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BROADBAND COMMUNITIES SUMMIT 2024
CONFERENCE AGENDA
All times are listed in CST
Texas, 6 - 8 May 2024
Schedule
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Registration Desk
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Exhibitor Move-In
Exhibitor Move-In
AAPB: How to Build a Public Network
The American Association of Public Broadband is hosting pre-conference sessions bringing together experienced leaders from around the county on starting and building public networks. These three sessions will help anyone thinking about or moving towards building a community-owned network better understand what is needed and how to get going.
- Session 1 - How to build a public network. This session will bring perspectives from building community support, partnering with ISPs, design, construction, operations, maintenance, and financing -all the critical elements to get started.
Managed Wi-Fi 101/ Multifamily Pre-Conference Workshop
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Are you new to the idea of Managed WiFi and just need to learn more? Join experts in the field who will cover some general ideas and basics for beginners. In this workshop, you will understand the definition of Managed WiFi, and find out what types of Managed WiFi are available. You can explore why you would want to buy bulk, how to select a provider, financial considerations, and the importance of having legal representation during the contract process.
AAPB: Public Network Models
The American Association of Public Broadband is hosting pre-conference sessions bringing together experienced leaders from around the county on starting and building public networks.These three sessions will help anyone thinking about or moving towards building a community-owned network better understand what is needed and how to get going.
Session 2 -Public Network Models
There are several models for building a public network.This session will bring together practitioners from startups to successful models including open access, publicly-owned utilities,and districts formed just to bring broadband to multiple communities.
AAPB: Getting Started Over the Hurdles
The American Association of Public Broadband is hosting pre-conference sessions bringing together experienced leaders from around the county on starting and building public networks.These three sessions will help anyone thinking about or moving towards building a community-owned network better understand what is needed and how to get going.
Session 3 - Getting started over the hurdles.
Let’s be honest.It's not all sweetness and light.Every public system hits hurdles, some bigger than others. This session will highlight challenging roadblocks and how public entities work to overcome and avoid them.
Strategies for Financing Community Broadband Networks: Bond Finance
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- How can local government improve their access to the municipal broadband market?
- Strategies for choosing a financing model which suits your community’s needs.
- What funding options are available and who can use them?
- What role can public-private partnerships play in expanding internet access in underserved areas?
- How can federal and state funding be used in conjunction with other types of funding?
Panel: Bond finance
- How can bond financing help communities to access the municipal broadband market?
- Who can utilize this model – local government, not for profits, for profit companies, etc?
- Navigating stakeholder management
- Lessons learned from success stories: what are the pitfalls to watch out for and how can these be overcome?
Strategies for Financing Community Broadband Networks: Private Investment
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- How can local government improve their access to the municipal broadband market?
- Strategies for choosing a financing model which suits your community’s needs.
- What funding options are available and who can use them?
- What role can public-private partnerships play in expanding internet access in underserved areas?
- How can federal and state funding be used in conjunction with other types of funding?
Private investments
- What are the costs and benefits of private investment in the fiber sector?
- Choosing the right partner: what are private entities looking for in potential partners?
- When and how can federal and state dollars be used in parallel with private funding?
- Lessons learned from success stories, including from outside the US: what are the pitfalls to watch out for and have can these be overcome?
Welcome Reception sponsored by Spectrum Community Solutions
Welcome reception sponsored by Spectrum Community Solutions
Create your personal agenda –check the favourite icon
Exhibit Hall
Visit leading solutions-providers, suppliers and partners on our exhibition floor and network with your fellow attendees.
Registration Desk
Download the mobile app "Terrapinn Events"
Stop by registration desk and pick your credentials.
Chair's Opening Remarks
Welcome to Broadband Communities Summit 2024
Make sure you download the mobile app "Terrapinn Events"
Keynote Address: The Future of Affordable Broadband: Life After the ACP
The Future of Affordable Broadband: Life After the ACP
NMHC State of the Industry
National Multifamily Housing Council -The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC
Community Broadband: Updates from Federal Government
- Hear the latest from government officials from the NTIA, the Treasury, the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service, and the FCC
- Updates on broadband funding programs, mapping, and other key policy areas
- How are federal government bodies coordinating their efforts to deliver better connectivity for US communities?
An Update From the Service Providers
- Hear from the service providers at the forefront of community broadband development
- Service provider perspective on the current investment, funding, and regulatory context
Networking Break
Visit leading solutions providers, suppliers, and partners on our exhibition floor and network with your fellow attendees.
