The NCTC has launched its Broadband Solutions - Access Program. The initiative aims to help NCTC members stay competitive in accessing the Internet for their end consumers. The program is intended to help reduce broadband access/transport cost with greater flexibility to grow and improve. NCTC members serve approximately 15 million consumers with broadband service across 3,000 plus communities, many of which are in smaller, more rural areas.
The NCTC plans to create mutually beneficial relationships with national access carriers and regional transport circuit providers. Under the new program, NCTC will negotiate master service agreements for NCTC member operators who can elect to opt into the agreements. So instead of independently contracting with large carriers to carry traffic, which can be costly for operators and pose administrative challenges, NCTC members can purchase bandwidth through the NCTC master agreements.
"Broadband is a very important business for our members. NCTC has a 30-year track record of providing similar programs for cable content and technologies that has worked well for NCTC members and supplier/partners. Helping smaller and rural markets be more competitive is what we have done for decades," said Rich Fickle, NCTC CEO.
"Meeting the ever-increasing customer bandwidth demand is critical to our members' long-term success," said Jared Baumann, NCTC vice president of broadband solutions. "This new program not only helps our members effectively meet the evolving market needs, but it also provides carriers with one point of contact for our entire member base, increasing their sales and operational efficiency."
The NCTC will administer the Broadband Solutions - Access Program. The NCTC's executive team, board of directors and a member-led advisory committee will provide program guidance.