Farewell Message from Bob Phillips
Dear NRTC Members,
It’s hard to believe that this month marks my last at NRTC – after more than 32 years as part of the rural utility family and almost 25 years with NRTC.
When I announced my retirement in February, I thought there’d be plenty of time to say my goodbyes. I wish I could have climbed into a Winnebago or on my Harley, and driven around the country to see old friends and colleagues. Nevertheless, time always seems to slip away, so instead of a road trip, I write this letter.
To say that it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as NRTC’s CEO for almost a quarter-century seems trite. It has been the defining experience of my professional life and has become my passion. I remember moving my young family from Kansas to the Washington, D.C., area in 1987 to be part of the newly-created NRTC. To be honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, and it’s safe to say I had no idea what NRTC would become – both as an organization and for me personally. Read more.
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Bob Phillips Honored by RFD-TV
Bob Phillips’ appearance on RFD-TV Live this Monday, May 24, turned out to be a surprise tribute to Bob for his 23 years of service to NRTC, his more than 32 years of service to rural cooperatives and his pioneering efforts on behalf of rural America.
Patrick Gottsch, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of RFD-TV, worked with producers and NRTC staff to keep the tribute a secret. The program included a video montage of Bob’s career and special call-in guests, including NRECA’s CEO Glenn English and CFC’s Governor Sheldon Petersen, former Louisiana congressman Billy Tauzin, former NRTC staff member Stan Kozlowski, and four NRTC members – Max VanSkiver from South Central PPD in Nebraska, Mark Cayce from Ouachita Electric Cooperative in Arkansas, Tom Rowland (retired) from North Central Telephone in Tennessee, and Rik Hawkins originally from Starpath Communications in Kentucky.
Bob and the call-in guests discussed the early battles on Capitol Hill to secure programming rights for satellite delivery of cable channels to rural homes and launching DIRECTV. NRTC members reminisced with Bob and described the impact of NRTC’s efforts in their communities and organizations.
The tribute was important to everyone involved, especially Bob, who said, "It was a great evening that brought back a lot of memories for me."
Bob was RFD-TV Live’s first guest when the show debuted in 1988.
WildBlue Members Meet Across the Country
NRTC recently hosted four WildBlue regional meetings aross the country. Over 70 people, representing 53 of NRTC’s WildBlue members, attended the meetings which took place in Dallas, TX, Des Moines, IA, Indianapolis, IN, and Salt Lake City, UT.
At the meetings, members heard from WildBlue staff directly about WildBlue’s status and future. This includes business enhancements and the launch of ViaSat-1 in 2011. The WildBlue regional meetings served as a great venue for members to discuss issues and concerns openly, gain greater understanding of the business and discuss plans for the future. Thanks to all NRTC members who attended!
Board Member Meets with Congress
Teams formed by the North Dakota Association of Telecommunications Cooperatives (NDATC) visited Congress recently to discuss nationwide broadband expansion. Due to federal legislation, many local telecom companies are the main Internet provider in their community, making it important for groups like NDATC to advocate for advanced policy.
One of the 14 group leaders was NRTC’s Board member Jeff Wilson, general manager, Dickey Rural Telephone Cooperative. Wilson, along with his team, was tasked with discussing legislation with representatives from California, Florida, Mississippi and Nevada. “We are the people representing the co-op,” Wilson said, “We have an impact.” The teams were sure to stress the importance of broadband leadership, broadband’s economic interest, creating bold capacity goals, and presenting cost recovery mechanisms. Learn more about NDATC.
NRECA CEO Inducted into Cooperative Hall of Fame
NRECA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Glenn English was inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame on May 5, 2010. Drawing inspiration from the cooperative business model, English’s acceptance speech focused on the importance of partnership and the ability for positive change in rural America.
In addition to serving as CEO for 16 years, English was a congressman from Oklahoma for 10 terms. English was the fourth NRECA CEO to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. To read more, please visit Electric Co-op Today.
