Kurt Schaubach to Lead NRTC Broadband Efforts

Experience in Wireless Communications Key as WiMAX Deployments Begin

DATE: July 23, 2009
Contact: Andrea Cumpston
703-787-7156

July 23, 2009 [Herndon, VA]—The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) today announced Kurt Schaubach has come on board as vice president, Broadband Technologies.  As more of NRTC’s rural members turn to wireless and other Internet access solutions, Kurt Schaubach’s experience in communications network design, deployment, operation and advanced technology development will help ensure that NRTC offers the latest Internet and communications solutions to meet members’ needs. 

Mr. Schaubach brings over 18 years of experience in the wireless industry to his role, including 10 years in senior engineering positions with NextWave Broadband, Inc., formerly a division of NextWave Wireless, Inc.  During Schaubach’s tenure, NextWave Broadband became an early provider of WiMAX products and services. Prior to joining NextWave, Mr. Schaubach provided consulting services to numerous clients, including SK/Korea Mobile Telecom, QUALCOMM and Nextel Communications. He started his career with Southwestern Bell Technology Resources.

“Kurt will play a key role in the growth of NRTC’s broadband strategy, starting with the launch of NRTC’s WiMAX distribution relationship with DigitalBridge Communications Corp.,” said NRTC Senior Vice President for Business Operations Jack Harvey.  “In addition, Kurt will be establishing a roadmap to a future where network agnostic devices will enable fixed-mobile convergence across networks and technology platforms,” he continued.

“NRTC members may not be tapping into the full promise of our collective spectrum holdings,” said Kurt Schaubach.  “These valuable assets may enable members to meet current and future operational needs, including providing broadband access or communications for the smart grid.  Along with working with members to deploy WiMAX, my priorities include developing strategies for spectrum holdings and spectrum management, including seeking the technologies to best use that spectrum,” he continued.  

Mr. Schaubach earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.

About NRTC
The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) represents the advanced telecommunications and information technology interests of more than 1,400 rural utilities and affiliates in 48 states.  Founded in 1986, NRTC provides products and services developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, such as high-speed Internet access via satellite, full service Internet access and support, advanced metering infrastructure, SmartSCADA, wireless technologies, power quality products, long distance programs, mobile phone service, IP backbone services, direct broadcast satellite service (DBS) with DIRECTV and programming for Internet protocol television (IPTV). For more information, visit www.nrtc.coop.

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