Message from Interim CEO Jack Harvey
 After completing my first month as NRTC’s interim CEO, I understand more than ever that I have big shoes to fill. The transition process has gone exceedingly well and I am excited to serve NRTC and, more importantly, our members in this capacity.
I have had the pleasure of working at NRTC for more than 11 years in business development, product management and multiple operational roles. For the past six years, I’ve served as Senior Vice President of Operations, working closely with former CEO Bob Phillips, the NRTC leadership team, the NRTC Board and our business partners to ensure that the products and services offered by NRTC to our membership are delivered and supported to the best of our ability to meet your needs. In addition, we continue to identify business opportunities and emerging technologies that will create value for our membership.
I want to assure members that during this transition period for NRTC, we will continue to be guided by our mission and a commitment to member service. I am confident that with strong leadership, a talented and dedicated staff and the support of our Board, NRTC will continue to be of value to our members.
As you read in this issue of NRTConnects, NRTC is pursuing many exciting opportunities on behalf of our members – including broadband, smart grid, IPTV and 4G wireless. I look forward to meeting with members in the coming months and updating you further on these efforts.
In the meantime, thanks for your continued support of NRTC, and rest assured that we will continue to work hard on your behalf.
NRTC Advocates for Video Members
Based on feedback received in 2009 at NRTC’s listening sessions, NRTC’s video members indicated the importance of NRTC’s role as an advocate with federal agencies and regulatory bodies as it relates to programming, pricing and legislation. To promote the best options for members, NRTC is working closely with the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO), the Rural Independent Competitive Alliance (RICA) and the Western Telecommunications Alliance (WTA) on issues like the National Broadband Plan, the Comcast/NBC merger and programming costs.
NRTC is committed to representing the needs and challenges facing rural America and has met with, and will continue to meet with, associate organizations, regulators, congressional committees and contacts on Capitol Hill, as well as attend various legislative conferences. These meetings with associates and government representatives provide an opportunity to share ideas, our knowledge of programming and offer unique perspectives on challenges facing rural America.
NRTC is dedicated to advocating on behalf of our members to reach short and long-term goals for the communities they serve.
NRTC Applies for Satellite Grant on Behalf of Its Members
The U.S. government set aside $100 million in grant funds for satellite broadband as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. On behalf of our members, NRTC filed an application for stimulus funding. The application tells the story of our electric and telephone members’ history in the satellite business and the value that this program would bring to them and those they serve in their communities. If we receive the grant award, the funding would enable members to offer broadband access to 72,000 rural unserved homes and businesses over the next three years. Those people who can only get dial-up now would be offered WildBlue installation and equipment for free and a basic package of 1Mbps down/200 Kbps up for $39.95 a month. NRTC estimates that this award would create or save 319 jobs in our members’ communities.
NRTC Members, GeoNav Featured in RE Magazine
The June issue of RE Magazine featured NRTC members Empire Electric (Cortez, CO) and Kit Carson Electric (Taos, NM) in a story titled “Plotting Smart Grid Coordinates.” The article mentions GeoNav’s nVIEW 360° product–a truck-mounted, camera-based mapping system that provides detailed geographic information system (GIS) data for rural electric utilities. The article includes quotes from Glen Noble of Empire Electric and NRTC board member Luis Reyes of Kit Carson Electric, as well as GeoNav Vice President Erik Potter. Read the article.
IPTV Video Readiness Webcast
NRTC recently sponsored an IPTV readiness webcast hosted by NTCA titled “Five Critical Assessments for Launching Video.” The purpose of the webcast was to help telcos assess their operational readiness for launching IPTV and ensure that their organizations are properly able to support their customers.
The webcast, attended by close to 100 people, featured speakers from NRTC and its members. Craig Hern, vice president of operations at Harrisonville Telephone Cooperative, explained to webcast attendees the importance of assessing your network and staffing plan, and shared the pitfalls that may occur without the assessment.
In addition, NRTC Vice President of Video Services Madeleine Forrer shared many lessons learned from members regarding growing an IPTV business. NRTC Director of Education and Training Tracey Klepic explained how she created a readiness assessment that helps members evaluate the leadership, business processes and infrastructure needed for a successful IPTV launch. To learn more about the assessment and NRTC’s recommendations, click here.
NRTC Keynotes NECA Smart Grid Summit
NRTC Vice President of Marketing Phil Brenner served as keynote speaker at the National Exchange Carrier Association’s Smart Grid Summit held June 3, in Boise, ID. The one-day summit focused on exploring the role of rural telecommunications companies to help support rural electric utilities with their smart grid communications needs.
During his keynote address, Brenner provided an overview of smart grid, including the forces driving it, key technologies and communications options. He also suggested steps that telecom providers could take to work with local electric utilities to support their smart grid communications requirements. In addition, Brenner applauded NECA and the attendees for their initiative in participating in the summit.
Rural telcos and utilities shared their experiences working together on the smart grid, as well. Heber Carpenter, general manager of NRTC member Raft River Electric Cooperative (Malta, ID) spoke at the summit about Raft River’s work with local telecom provider Albion Telephone Company (Albion, ID). Raft River and Albion are investigating ways that Albion can support the electric cooperative’s smart grid communications needs. In addition, Raft River is also working with PNGC Power, of which they are a member, to find smart grid solutions.
Two Members Ranked Top 10 in Solar Usage
The Solar Electric Power Association recently ranked utilities using solar power by total solar megawatts and solar watts per customer. Two of NRTC’s members were ranked in the top 10 of utilities using solar power: Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative and Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative.