Coalition Formed in Response to Merger
In response to concerns about the proposed merger of Comcast Corporation and NBC Universal and its impact on video competitors, NRTC joined with the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO) and the Rural Independent Competitive Alliance (RICA) to form the Fair Access to Content and Telecommunications (FACT) Coalition. FACT sees the merger as an opportunity to bring attention to the practices of large programmers, such as forced carriage, placement of unwanted channels, distribution of online content and withholding distribution rights.
FACT representatives have met with members of Congress and the staff of various committees to express concerns regarding the impact of the proposed Comcast-NBC Universal merger. FACT intends to file comments to the FCC in response to a Public Notice seeking comments on the proposed merger. Both NTCA and NRECA are supportive of FACT’s objectives and efforts.
NRECA Urges Members to Highlight the “Cooperative Difference” with Capitol Hill
NRECA held its annual Legislative Conference in Arlington, VA, May 2-5, 2010. In NRECA’s words, the Legislative Conference allows, “directors, managers, and employees of member-owned electric cooperatives…from across America to spend time on Capitol Hill talking to their congressional delegations about legislative issues affecting electric cooperatives and their member-owners.”
During a legislative briefing session, NRECA outlined four key issues:
- "Protection of the Rural Utility Service (RUS): Cooperative members were encouraged to urge congressional representatives to protect future RUS funding. The RUS program celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.
- The Rural Energy Savings Program Act: The legislation, introduced in Congress with bipartisan support, aims to promote energy efficiency.
- Clean Air Act and CO2 Regulation: NRECA encouraged members to fight the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to regulate greenhouse gases through the Clean Air Act, granted by the Supreme Court. NRECA would like more time to study the issue.
- The Electric Cooperative Difference: Members were urged to emphasize the cooperative, not-for-profit business model as “the truest form of democracy.”
In addition, NRTC’s Vice President, Member and Industry Relations, Chris Martin, as well as Tracey Steiner, Paul Griffin and Ed Torrero from CRN, discussed the impact of the National Broadband Plan on electric cooperatives during a panel titled “Broadband Opportunities and Challenges.”The panel discussed many topics, including CRN’s smart grid pilot projects, NRTC’s efforts to deploy broadband using WiMAX and satellite technology, and NRECA’s lobbying efforts for funding, spectrum allocation and mandates.
NRECA posted videos from the Legislative Conference at cooperative.com.
WildBlue and NRTC Pursuing Stimulus Funds for Satellite Internet
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has announced procedures for applications for satellite projects as part of the second round of stimulus funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NRTC is working closely with outside counsel and WildBlue to develop a strategy for the application. NRTC expects to be reaching out to members soon with details of our plan and what support we may need from members as part of the application process.
Rural Telcos Urged to Develop 4G Strategies
During a webinar hosted by the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) on May 6, rural telephone companies were urged to look for ways to draw revenue from fourth-generation (4G) mobile communications technologies. “4G wireless technology will fundamentally transform the telecommunications industry,” said CHR Solutions Vice President, Wireless IP Services, Edward Jungerman III, “Over time, the business implications for rural independent carriers can be favorable if they are 4G participants or dire if they are not.”
Rural telcos that hold 700 MHz licenses will have the best opportunity to establish themselves as 4G carriers. “700MHz spectrum is the most cost-effective for establishing service in low-population areas,” said CHR Solutions Senior Vice President Edward Jungerman, Jr., “It could take large, nationwide carriers several years to build competitive 4G services in rural areas. Local providers will have an advantage attracting and keeping subscribers if they are the first in the market,” he said.
NTCA recently released the results of a survey of its members’ wireless capabilities. Fifty-eight percent of the respondents said they held 700 MHz licenses. Several telcos also indicated that they held licenses in other bands that could support 4G services, including BRS/EBS 2.5 GHz (41 percent); PCS 1.9 GHz (35 percent); AWS-1 1.7/2.1 GHz (34 percent); cellular 800 MHz (24 percent), and WCS 2.3 GHz (9 percent).
