FCC Releases National Broadband Plan
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released “Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan” (NBP), a blueprint for expanding and upgrading broadband service throughout the United States. Among the things the FCC hopes to accomplish within 10 years:
• Affordable 100 megabit-per-second downstream service to at least 100 million homes;
• 1 Gigabit-per-second data feeds to schools, hospitals, and government buildings nationwide;
• Access to the fastest-available mobile broadband service for all Americans; a dedicated nationwide wireless public safety network; technical capability in every U.S. home for consumers to track their usage and manage their electric power consumption in real time.
The plan calls for the creation of a “Connect America Fund” (CAF) that would support the construction and maintenance of broadband networks that support service of at least 4 Mbps downstream in remote areas. In addition, the NBP proposes a “Mobility Fund” to support construction of mobile broadband service to 3G and later 4G levels. In the electric energy realm, the NBP offers a full chapter of possible steps to promote smart grid-deployment and encourage energy efficiency. Read more.
Come See Us at IP Possibilities
On April 13-15, NRTC staff will be attending, speaking and exhibiting at the 2010 IP Possibilities conference in St. Louis, MO. The conference is an opportunity for industry professionals to discuss service and support technologies, as well as emerging technologies like 4G, Cloud Computing and Smart Grid. NRTC’s Vice President of Video Services Madeleine Forrer and Vice President of Utility Solutions Ed Drew will speak on panels at the meeting. In addition, NRTC staff looks forward to discussing such IP opportunities as TelcoVideo, Trueband (including technical support) and Telispire with attendees. We will be exhibiting at booths 206 and 208, and we look forward to seeing you there!
SkyReport Profiles Bob Phillips
The March 15 issue of SkyReport covers President and CEO Bob Phillips, his upcoming retirement and his vision for how NRTC can help its members deliver broadband and video in rural areas. In the article, Mr. Phillips says, “Our members know that the future is broadband in rural America,” and adds, “Rural providers must have what the consumer wants,” when offering video options. Mr. Phillips believes that in order to truly connect rural America, we must bring broadband and video offerings to everyone. Click here to view the full SkyReport article.
Path to the Smarter Grid: Internet Protocol Communications
To give the electrical grid more intelligence, utilities need to evaluate the many ways to integrate distribution systems with computers and networks. The more information that dispatchers, engineers, operations managers and consumers have, the better. But how can you integrate SCADA, AMI, distribution automation, field worker communications, CIS, AVL and workforce management systems? The simple answer is Internet Protocol (IP) communications.
Most of us use IP-based systems every day. Whether you’re surfing the Web or placing a telephone call, IP is the standard many modern communications systems use. Because of its widespread availability and ease of use, many utilities have begun to implement IP in their communications systems to reduce costs, improve reliability and ensure the seamless flow of information between systems.
Clevest’s AVL and workforce management products use an IP-based system to connect dispatchers with field workers. The system can even be used in conjunction with IP radio systems like Tait Radio, GE MDS and a number of other vendors’ systems.
If you’d like to learn more about how IP can help improve operations at your utility, contact your NRTC Regional Business Manager.
 tenKsolar, Inc. and NRTC Sign Distribution Agreement
tenKsolar executed an agreement with NRTC for sales of the company’s high output solar photovoltaic systems to rural electric cooperatives. “Having had firsthand experience with NRTC’s excellent ability to bring technology solutions to market in rural America, I am delighted that NRTC will be representing us,” said Joel Cannon, CEO of tenKsolar.
CFC, NRECA and NRTC Host New CFOs and CEOs
The National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and NRTC sponsored and hosted the New CFO Orientation in March. The orientation provides a place for CFOs of electric cooperatives to learn about national associations and to discuss the challenges facing their cooperatives. NRTC President and CEO Bob Phillips spoke with attendees about managing technology changes, which CFOs said was their top challenge. Mr. Phillips will also present at the upcoming New CEO Orientation, April 6-8, 2010. To learn more about technology solutions, please contact your Regional Business Manager.
Clevest Solutions Named in Top 25 “Ready to Rocket” List
 Clevest Solutions, provider of mobile field force management solutions, was recently identified in the top 25 of the “Ready to Rocket” list of technology companies. Ready to Rocket recognizes British Columbia, Canada-based technology companies who outperform the technology industry as a whole. This year’s list acknowledged companies that grew at an average of 75 percent or greater in 2009, compared with 3 to 4 percent for the entire technology industry.
Invite NRTC to Speak at Your Next Meeting!
