02.27.2026

MCNC Attends RTIME Conference Hosted by NTCA

MCNC’s team attended the RTIME Conference hosted by NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association in Orlando on February 23-24, 2026. MCNC participated in several impactful sessions, including:

A Conversation with State Network Providers – Valuable peer insights on infrastructure strategy, sustainability, and collaboration across state networks
Marketing Essentials – Practical strategies for communicating impact, telling the broadband story effectively, and strengthening community engagement
How Building Relationships with Elected Officials Bears Fruit – A powerful discussion on long-term advocacy, trust-building, and the importance of consistent engagement with policymakers
Rural Broadband Network Expansion: What Comes Next – Forward-looking perspectives on funding, scalability, and preparing for the next phase of connectivity
Women in Telecom – An inspiring and empowering conversation highlighting leadership, mentorship, and the growing impact of women across the telecommunications industry

In addition to the sessions, we were grateful for the opportunity to connect with Laura Withers, Vice President of Strategic Communications for NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, and engage in meaningful dialogue about industry messaging and advocacy.

“Attending RTIME for the first time was an incredible opportunity to learn from leaders across the rural broadband ecosystem,” said Kendall Shaffer, marketing coordinator at MCNC. “From policy and advocacy to marketing and network expansion, each session reinforced how critical collaboration and strategic communication are to closing the digital divide. I’m excited to bring these insights back to MCNC as we continue strengthening connectivity for North Carolina’s communities.”