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Network Engineering

Every network is different—and so are our solutions. NRTC’s inside plant network engineers work side-by-side with you to determine the services and technologies that will best suit your business and connectivity needs of today and tomorrow. As a co-operative, we do far more than design and build networks; we partner with our members to build lasting infrastructure that enables rural communities to grow and thrive. 


Partnership you can count on

Our role as your trusted advisor is one we cherish. As network engineers, we do the technical heavy-lifting to enable the services—fiber broadband, smart grid connectivity, and more—you plan to offer your community. Part educators, part engineers, we guide you through every decision, offering experienced counsel and ensuring every choice supports your long-term goals and provides the best value to your total cost of ownership.  

Your network will last for generations—it’s our job to ensure that the technologies we deploy today will meet the needs of your community for years to come. 


Network design that gives you choice

Many broadband engineering companies offer quick, formulaic solutions through their vendor of choice. NRTC does not. As a cooperative specializing in rural network builds, we’ve found that cookie-cutter solutions—while often simpler—rarely meet the long-term needs of our members and require expensive updates soon after the initial build. 

Our approach is tailored to suit the specific requirements of your business and community. Our engineers sit at the table with you to discuss your vision and design solutions that bring it to life. We partner with multiple vendors and manufacturers—vetted to meet the highest industry standards—to meet your budget, goals, and connectivity needs. While these decisions take time, the result is a unique network capable of supporting long-term growth. 


The power of integration

NRTC’s network engineers work in conjunction with all departments, providing holistic support from feasibility through deployment. Working together, we’re able to coordinate our efforts to design and deliver the best outcomes for our members and their communities.  In the end, what you get is more than a well-designed network. Our greatest value lies in helping you build a lasting business—one that positions your community for long-term success. 


Resources

The Latest Broadband News

Rural Commenters Urge FCC to Adopt Higher Broadband Benchmarks

Rural associations commenting on the FCC annual inquiry tracking broadband network access to all Americans said the time is right for the FCC to increase the minimum broadband speed benchmark from its current 100/20 Mbps. NRECA also called for the Commission to recognize a new symmetrical speed benchmark, rather than focusing on download speeds. It cited the May NRTC/NRECA Rural Broadband Benchmarking Report that most rural electric co-ops’ broadband subscribers take service faster than 475/475 Mbps.

FBA Study Finds Need for More Fiber Infrastructure is “Underappreciated”

The Fiber Broadband Association recently released a report estimating that the U.S. will need to double the length of its fiber optic infrastructure from 95,000 to about 187,000 route miles by 2029 to meet the communications needs of existing and new internet data centers and AI-based traffic. While policymakers have begun concentrating on the needs for new electric power infrastructure for data centers, the need for more fiber is “underappreciated,” FBA said.

AI, Broadband, Smart Grid Topics Form Strong TechConnect Agenda

Registration is open for TechConnect 2025. NRTC’s TechConnect conference has become a widely anticipated event for its members to learn more about cutting-edge technologies, discuss new business techniques and tools, and share ideas among themselves. The coming event is at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Nov. 3-5. Free registration for the first two NRTC member-company employees.

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