Telcos that don’t have spectrum could find opportunities through partnerships with spectrum holders seeking to speed up network construction in rural areas. Some telcos could also get lucrative returns by building fiber links to new wireless towers.
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
• Farewell Message from Bob Phillips
• Bob Phillips Honored by RFD-TV
• WildBlue Members Meet Across the Country
• Board Member Meets with Congress
• NRECA CEO Inducted into Cooperative Hall of Fame
• Coalition Formed in Response to Merger
• NRECA Urges Members to Highlight the “Cooperative Difference” with Capitol Hill
• WildBlue and NRTC Pursuing Stimulus Funds for Satellite Internet
• Rural Telcos Urged to Develop 4G Strategies
• Five Critical Assessments for Launching Video Webcast
• Meet Sales and Marketing Manager Kevin Searle
• Where You Can See NRTC
Webcast
Five Critical Assessments for Launching Video Webcast
Hosted by NTCA, featuring NRTC staff: Vice President, Video Services, Madeleine Forrer; Director, Training and Education, Tracey Klepic; and Sales and Marketing Manager, IPTV, Bob Evans.
When: Thursday, June 3, 2010,
2 p.m. EST
What: Are you ready to launch your video business? NRTC shares a five-part assessment that will help you prepare for launching your business. Please join us for this FREE Webcast!
Audio Information: Please note that audio will not be streamed to your speakers. To access the conference bridge: dial 641-594-7543 passcode: 1035275#.
Featured Staff Profile
Meet Sales and Marketing Manager Kevin Searle
 Kevin Searle has served as a sales and marketing manager (SMM) at NRTC since 2005. As an SMM, Kevin originally focused on sales and marketing in 16 states in the Western United States. In the past year, Kevin has become responsible for NRTC’s WildBlue marketing for the entire country. Kevin is very familiar with NRTC’s solutions, having helped members find solutions through Telispire, IPTV and WiMAX.
Prior to NRTC, Kevin owned Installit Networks, and worked as a sales director and manager for companies such as Internet Satellite Platform, WSNet, Primestar and TCI Satellite Services.
To contact Kevin, please call
208-745-0202 or e-mail ksearle@nrtc.coop.
Where You Can See NRTC
• May 24-27: Wisconsin State Telephone Association Annual Meeting, Lake Geneva, WI
Dennis Renowski will attend
• May 26-27: Cannon Users Group Meeting, Herndon, VA
NRTC will host
• June 2-4: TSTCI Managers Meetings, South Padre Island, TX
Steve Hanson will attend
• June 3: Five Critical Assessments for Launching Video Webcast
NRTC will host
• June 3 :New Mexico Electric Cooperative Association Annual Meeting, Ruidoso, NM
Jerry Titus will speak
• June 3: National Exchange Carriers Association Smart Grid Summit, Boise, ID
Phil Brenner will speak
• June 6-9: Oklahoma Summer Annual Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK
Steve Hanson will attend
• Jun 7-10: Arizona-New Mexico Telephone Association Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM
Steve Hanson will attend
• Jun 13-15: Illinois Telecommunications Association Annual Meeting, Lakes of the Ozarks, IL
Dennis Renowski will attend
• Jun 15-17: Indiana Telephone Association Annual Meeting, French Lick, IN
Dennis Renowski will attend
• Jun 29-30: CRN Summit, New Orleans, LA
NRTC staff will attend
• July 11-13: NTCA Region 7, 8, 10 Meeting, Branson, MO
Steve Hanson will attend
• July 14-16: 2010 Technology Conference hosted by North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Myrtle Beach, SC
Jay Smith will attend
• July 20-22: TriState Show (ID, UT, WY), Sun Valley, ID
Steve Hanson will attend
• July 24-28: OPASTCO Annual Summer Convention & Tradeshow, Seattle, WA
NRTC staff will attend
• July 25-29: Pennsylvania Telephone Association Annual Meeting, Hershey, PA
Dennis Renowski will attend
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