Wireless to Open Access Fiber, Embracing New Models to Service our Communities
Hear from a WISP that is expanding and evolving their business model within the rapidly changing broadband space. What do they see as the benefits of being a WISP and operating on open access networks throughout the country.
NMHC Town Hall
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by AT&T
Join us for the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) Connectivity Town Hall and see the impact of tech, connectivity, and innovation coming together in the multifamily housing industry. Broadband Communities and NMHC share a goal of connecting multifamily industry professionals and their provider partners to ensure both sides of the industry obtain the education necessary to continue to grow together and are proud to partner together to present the Multifamily track of the Broadband Communities Summit.
- State of the Multifamily Market
- Presentation: 20 for 20 Top Tech & Connectivity Trends
- FCC / Washington Update
- Innovative Approaches to Bridging the Digital Divide
NMHC Town Hall: State of the Multifamily Market
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by AT&T
Disrupting the Digital Divide
Disrupting the Digital Divide
Join us to explore how DigitalC is using disruption to eradicate the digital divide - for good - in Cleveland and beyond. As a nonprofit social enterprise, DigitalC is deploying a state-of-the-art hybrid network that not only challenges but revolutionizes the conventional approaches to digital inclusivity. Through their $18/month, 100 Mbps symmetrical service - accompanied by their provocative rebrand - they are setting a new standard for what community-based networks can achieve by being a disruptive force in the urban digital divide. The session will provide insights into how creative community-centric approaches can be scaled and replicated, offering lessons and inspiration for other communities.
Lessons Learned on Advancing Digital Inclusion
Lessons Learned on Advancing Digital Inclusion
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas provided technical assistance and leadership capacity building to four communities through its Advancing Digital Inclusion initiative. This session will showcase best practices from the communities’ work and will also highlight remaining gaps and barriers to addressing the digital divide.
NMHC Town Hall: Presentation: 20 for 20 Top Tech & Connectivity Trends
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by AT&T
Technology Update: The Innovations Revolutionizing Network Deployment
- Which technologies are changing the game for network deployments?
- New kids on the block: who is driving real innovation in broadband technology?
- Leveraging new technologies to make network rollout more efficient and cost-effective
NMHC Town Hall: FCC/ Washington Update
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by AT&T
Digital Equity
- Strategies for getting all consumers connected to broadband
- Addressing key challenges including affordability, training, and adoption
NMHC Town Hall: Innovative Approaches to Bridging the Digital Divide
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by AT&T
The demand for robust connectivity in multifamily properties is more critical than ever. This panel aims to explore creative strategies employed by various states in utilizing Broadband Equity and Access Development (BEAD) funds and other federal resources to address the unique challenges and opportunities associated with MDU connectivity. Our distinguished panelists will represent diverse perspectives, sharing insights of state broadband leaders from Arkansas, Massachusetts, New York, and California and their efforts to ensure households in affordable MDUs have access to reliable, high-speed internet.
BEAD: Where Are We And What Comes Next?
- Progress update on BEAD
- As we move into the implementation phase of BEAD, how are states progressing?
- Early successes and key learnings
- What are the current challenges of the process and how can these be overcome?
Ruckus CommScope presents: WiFi - Bulk vs. Retail, Understanding the Challenges and Choices
This session will discuss the advantages of bulk internet for properties, such as enhanced tenant support and consistent coverage from 'curb to couch.' We'll contrast this with the retail Wi-Fi model, which can lead to varied user experiences and higher resident costs. Additionally, we'll examine how bulk internet facilitates community wide efficiencies and boosts net operating income (NOI).
Lunch & Networking
Lunch & networking break
Building and Retaining the Workforce
- Strategies for addressing the critical shortage of skilled labor
- Why should workforce development be a higher priority for senior industry leaders?
- How can the industry collaborate to attract new talent?
- What can we learn from other sectors when it comes to training, development, and retention of talent?
- Opening up employment opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds
Managed Wi-Fi: Infrastructure & Planning For New Builds
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by AT&T
Are you considering bulk-managed Wi-Fi for your new development? This session explores the necessary planning for underground as well as interior pathways. How many conduits will you need in today’s tech environment, and how big should they be? What about redundancy pathways and circuits? CAT6 vs RG6 vs Fiber? Discover what needs to go right, and potential pitfalls if missed while planning for many different types of new construction in the Multifamily space.
How Do You Ensure the Long-Term Sustainability of Rural Projects?
