The future of rural broadband: Interview with Shirley Bloomfield

Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, has served the telecommunications industry for about 40 years and will retire in March. Bloomfield said that, despite the big technological changes she has witnessed, the industry’s overriding purpose is the same. “At the end of the day, it’s all about connectivity,” she said. “How do you make sure everybody has access? The thing I’ve always loved — and that continues to drive my passion — is working with companies who take to heart their mission to serve their neighbors and their communities. They want to keep Main Street alive and well. That hasn’t changed in the least; they just use different tools now.” Bloomfield believes that, as technology evolves, rural broadband providers will find new ways to be community leaders. Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, can be a boon for rural providers and communities. “If the companies that focus on tech and connectivity can normalize AI, that can be a huge resource for their rural consumers and their rural entrepreneurs.” The two biggest challenges for the future of rural broadband, Bloomfield said — aside from establishing a solid future for the Universal Service Fund — are supply chain issues and workforce development. Nevertheless, she said, “I’m very bullish. [Rural broadband providers] are the most tech-savvy, tech-forward entities in rural America.”