NRTC’s Regional Business Managers (RBMs) are available to educate NRTC member organizations on a range of topics related to deploying advanced telecommunications in rural areas. Through the NRTC Speakers Bureau, staff members give presentations on the following topics, or can customize a presentation based on the needs of your organization.
For electric cooperative members:
• The Path to the Smarter Grid
• Extending Broadband
• Telecom Solutions to Issues Facing Electric Cooperatives
For telco members:
• Smart Grid Business Opportunities for Telecom Providers
• Fighting Landline Loss with Bundled Services
• Extending Broadband
Call NRTC at 800-866-6782 to request a speaker for your next meeting. We look forward to working with you and your organization.
Write us at nrtconnects@nrtc.coop.
© 2010 NRTC
2121 Cooperative Way
Herndon, VA 20171
www.nrtc.coop
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Our Mission
To lead and support our members by delivering telecommunications solutions to strengthen member businesses, promote economic development and improve the quality of life in rural America.
In This Issue
• FCC Releases National Broadband Plan
• Come See Us at IP Possibilities
• SkyReport Profiles Bob Phillips
• Path to the Smarter Grid: Internet Protocol Communications
• tenKsolar, Inc. and NRTC Sign Distribution Agreement
• CFC, NRECA and NRTC Host New CFOs and CEOs
• Clevest Solutions Named in Top 25 “Ready to Rocket” List
• Invite NRTC to Speak at your Next Meeting!
• WildBlue Regional Meetings
• Meet Sales and Marketing Manager, IPTV, Bob Evans
• Where You Can See NRTC
WILDBLUE REGIONAL MEETINGS
NRTC will be hosting four WildBlue meetings in April:
• Apr. 13: Indianapolis, IN
• Apr. 15: Des Moines, IA
• Apr. 22: Dallas, TX
• Apr. 29: Salt Lake City, UT
WildBlue will share their 2010 product development plans and we will demonstrate new marketing tools. In addition, NRTC will present new sales and marketing opportunities, and will address any questions with WildBlue. For more information and to register to attend, please e-mail ispwebmaster@nrtc.coop and include the name(s) and contact information of attendees, as well as preferred meeting location.
Featured Staff Profile
Meet Sales and Marketing Manager, IPTV, Bob Evans
 Bob Evans joined NRTC in December 2009 as a sales and marketing manager for IPTV. Serving NRTC’s members across the country, Bob has more than 15 years of experience in satellite communications, including both video and audio formats nationwide.
With corporate and field sales experience, Bob has a diverse knowledge of strategic and tactical needs to successfully launch and build the IPTV business. Before joining NRTC, Bob was the director of agent sales at Primestar/DirecTV, senior manager of satellite sales for Motorola and regional activation manager for XM Satellite Radio.
To contact Bob, please call him at 303-718-9484 or email him at revans@nrtc.coop.
Where You Can See NRTC
• Apr. 6-8: New CEO Orientation, Herndon, VA, Sponsored and hosted by CFC, NRECA and NRTC
Bob Phillips will speak
• Apr. 13-15: IP Possibilities, St. Louis, MO
VP of Utility Solutions Ed Drew and VP of Video Services Madeleine Forrer will speak on panels. Additional NRTC staff will attend
• Apr. 14-15: Pennsylvania Telephone Association Spring Conference, State College, PA
VP of Marketing Phil Brenner will attend
• Apr. 15: NRTC Tech Day, Tupelo, MS
RBM Gene Porter will host
• Apr. 18-21: WTA Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, NV
RBM Steve Hanson will attend
• May 2-5: NRECA Legislative Conference, Washington, DC
NRTC staff will attend
• May 10-13: NRECA CONNECT 2010, Kansas City, MO
NRTC staff will attend
• May 11-13: Telephone Operations Conference, Fargo, ND
RBM Dennis Renowski will attend
• May 14: Honeywell Energy Conference, Akron, OH
NRTC staff will attend
• May 17-19: Oregon Telecom Association and Washington Telecom Association Annual Conference, Stevenson, WA
RBM Steve Hanson will attend
• May 19-21: Northeast Association of Electric Coops, North Conway, NH
RBM Jay Smith will attend
• May 24-26: Alaska Telephone Association Annual Meeting, Girdwood, AK
RBM Steve Hanson will attend
• May 24-27: Wisconsin State Telephone Association Annual Meeting, Lake Geneva, WI
RBM Dennis Renowski will attend
• May 26-27: Cannon Users Group Meeting, Herndon, VA
NRTC will host
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