Business Solutions for Fall 2019

6 FALL 2019 What is a Smart Rural Community? Smart homes, smartphones, and the smart grid all rely on broadband technology to operate more effectively and efficiently. The same technology is being used to enhance entire communities. Broadband enables rural areas to enhance business growth and quality of life Rural, community-based broadband providers across the United States are serving small towns with robust broadband networks to support critical and innovative solutions for rural communities. These technological leaders are helping to build a nationwide net- work of Smart Rural Communities, where broadband connections are creating a brighter future for rural America. NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association recently welcomed Panora Telco and Guthrie Center Communications into the Smart Rural Communities program in recognition of our important work in bringing broadband-enabled advances to our service area. This pro- gram promotes collaborative work among rural broadband providers and other local leaders to develop broadband-enabled solutions for education, economic development, health care, and more. To qualify for recognition as a Smart Rural Community Provider, Panora Telco and Guthrie Center Communications had to meet these requirements: • Offer 25/3 Mbps broadband to 50% or more of their service area; • Have broadband subscription rates of at least 50%, and; • Affirm their commitment to SRC principles of collaborative innovation. Andrew Randol, CEO and General Manager, said, “It’s an honor for us to be added to the list of Smart Rural Community Pro- viders. This distinction reflects more than our investment in a fiber-rich infrastructure. It also pays tribute to our community partners who are using technology to help improve the lives of local residents.” What makes a rural community “smart”? A truly smart community relies not only on technology, but also on the people who adopt and employ broadband-related services. NTCA offers these examples of outcomes that can be gained through use of broadband: • Customized learning environments for students, including interactive and collaborative components • A dynamic healthcare infrastructure capable of supporting such applications as electronic scheduling and patient monitoring • Precision farming tools such as real-time weather reports and other helpful information that enable them to make better decisions • Platforms for connecting citizens with local, state, and federal government resources • A next-generation 911 system that allows first responders to communicate efficiently during emergencies • Modern utility networks that give users more information and control • An energy-saving smart home network that enables appliances and devices to connect with each other NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommuni- cations companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. In an era of transformative technological advancements, regulatory challenges, and marketplace competition, NTCAmembers are leading the technological evolution for rural consumers, delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. More information can be found at www.ntca.org .