding from federal programs,” said Petersen.
  • For the last two years, TDS has been advocating in support of enhancing the ACAM program as a member of the ACAM Broadband Coalition and appreciates the continued support from NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association and WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband.

Highline Celebrated the Completion of Construction in the Thumb

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 14, 2023

Highline, a leading provider of gigabit high-speed internet services, hosted a celebration event on Thursday, September 7, in Sandusky, MI, for the recent completion of construction to the obligated Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) homes and businesses in Michigan’s Thumb region.

Key Points: 
  • Highline, a leading provider of gigabit high-speed internet services, hosted a celebration event on Thursday, September 7, in Sandusky, MI, for the recent completion of construction to the obligated Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) homes and businesses in Michigan’s Thumb region.
  • “Highline’s state-of-the-art 823-mile fiber optic network was built with a combination of private investment backed by ITC Capital Partners and the FCC’s RDOF grant program.
  • The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) is a program established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
  • The RDOF aims to bring fixed broadband and voice services to millions of unserved households and businesses in rural America.

TDS Telecom Commends FCC Decision to Enhance the A-CAM Program

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 24, 2023

Madison, Wisconsin, July 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) is pleased with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to modify and update the Alternative Cost Model (A-CAM) high-cost universal service support program.

Key Points: 
  • Madison, Wisconsin, July 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) is pleased with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to modify and update the Alternative Cost Model (A-CAM) high-cost universal service support program.
  • “TDS Telecom would like to thank Chairwoman Rosenworcel and all the commissioners for their support of enhancements to the A-CAM program.
  • This decision illustrates the Commission’s steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality and affordable internet services to every American,” said TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Drew Petersen.
  • TDS has nearly 160,000 homes and small businesses in 25 states in the current A-CAM program and looks forward to reviewing the specifics of the enhanced A-CAM program.

Disruption Takes the Main Stage at Fiber Broadband Association’s Fiber Connect 2023

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 18, 2023

The Fiber Broadband Association today announced general session keynotes and Operator Light Talks planned for Fiber Connect 2023 , August 20-23, 2023, in Orlando, Fla.

Key Points: 
  • The Fiber Broadband Association today announced general session keynotes and Operator Light Talks planned for Fiber Connect 2023 , August 20-23, 2023, in Orlando, Fla.
  • Fiber Connect is the world’s largest fiber broadband event, and this year’s program will feature new themes and content styles.
  • “Fiber Connect grows every year because we present the topics that matter most to network operators, broadband providers, municipalities, electric cooperatives, and others that are building fiber broadband networks to connect North America,” said Evann Freeman, EPB Director of Government Relations and Fiber Broadband Association Conference Committee Chair.
  • “While the fiber broadband industry is experiencing its largest investment cycle ever, the Fiber Broadband Association is delivering content and networking opportunities to help guide the industry with best practices and explore what is possible once fiber networks reach everyone, everywhere.”
    Operator Light Talks are a new addition to the Fiber Connect agenda this year.

FTC Releases Speaker List for May 4 Informal Hearing on Government and Business Impersonation Rule

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 2, 2023

The Federal Trade Commission will hold an informal hearing on its proposed rule prohibiting government and business impersonation at 1 p.m. on May 4, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • The Federal Trade Commission will hold an informal hearing on its proposed rule prohibiting government and business impersonation at 1 p.m. on May 4, 2023.
  • Chief Administrative Law Judge D. Michael Chappell will preside over the hearing, which will be held virtually and livestreamed on ftc.gov.
  • - USTelecom – The Broadband Association (speaker: Joshua M. Bercu, Vice President, Policy & Advocacy)
    - Neil Chilson, Esq.
  • Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.

FTC Releases Speaker List for May 4 Informal Hearing on Government and Business Impersonation Rule

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 2, 2023

The Federal Trade Commission will hold an informal hearing on its proposed rule prohibiting government and business impersonation at 1 p.m. on May 4, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • The Federal Trade Commission will hold an informal hearing on its proposed rule prohibiting government and business impersonation at 1 p.m. on May 4, 2023.
  • Chief Administrative Law Judge D. Michael Chappell will preside over the hearing, which will be held virtually and livestreamed on ftc.gov.
  • - USTelecom – The Broadband Association (speaker: Joshua M. Bercu, Vice President, Policy & Advocacy)
    - Neil Chilson, Esq.
  • Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.

12th Annual National Rural Health Day is November 17

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 4, 2022

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Nov. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Each year, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and rural-focused organizations across the United States set aside the third Thursday of November (Nov. 17, 2022) to recognize National Rural Health Day (NRHD).

Key Points: 
  • STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Nov. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Each year, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and rural-focused organizations across the United States set aside the third Thursday of November (Nov. 17, 2022) to recognize National Rural Health Day (NRHD).
  • Now in its 12th year, NRHD is an opportunity to celebrate the #PowerOfRural and honor the individuals and organizations serving the health needs of nearly 61 million people living in rural America.
  • ET, NOSORH will host a special web event - Collaboration Carpool: Conversations with Mission-Minded Rural Stakeholders.
  • Visit PowerofRural.org to reserve your seat for Collaboration Carpool: Conversations with Mission-Minded Stakeholders and to explore the 2022 Key Messages and Data Points, Idea Guides, downloadable NRHD tools, and more.

WTA-Advocates for Rural Broadband Elects IDI Billing Solutions Sales Director to Key Board Seat

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 15, 2022

IDI Billing Solutions , a global provider of cloud-based billing, automation and workflow solutions for Communications Service Providers, is thrilled to announce that Volodymyr Chornodolsky, IDI Billing Solutions Director of Sales, has been elected to the Board of Directors of WTA Advocates for Rural Broadband .

Key Points: 
  • IDI Billing Solutions , a global provider of cloud-based billing, automation and workflow solutions for Communications Service Providers, is thrilled to announce that Volodymyr Chornodolsky, IDI Billing Solutions Director of Sales, has been elected to the Board of Directors of WTA Advocates for Rural Broadband .
  • WTA represents more than 360 small, rural telecommunications carriers providing voice, broadband and video-related services in the United States.
  • WTA - Advocates for Rural Broadband represents more than 360 small, rural telecommunications carriers providing voice, broadband and video-related services in the United States.
  • IDI Billing Solutions has been a leading provider of Billing, Automation and Workflow solutions for the communications industry since 1996.

Broadband Industry Unites to Launch State Broadband Office Educational Webinar Series

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Today the nations leading broadband trade associations announced they will deliver a monthly educational webinar series to support the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and State Broadband Offices with the implementation of the Broadband Equity Access, and Development (BEAD) Program that will provide over $42 billion to state and territory broadband projects.

Key Points: 
  • Today the nations leading broadband trade associations announced they will deliver a monthly educational webinar series to support the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and State Broadband Offices with the implementation of the Broadband Equity Access, and Development (BEAD) Program that will provide over $42 billion to state and territory broadband projects.
  • There are 11 associations presenting the webinar series that represent broadband providers of every size and technology across the U.S.
  • The webinar series will educate state broadband leaders, the NTIA, community leaders, and potential BEAD participants on the opportunities, challenges, and mitigation strategies related to the BEAD program and broadband deployment.
  • These webinars are designed to help state broadband leaders, broadband providers, key stakeholders, and the BEAD program itself become highly successful.