- How do you ensure that rural connectivity projects are able to sustain themselves in the long term?
- Engaging with the right stakeholders to make sure the project thrives for years to come
Understanding The Investment Context For Broadband Deployment In The US
- Looking outside of federal funding, who is investing in the US broadband sector?
- Financing a project without BEAD - what are the other options? E.g. Private equity, debt financing, etc
- An investor’s perspective on the outlook for the market
Roundtable presented by AT&T: Determining The Right Internet Solution For Your Property
- Closed forum by invitation only.
- What should you consider when determining the right internet solution for your property?
- Will our solution support your business needs?
- Does my internet support choice of internet speed?
- Is my internet upgradable?
- When deciding between Bulk Internet and Property-wide Wi-FI, what are the differences and what should be considered?
- Will the solution support the needs of the community in the future?
- How easy would an upgrade be in the future?
If you would like to register, please contact Amy Daveyamy.davey@totaltele.com
Presenters:Sophia Schneckloth, National Associate Director, AT&TJay Austria, National Sales Executive, AT&TDavid Pope, National Mixed-Use Executive, AT&T
Join us for a discussion focused on identifying the needs of your community and get answers to questions that help determine the right decision to sustain your residential and business needs.
Clearfield, Inc. presents: Home Passed – Making the Connection Every Time
Gold Sponsor Presentation by Clearfield, Inc.
Every deployment is different, but the one thing they all have in common is that nothing can happen without that final connection. Homes passed mean little if no fiber can reach the building or premises. Services cannot start until the fiber is terminated at the site and connected to the network. This sometimes takes a new approach to fiber management and delivery. In today’s deadline-driven, federally funded expansion plans, any approach that puts less burden on fiber technicians is better. During this session, Clearfield will discuss the scenarios where it has helped its customers overcome unique and common challenges as each looks to reach people and places that have never been connected before.
Xfinity Communities presents "The Connected Building"
Gold Sponsor Presentation by Xfinity Communities
The importance of having a building or property-wide network infrastructure continues to grow for not only the resident experience but also for the property itself. IOT solutions for both the property and residential needs are becoming the norm. Join us to learn more about dedicated networks, proactive monitoring, and this Connected Building solution that’s ideal for existing and new buildings.
Surge LinkTM: Equitable Broadband Access in Syracuse, NY
Discover how the City of Syracuse is using their investment in a municipal-owned broadband network, Surge LinkTM, to promote digital equity and provide internet access to underserved residents. This session will offer insights into planning and execution of programming, along with performance tracking from evaluation partner US Ignite. By leveraging innovative fixed-wireless technology for a speedy and robust network deployment, subscribers now receive 100/100Mbps service at just $10/month.Named New York’s Flagship Smart City by the New York Power Authority and a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, the City of Syracuse is dedicated to investment in digital infrastructure that improves the quality of life for residents and efficiency of City services, while driving economic growth for the region.
Equity-Driven Broadband Planning: Overcoming Barriers to Broadband Adoption
Local broadband planning oftentimes focuses primarily or exclusively on supply-side issues. A better approach in many instances would be for local officials to approach these inquiries from a demand-side perspective in order to better understand barriers to more robust adoption and informed use of broadband. With the ACP set to expire; significant but insufficient digital equity funding available; and a deluge of examples of what can happen when powerful technologies are used improperly, localities must begin to think creatively about the practical steps they can take to bolster adoption and enhance digital literacy across every socioeconomic and demographic group.
Networking Break
Visit leading solutions providers, suppliers, and partners on our exhibition floor and network with your fellow attendees.
Now You’ve Got the Funding, How Do You Build Your Network In Time?
- Securing the funds is only the first step, how are you going to build your network within the time restrictions?
- What are the barriers to network deployment – availability of labor, materials, etc? How do you overcome these challenges?
- The importance ofgood stakeholder management
Managed Wi-Fi: Infrastructure & Planning for Retrofits
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by AT&T
One of the most challenging Managed Wi-Fi Multifamily installations can be in existing brownfield apartment communities, due to the unknowns of current infrastructure. Legal considerations for cost and contract implications weigh heavily, as well as infrastructure and ownership needs. Will you pull fiber? What disruption will the residents experience? Are there other options? What if you don’t have enough closets? From evaluation of current pathways and wiring to vetting providers, the panel will discuss what is needed for a successful retrofit. Discover what owners are looking for in creating technology-enabled hubs to raise the bar and improve the customer experience.
