The number of electric cooperatives that are providing broadband internet access already exceeds 200, and many others are weighing the possibility. Now, with tens of billions of dollars in federal and state funding available and an unprecedented national resolve in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to close the digital divide, co-ops are poised to take an even more prominent role in bringing broadband to unserved and underserved communities.
Over the past few years, co-ops have reached out to NRECA for assistance with the many unique challenges involved with entering the telecommunications sector. This year, the association made the decision to launch NRECA Broadband, a new service tier for its member co-ops that will leverage NRECA’s expertise, influence and reputation.
In this episode, NRECA Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Connor serves as our special guest host in a discussion with NRECA CEO Jim Matheson about what went into the decision to form NRECA Broadband and where it’s headed.
Listen to the episode below:
You can also listen and subscribe to Along Those Lines on your preferred podcast service:
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube
Find out more about NRECA’s podcast. Questions or suggestions? Email us at AlongThoseLines@nreca.coop.