NRTC

The FCC issued a Public Notice (https://lnkd.in/eztXEUXw) reminding all internet providers that there is an Oct. 10 deadline for them to “display, at the point of sale, a broadband consumer label with information about their service offerings, including pricing, introductory rates, data allowances, and performance metric.” NRTC companies CrowdFiber and Pivot have combined to provide a service to help members generate labels following the FCC format and archive labels for future reference. Learn more at  https://lnkd.in/eGaGsGGD.

NTIA in coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy has issued a notice requesting comments on how to manage the growth of internet data centers. Demand for AI technologies has increased the need for data centers. AI-enabled servers in the data centers use significantly more electric power to operate. The notice asks for information on how to meet both data and energy demands. Because data centers require large tracts of land, some commenters likely will discuss the feasibility of new data centers in rural communities. Comments are due Nov. 4. https://lnkd.in/etuS8Sur

Join Pivot's VP of Customer Experience, Aaryn Slafky, on Sept 12 at 2 p.m., Eastern, for a webinar to learn smart strategies for onboarding new hires — especially those in the broadband industry. This webcast is available to all NTCA members. Learn more, and register here: https://hubs.li/Q02P9RsQ0

NRTC has launched a Managed Speed Test service for ISP members. It developed the test using the CrowdFiber platform to measure speeds up to 20 Gbps, reflecting the heightened levels of service many NRTC members are offering their customers. NRTC will provide more information about the service during the upcoming NTCA Fall Conference in Indianapolis, Sept. 29 -Oct. 2. https://lnkd.in/egBeRhHt

President Biden appeared in Westby, WI, today to announce the first grants through USDA’s New ERA program. Sixteen electric cooperatives serving 23 states will use a total of $7.3 billion to fund solar, wind and other clean energy projects. In his remarks, Biden praised co-ops for providing electricity to rural communities for 90 years and said government investments will result in job growth and will improve the environment. https://lnkd.in/ePpJ3F33

There is still time to register for today's final Brand Camp webinar. Pivot's brand experts are back at 2 p.m., Eastern (11 a.m., Pacific), to answer any remaining branding questions, recap the camp experience, and suggest next steps for continuing to move your brand forward. Come with any ponderings you have. The event is open to all NRTC members. You can learn more and register here: https://hubs.li/Q02NPpkg0

During its August annual meeting, White River Valley Electric Cooperative in Branson, MO, provided its members an update of its fiber network construction. According to White River Connect CEO Beau Jackson (pictured center), the project serving the least-served areas in rural Missouri, is 45 percent completed after starting construction in June 2023. WRVEC plans to cover nine substation areas in the next eight months. NRTC has assisted the cooperative on several elements of the project. https://lnkd.in/dS8EN8ui

NRTC representatives in August met in Paulding, OH, to begin planning fiber network construction with Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (PPEC). The rural northwest portion of Ohio that PPEC serves currently has some fixed wireless broadband in scattered areas. Construction of fiber-to-the-home service to vastly improve connectivity should begin in 2025. Pictured in the foreground (plaid shirt), NRTC Project Manager Josh Shoaf meets with (l-r) Nick Eltzroth, PPEC engineering manager, and NRTC planning engineers Jason Scott and Ben Chaney.

NTIA accepted industry comments on shareholders’ visions of 6G wireless technology. Commenters tended to say that there is still significant innovation being developed with current 5G technology and some said it is still unclear what the use cases for 6G will be. Equipment manufacturer Ericsson said that it is developing 6G with the goal of increasing energy efficiency. https://lnkd.in/eW-kXi49

The FCC has adopted a Second Report and Order to move forward with the long-delayed 5G Fund, a $9 million universal service program meant to expand advanced wireless services to rural areas. The Commission originally drafted rules for a 5G Fund reverse auction in 2020. However, it delayed implementation as it improved the accuracy of supporting data in the National Broadband Map. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said that there is no longer reason to delay the program further. https://lnkd.in/eTNm6Q5s