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Procurement

The community you serve matters—to you and to us. So, when it comes to acquiring the necessary materials to build and maintain your network, our procurement team leverages their knowledge, experience, and long-standing relationships with key suppliers to ensure you’re well taken care of.  


INTEGRATION HELPS DRIVE COORDINATION AND EFFICIENCY 

Focused on the acquisition of materials and network electronics for our members’ broadband projects, the Procurement process is fully integrated with our Design & Engineering and Project Management divisions. Working together, we’re able to coordinate our efforts to design and deliver broadband deployments specifically tailored for our individual members and their communities.  

When it comes to managing cost, as well as material sourcing and availability, our integrated approach is structured to take the burdens of complex negotiation and project coordination off the backs of our members. 


the advantages of scale

Each year, NRTC purchases more than $100M worth of materials. Operating at this scale means we frequently achieve longer price validity and more flexible terms when making changes after an order is placed. We’re often able to negotiate terms for a project that would be unavailable to any single member attempting to manage it on their own. 

Due to the size of our operations and the number of members we serve, we commonly engage in advance purchases of key materials that require longer lead times, such as fiber optic cable, allowing these critical materials to be more readily available as the need arises—often significantly reducing lead time concerns that companies working independently encounter. 

Additionally, strong partnerships with key fiber and component manufacturers provide even greater flexibility when it comes to the shipment and delivery of needed materials, often cutting traditional lead times by more than half. 


Adding it UP

While NRTC is fully capable of handling straightforward procurement as a standalone task, the combination of integration and the benefits that come from operating, negotiating, and purchasing at scale provide real value for your company. 

At NRTC, we partner with you to achieve the long-term success of your community.


Insights

Why Choose NRTC?

There are many providers out there who can help you develop, deploy and maintain your broadband network. But NRTC is different.

We understand that every network is unique, and there is no “one-size fits all” solution. We don’t have a specific network we’re trying to sell—we help you explore all available options to understand the potential effects each one can have on your business.

What’s more, NRTC is organized as a cooperative. That means that we are not driven by profit, but rather the long-term success of our members.

Resources

The Latest Broadband News

Rolling! Voices of Rural Telecom: Kristi Westbrock

Rolling! Voices of Rural Telecom is a new video series highlighting Members from across the country. Our first episode features Matt Faggione, Director of Business Operations, ETEX Communications

Rolling! Voices of Rural Telecom: Matt Faggione

Rolling! Voices of Rural Telecom is a new video series highlighting Members from across the country. Our first episode features Matt Faggione, Director of Business Operations, ETEX Communications

NRTC Annual Meeting: Technology, Policy, Markets and Customer Service

NRTC CEO Tim Bryan advised members not to worry too much about the current regulatory uncertainty around smart grid and broadband grant programs. “Technology drives the market and the market beats policy in the long run,” he said. He mentioned cases where technological advances have influenced investor decisions more influence than changing policy decisions. Also today (March 9), NRTC announced the reelection of three board members and selected new board officers for the next two years.

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