Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, has served the telecom industry for about 40 years and will retire in March. As she prepares for retirement, Telecompetitor interviewed her about the changes she has seen in the industry and the future of rural broadband.
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.”
Twenty years ago, Bloomfield said, she might have predicted more consolidation among rural broadband providers, but there are still so many today because they serve a vital purpose in their communities.
What keeps Bloomfield hopeful about the future? “I truly believe that — at our core, as Americans — we want to do the right thing for the right reason, we want to help our neighbors, we want to be kind, and we want to create things that improve the lives of others. I hold on to that.”
Beyond the rural broadband industry, what does the future look like for Bloomfield? She sits on the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) board, which helps oversee the health of the electric grid in the southeastern United States. She also hopes to put her connections and relationships to work as she finds ways to continue to support bringing new talent into the rural broadband industry and help identify future leaders.
Bloomfield is also involved with Doorways, a nonprofit based in Arlington, Virginia, that provides shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their families. Part of her expanded volunteer role will involve mentoring women as they return to the workforce.
“But I still have two more months before I retire, so I may come up with some more things before then,” she said.
This is the final article in a four-part series of interviews with Shirley Bloomfield, who will retire from her position with NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association in March. The other three articles are:
