The 2016 Rural Telecom Industry Meeting & EXPO (RTIME) got underway Sunday in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., as more than 2,000 NTCA members registered at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for a full day of activities. Attendees took part in educational sessions, sightseeing tours of the Kennedy Space Center and winter park, and the welcome reception.
The meeting's first full day featured a number educational sessions and NTCA committee meetings. During concurrent sessions, participants heard about cybersecurity risks and how rural broadband providers can protect their operations, and how providers can capitalize on work that comes out of municipal proposals and plans.
The day kicked off with a fun run, then telco executives and chief executive officers gathered for a policy discussion focused on a number of hot policy topics, including the impending FCC Universal Service Fund reform order. The Membership, Meetings and Education and Awards committees held meetings on Sunday to brainstorm new ways to improve the NTCA membership experience and foster innovation among telcos. The Joint Industry & Regulatory Policy/Competitive & Advanced Services Committee Meeting addressed the USF reform debate and other policy priorities for 2016. The Telecommunications Education Communications Organization (TECO) and the Foundation for Rural Service also held their board meetings.
What's the secret to thriving rural communities? That and more in today's concurrent sessions #RTIME16pic.twitter.com/Z63rX1xZfP
— NTCAconnect (@NTCAconnect) February 22, 2016
The day wrapped up with a first-time attendee meet and greet followed by a toast to the 62 member companies that have been recognized as Certified Gig-Capable Providers. Conference attendees also had an opportunity to network and discuss the opening day during the welcome reception. Attendees enjoyed appetizers and dancing. Check out the photos from the day to see what you missed.
Monday will feature the TECO Annual Awards Breakfast, the Opening General Session, more educational sessions, an airboat adventure and more.