How to Effectively Deploy Broadband With or Without Grant Funding
- With historic levels of broadband funding available many new entrants and small providers, including electric cooperatives, are launching broadband builds or expansions.
- Short grant program applications windows and build out deadlines small ISPs and new entrants can experience issues not anticipated in an accelerated planning process.
- How broadband industry experts overcame challenges and successfully deployed high-speed broadband to their rural communities within the constraints of funding programs or deployed even when they failed to receive grant funding.
Delivering Innovative Public-Private Partnerships That Work for Delivering Community Broadband
How are different partnership models working in different states and municipalities?
Roundtable presented by RUCKUS CommScope: Delivering Rural Broadband Efficiently
Closed forum by invitation only.
If you would like to register, please contact Amy Daveyamy.davey@totaltele.com
Presenter:Tom Thigpen, Senior Engineer, RUCKUS CommScope
Over the last few years, the U.S. Federal Government has recognized the need to ensure all citizens are able to participate in our increasingly connected digital society, and to this end has allocated significant funding to support the deployment of broadband networks to those communities who lack reliable, high-performance connectivity. Right now, the largest component, by far, is rural connectivity. The road to closing the “digital divide” runs through these long-overlooked communities.With more than $100 billion committed to expanding the reach of communications networks from coast to coast, service providers are getting some much-needed help in bringing the feasibility equation back into balance, but is this enough? and how can service providers maximize funding through architecture and technology selection?
During this round table discussion, we will deliberate how network architecture selection can help drive down total cost of deployment and help to deliver the right service level to the communities.
Getting To Grips With The Next Phase of BEAD
- sclaimer:The purpose of this session is to explore the challenges of the next phase of the BEAD process. The speakers do not endorse one particular technology as a solution to these challenges.
- How can State Broadband Officesand other key stakeholdersmanage the next stages of BEAD?
- What operational challenges are being faced and how can these be overcome?
- Have the issues with mapping been resolved?
- How can State Broadband Offices manage the grants and track the related data?
- How do you verify thatthe networks are being built?
Managed Wi-Fi Networks & Security – Cut the Risk!
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by AT&T
Once infrastructure is built, you move into setting up networks and functionality. Risk Management needs for cybersecurity are paramount in planning for the building services network connection of today. Explore concerns with access control/CCTV, staff devices, and resident smart devices weighed alongside management's IT protocol. Resident data privacy it a top concern – what is your SOP for dealing with data breaches? What security protocol does your ISP provide in the contract and as ongoing customer service?
Bridging The Digital Divide In Cities
- Thinking outside of the box to tackle the digital divide in urban settings
- What are the root causes of digital inequity in urban communities?
- Developing innovative solutions to overcome connectivity challenges for underserved areas
Creating a Regulatory Framework For Delivering Connectivity For Communities
- What are the hot topics being discussed at the FCC and in Congress? How do these policies impact the broadband sector?
- Is the current regulatory framework fit for purpose?
- What policy changes could be implemented to better support connectivity deployments for communities?
- Are programs like BEAD and ACP going far enough to ensure underserved communities get connected?
Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges
- How have delays to BEAD funding impacted suppliers and manufacturers?
- What role can partnerships play in mitigating supply chain challenges?
- How are distributors and contractors collaborating to ensure customers don’t face delays?
- How can we manage the supply chain to better serve customers?
How Smart Are Your Amenities?
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC ~ Sponsored by AT&T
The pandemic introduced the true need for smart technology to enable self-tours and access control. How are companies leveraging their Managed Wi-Fi networks with other smart devices in the apartments and amenity spaces? From smart thermostats to leak detection and parcel delivery, smart apartment software has to safely connect and provide the services residents are requesting. And more electric vehicles are coming – are you prepared? How are you meeting the growing needs of your residents and ensuring functionality with your prop tech?
How Schools/Libraries Are Closing The Homework Gap With Innovative Wireless Solutions
- Deploying CBRS-based networks to provide low-cost (sometimes free) wireless service to their communities.
- Dozens of schools and libraries are now using CBRS spectrum and Wifi spectrum to extend wireless internet access from the school building to the home.
