Member Driven.
Technology Focused.

We help members deliver advanced technology solutions across rural America.

broadband

Evaluating, designing and building broadband networks to meet member needs 

We help you deliver fast, reliable broadband to all your customers—no matter how remote. From technology evaluation to business modeling, right through construction and daily operations, you get the right model for providing high-speed service. Let us worry about managing complicated back-office systems like cloud storage, email servers and security. Our team takes care of the technology while you take care of your customers. 

managed services

Providing the tools and resources to maximize our members’ efficiency

Operations, billing, and customer care are vital for success. Many of our members are jumping into telecommunications for the first time, and we understand just how much work it takes to prepare for and successfully operate telecommunications networks. There are a multitude of things a new operator must manage, and we are here to help. Leverage our expert personnel and leading-edge products and services so your team can focus on taking care of your customers, improving your network, and growing your business. 

smart grid

Building a reliable, efficient, next-generation power system in rural America

With improved communication thanks to a faster flow of data with advanced metering infrastructures (AMI), you’ll know how and where your customers are using electricity. This knowledge reduces outages, gets power back online faster when outages do occur, and helps you run a more efficient utility. We can make life easier for everyone from the linemen in the field to technicians remotely monitoring systems to the manager planning deployment. Let us help you build the best network for your service territory, with demand management features, advanced analytics, and advanced, next-generation energy capabilities. 

mobile

Blazing fast data and voice service from coast to coast

Our members provide advanced mobile service in many very remote parts of the nation. These rural providers are serving their communities efficiently and affordably without having to build a single mile of wireless infrastructure, providing their customers top-notch smartphone and tablet use. Our turnkey private label Mobile Virtual Network Operator makes this possible. And our experienced wireless team means you’ll also get excellent and flexible back-office support.

Resources

The Latest News and Events

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Strikes Down FCC’s Title II Order

The FCC’s April 2024 order reclassifying internet as a Title II telecommunications service barely survived the old year. Yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati started 2025 by striking down the order, claiming that the plain text of the Communications Act does not give the Commission authority to regulate internet providers as telecommunications companies. Incoming FCC Chairman Brendan Carr praised the decision, while current Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel called on Congress to amend the Communications Act to include “net neutrality.”

Broken USF May Require a Congressional Solution

The two potential solutions to the sustainability problems ailing the FCC’s Universal Service Fund appear to be either contribution reform or direct appropriation from Congress. Some worry that Congress will not act. Panelists appearing at a recent conference in DC said it might take the Supreme Court declaring the USF program unconstitutional to spur Congressional interest.

BEAD Changes Could Include Program Consolidation, Audits, Alternative Technologies

The most likely changes to the $42 billion BEAD program after the Trump Administration takes over appear to involve deemphasizing fiber construction and loosening barriers to fixed wireless and satellite to unserved rural areas. Speakers at a Broadband Breakfast conference last week also suggested there could be audits and searches to remove certain requirements from BEAD rules and consolidation of BEAD with other broadband funding programs.
RUral Broadband Operations BENCHMARKING REPORT

We asked rural ISPs about their marketing, customer service and other operational tasks

In two earlier broadband benchmarking reports NRTC gathered the shared experiences of electric cooperatives deploying networks in rural areas to bridge gaps in connectivity throughout the nation. Our latest report surveys both telco and electric members about what it takes to maintain a successful broadband service to serve today’s rural consumers.

NRTC members with this report offer insights into where they see opportunities to expand their business and where they see challenges to achieving their goals. The ongoing goal for our broadband surveys is to archive member experiences and help all rural ISPs make solid business decisions.

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