MTA isn't your average broadband provider. For the past 70-plus years, the operator has been connecting rural communities in one of the most daunting locations in the U.S.: Alaska.
In this episode of The Five Nine podcast, Fierce Network's Executive Editor Diana Goovaerts talks with MTA's Jessica Gilbert, director of marketing and communications for the company, to learn a bit more about how it makes the business case work as a cooperative.
One key takeaway: "Revenue is important but it doesn't take over the core principles of our mission."
So, how is rural broadband different from service in other areas? Gilbert dives into the challenges of serving connectivity in such a unique geography, how it is meeting the demands of an influx of new residents who expect fast, reliable broadband internet service, and what technology it uses to connect folks both in town and farther out in the wilderness.
She also sounds off on the BEAD opportunity and what workforce development has to do with closing the digital divide.
Don't miss this fascinating discussion!