- "To and Through" opportunity - upgrading and extending networks to connect low-income households directly to the internet
What’s Hot? A Deep Dive Into Current Legal Challenges
Bring your questions about the most pressing legal challenges facing service providers, municipalities, and infrastructure builders
Exhibit Hall Reception sponsored by CHR Solutions, Finley, Future Infrastructure, Mears Broadband, and Quantum Fiber
Join us in the Exhibit Hall for evening drinks reception co-sponsored by CHR Solutions, Finley, Future Infrastructure, Mears Broadband and Quantum Fiber
Create your personal agenda –check the favourite icon
Exhibit Hall
Visit leading solutions-providers, suppliers and partners on our exhibition floor and network with your fellow attendees.
Registration Desk
Download the mobile app "Terrapinn Events"
Stop by the registration desk and pick up your credentials.
Chair's Opening Remarks
Keynote Address: Internet for all - Why we will succeed!
Multifamily Owner's Roundtable
Closed forum for property owners, managers, and owner representatives only
Moderator: Valerie M. Sargent, Multifamily News Correspondent at Broadband Communities
Community Broadband: Updates From The State Broadband Offices
Spectrum Community Solutions presents: Spectrum Ready: The Evolution of Managed WiFi
Presented by Spectrum Community Solutions
As demand for “Managed WiFi” has grown, so has the impact to property owners, management staff, and residents with costly, invasive rewire projects to support deployment of traditional Managed WiFi solutions that don’t always focus on the resident experience. Join us to learn more about Spectrum Ready—a solution that provides all the key features of traditional Managed WiFi paired with a robust resident experience to serve your entire property portfolio, whether existing or new construction.
Great Communities
Take a deep dive into these impressive communities, chosen to highlight what’s possible with high-speed deployment and how fantastic it can be to live in a broadband-enhanced community. You will hear from both developers and service providers regarding the goals both parties came to the table with and how they achieved them, overcoming any obstacles in the process, thanks to technology.
Calais Midtown (Houston, Texas)
Commongrounds Cooperative Community (Traverse City, Michigan)
Networking break
Visit leading solutions providers, suppliers, and partners on our exhibition floor and network with your fellow attendees.
Legal Leaders
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by DirecTV
This legal session is FCC and Multifamily Industry focused. The best way to keep your finger on the pulse of legal needs in the industry is to listen to top lawyers representing both MDU owners and providers as they engage one another in spirited debate on both sides of key industry issues. From the latest at the FCC to new legislation and prop tech needs, what can we expect regarding impacts for broadband in the Multifamily industry? Don’t miss this spirited session with all the info you need!
Internet Exchange Point (IXP): Partnerships and Strategy
Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) are facilities where local ISPs, transport networks, content networks, cloud services, education networks, and others exchange data traffic. They exist predominantly in major metros like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle. But did you know that 14 states don’t have an IXP at all? This negatively impacts wholesale pricing, network resiliency, and importantly, latency—an aspect of the digital divide that is only widening as applications and services are being developed for ultra-low-latency connections in large cities. Learn how non-profits, universities, and rural middle-mile and last-mile networks are collaborating to change the status quo and create neutral internet hubs in markets where they’ve never existed before.
The American Connection Corps: Closing the Digital Divide through National Service
The American Connection Corps: Closing the Digital Divide through National Service
Shining a spotlight on community success stories from across the US
The Different Flavors Of Open Access
- What does the term “open access” mean in today’s market?
- How can the industry help municipalities understand which model best suits them?
- Strategies for financing open access networks
- What are the challenges of open access?
New Approaches to Creating Municipal Broadband Networks
Shining a spotlight on community success stories from across the US.
Repurposing Traffic Signal Fiber, Street lights and Utility Systems… Generating millions in new revenue and creating value - for PENNIES on the dollar!
Making the Right Technology Choice for Rural Deployments
- What role can alternative access technologies play in rural settings - e.g., FWA, Satellite?
- How to manage the deployment costs by choosing a cost-effective and efficient technology mix
Managing Your Managed Wi-Fi
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by DirecTV
When your infrastructure is in place and networks are up and running, how do you best monitor the Managed Wi-Fi service? In this session, we will cover the importance of ISP portals or apps for the residents to communicate and monitor their usage and needs, such as devices online, submitting tickets, network/speed data, and network health visibility. Multifamily management needs their portal to be able to see the health of the network to view outages and oversee customer support needs with retrofits and new move-ins – what is your plan for accountability?
Digital Equity Programs and Funding Strategies In Rural and Urban Communities
- What funding programs are upcoming for Digital Equity work?
- How to frame a project to be the most competitive
- Case Study of successful Urban DE project
- Case Study of successful Rural DE project
Best Practices For County Involvement In Broadband Implementation
- How can you effectively engage with county government elected officials and leadership in pursuing the implementation of high-speed broadband services?