Ranking first, Sulphur Springs (Wilcox, AZ) added 56 solar watts per customer in 2009. They also installed a solar panel at a local school, among other things.
Taking fifth place, Kaua’i Island Utility (Lihue, HI) added 18.8 solar watts per customer in 2009. Sulphur Springs and Kaua’i Island Utility were two of three cooperatives ranked in the top 10. As the demand for solar power increases, NRTC congratulates those members incorporating the energy source into their service offering.
NRTC Hosting TelcoVideo Member Meetings
NRTC is planning a series of TelcoVideo roundtable discussions for members called, “Directing Your Video Marketing & Sales.” Please join NRTC for an opportunity to meet with other TelcoVideo members and discuss business ideas, such as marketing, promotions and competition. The meetings will take place in Minneapolis, MN (July 13), Nashville, TN (July 15), and Charlotte, NC (July 21). Please contact Sales and Marketing Manager, IPTV, Bob Evans at revans@nrtc.coop or 303-718-9484.
TrueBand Tech Support Available to Members
To help members address the challenges of delivering technical support to subscribers, NRTC recently launched a marketing campaign to educate members about NRTC’s TrueBand tech support offering. The campaign theme focuses on how NRTC delivers customized “white glove” service to our members and their subscribers. Through a coordinated campaign of e-mail messages, direct mail and ads in OPASTCO’s Roundtable and the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association’s Rural Telecom Magazine, members can learn about the benefits of relying on NRTC to provide customers technical support. To learn more about TrueBand tech support, watch the video above or download our Tech Support Report Card.
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
• Message from Interim CEO Jack Harvey
• NRTC Advocates for Video Members
• NRTC Applies for Satellite Grant on Behalf of Its Members
• NRTC Members, GeoNav Featured in RE Magazine
• IPTV Video Readiness Webcast
• NRTC Keynotes NECA Smart Grid Summit
• Two Members Ranked Top 10 in Solar Usage
• NRTC Hosting TelcoVideo Member Meetings
• TrueBand Tech Support Available to Members
• Video: How TrueBand Helps
• NRTC Working with Members
• Meet Sales and Marketing Manager Jason DiStefano
• Where You Can See NRTC
Video
How TrueBand Helps
NRTC’s TrueBand Internet solution offers NRTC members a robust platform including e-mail, connectivity, account management, tech support, security, and marketing and training services. Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative (Rainesville, AL), one of NRTC’s TrueBand members, shares their success with TrueBand in helping their business and community. Watch Video.
Members
NRTC Working with Members
Members who have recently turned to NRTC to help meet their needs:
• Highline Electric Association working with Clevest on a mobile field force management solution, and GeoNav will use nVIEW 360° to map the utility’s system (Holyoke, CO).
• South Mississippi Electric Power Association is creating a wireless data radio solution with GE MDS (Hattiesburb, MS).
• GeoNav will use its nVIEW 360° product to map A & N Electric Cooperative’s system (Tasley, VA).
• Bandara Electric Cooperative will implement Clevest’s mobile field force solution (Bandara, TX).
Featured Staff Profile
Meet Sales and Marketing Manager Jason DiStefano
 Since 2005, Jason DiStefano has served NRTC members as a sales and marketing manager (SMM). Supporting members nationwide with Telispire, Jason provides sales and marketing support, including marketing data, mapping analysis and public campaigns. Previously at NRTC, Jason helped members regionally with many of NRTC’s products and solutions. Prior to joining NRTC, Jason was the vice president of sales and marketing for Internet Satellite Platform and served as a regional sales manager for DIRECTV and PRIMESTAR Satellite TV.
To contact Jason, please call
703-464-5308 or e-mail jdistefano@nrtc.coop.
Where You Can See NRTC
• July 7: NRTC IPTV Programmer Promotions Webcast, 3 p.m.
Audio bridge 866-222-7056 and access code 2591749.
• July 11-13: NTCA Region 7, 8, 10 Meeting, Branson, MO
RBM Steve Hanson will attend
• July 13: Directing Your Video Marketing & Sales, Minneapolis, MN
TelcoVideo Member Meeting
• July 14-16: 2010 Technology Conference, Myrtle Beach, SC
RBM Jay Smith will attend
• July 15: Directing Your Video Marketing & Sales, Nashville, TN
TelcoVideo Member Meeting
• July 20-22: TriState Show (ID, UT, WY), Sun Valley, ID
RBM Steve Hanson will attend
• July 21: Directing Your Video Marketing & Sales, Charlotte, NC
TelcoVideo Member Meeting
• July 24-28: OPASTCO Annual Summer Convention & Tradeshow, Seattle, WA
NRTC staff will attend
• July 25-29: Pennsylvania Telephone Association Annual Meeting, Hershey, PA
RBM Dennis Renowski will attend
• Aug. 2-4: Montana Telecom Association Annual Meeting, West Yellowstone, MT
RBM Steve Hanson will attend
• Aug. 8-10: NTCA Region 4 & 5 Meeting, Cincinnati, OH
RBM Dennis Renwoski will attend
• Aug. 8-11: MTIA Annual Meeting, Branson, MO
RBM Steve Hanson will attend
• Aug. 10-12: Nevada Telecom Annual Meeting, Lake Tahoe, NV
RBM Steve Hanson will attend
• Aug. 22-24: South Dakota Association of Telephone Cooperatives Annual Meeting, Rapid City, SD
RBM Dennis Renwoski will attend
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