- What are the different roles that local governments play in the deployment of high-speed internet, and the various digital equity and inclusion initiatives that counties have assumed in recent years?
- What does an effective partnership between local governments and providers look like?
Brand Development, Customer Acquisition, and Revenue Generation: 30 Ideas in 30 Minutes
Two of the industry’s most high-profile marketers share their tricks of the trade in turning fiber brands into cash flowing, self-sustaining projects, in a fast-paced and lively session.
Connectivity Without Managed Wi-Fi
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC ~ Sponsored by DIRECTV
We’ve talked a lot about Managed Wi-Fi. What about other connectivity options? For owners who don’t want to install an entire Managed Wi-Fi network, what options exist that still allow them to keep up with residents’ demand for fast and dependable broadband services. Let’s look at their needs for cellular DAS, 5G cellular, satellite providers, and other retail models. Don’t forget, you have those gamers who have hard-wired network needs out there! Are you prepared to handle their needs? How can Multifamily owners leverage their current non-bulk infrastructure to add amenity Wi-Fi or other smart amenities?
Making Broadband Affordable: How to Ensure That Everyone Can Afford Access to Connectivity
- With ACP winding down, what support is available for low-income households?
- What role should service providers and the wider industry play in ensuring everyone has access to affordable connectivity?
How Do You Tie Broadband Into an Economic Development Strategy?
- Strategies for engaging with local stakeholders to make broadband a key pillar of municipal planning
- How can better connectivity create lasting benefits within communities across the US?
- Driving positive socioeconomic outcomes with better connectivity
Understanding Bulk Billing Solutions in MDU
The multifamily program is presented in partnership with the NMHC sponsored by DirecTV
With recent FCC activity surrounding bulk billing arrangements for internet service in apartments, condos, public housing, and other multi-tenant buildings, this panel will enlighten the audience on how the MDU industry actually works in relation to bulk billing programs. Learn how creating a bundled, bulk solution allows providers to offer broadband services that are better, faster, cheaper, and more reliable than a resident could secure separately on their own, and understand how financing happens for infrastructure installation. Our panel will cover the many benefits to bulk, where the competition happens, and why it is an important part of bridging the digital divide and being able to offer better pricing to residents in addition to ease of delivering Managed Wi-Fi solutions.
Could it be me? Should it be me? Understanding what makes Broadband Champions
As more communities devise their own broadband solutions leveraging federal funding, what makes for successful efforts that are responsive to community needs?
Many people seeking to enhance broadband connectivity in their communities often feel overwhelmed, believing they lack the necessary expertise or qualifications to make an impact, or that their efforts might be ineffective as they do not hold official municipal roles. Through studying the commonalities and differences that contributed to community champions’ approaches, and the lessons and tactics they utilized, this research illustrates how anyone can emerge as a broadband champion in their own community.
The work of community champions is important, but research revealed that technical know-how was not the determining factor. What mattered to their success was the personal qualities they brought to bear, how they worked with partners and overcame opposition, and finally, their commitment to the cause. This project, supported by the Marjorie & Charles Benton Opportunity Fund, will share the stories of broadband community champions and the factors that contributed to their success.
Tribal Connectivity
- How is the NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program supporting connectivity provision for tribal households and businesses?
- What other funding is available for tribal broadband deployments?
- Understanding and overcoming the barriers to deployment for tribal communities
- What role can partnerships play?
The Power of Community Broadband Networks! aSTEAM Village and the RedTail Digital Engineers
The Power of Community Broadband Networks! aSTEAM Village and the RedTail Digital Engineers
2023 Cornerstone Award Recipient
Cornerstone Awards & Closing Network Reception sponsored by Verizon
Sponsored by Verizon
The Cornerstone Award has been an important recognition of excellence as part of the Broadband Communities Summit since 2004. Now in its 20th year, we believe the Cornerstone Awards are due a well-deserved upgrade! For the 2024 edition, we have formalized the categories and are enhancing the judging process to ensure that the Cornerstone Awards benefit from greater credibility and transparency - ensuring that they are worth entering, worth winning, and worth shouting about!
The aim is to recognize achievements in broadband and connectivity for all communities and municipalities that are based in the US, including residential multifamily (apartments, campus housing, active adult communities) and planned communities (multi-home developments, renewed urban areas).
Exhibitor Move-Out
Exhibitor Move-Out
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