Course Descriptions

  • A

  • Artificial Intelligence and its Effect on RLECs

    Beginner/Intermediate

    An overview of artificial intelligence – what it is, how it works and what it can do, as well as AI’s promise for growth opportunities in the telecommunications industry and potential operational disruptions. Topics: An overview of AI technology and it’s components; common AI applications including those used in robotic, agriculture, healthcare, self-driving cars, music composition and weather forecasting; potential uses of AI by telecommunication providers including chatbots like Alexa and ChatGPT, marketing, customer service, network management, predictive maintenance, supply chain management and cybersecurity; and AI concerns including job displacement, misinformation, privacy, algorithm bias and autonomous weapons.


  • Average Schedule Update

    Beginner/Intermediate

    Gain an understanding of the factors affecting average schedule settlements and USF support payments. We will cover average schedule reporting requirements, as well as resources and tools available on our website to help average schedule companies understand their payment information. This class benefits average schedule companies and their consultants to understand formulas, reporting requirements and support payments.

  • B

  • Basic Settlements and NECA Overview – Part 1

    Beginner

    Get an overview of NECA functions, the pooling process and how pool members recover costs and earn a return on investment. This class benefits new company employees, consultants or anyone who wants a refresher to understand our functions, the pooling process and how it all relates to settlements.


  • Basic Settlements and NECA Overview – Part 2

    Beginner

    Learn about the cost and average schedule company settlements processes. Topics include basics of pooling, the settlements cycle, settlements forms, average schedule formulas and revenue distribution.


  • Beyond the Numbers: Industry Trends and Insights from NECA Data

    Intermediate/Advanced

    Data is at the heart of every financial and policy decision in today’s business environment. We use data to support our tariff filings, file data for our members with the FCC and USAC and supply relData is at the heart of every financial and policy decision in today’s business environment. We use data to support our tariff filings, file data for our members with the FCC and USAC, and supply relevant analyses to support industry stakeholders. We work closely with our various task groups (CITG, RDTG, ASTG) to get input, share information and represent our membership. This presentation uses data from various sources to show trends affecting rural ILECs today. This class benefits those who supply and/or analyze our data.evant analyses to support industry stakeholders. We work closely with our various task groups (CITG, RDTG, ASTG) to get input, share information and represent our membership. This presentation uses data from various sources to show trends affecting rural ILECs today. This class benefits those who supply and/or analyze our data.

  • C

  • Changes Coming to Connect America Fund Compliance Process

    Intermediate/Advanced

    Significant changes are coming to the Connect America Fund compliance process. All carriers that receive CAF support to bring high-speed internet access to rural communities must report their ongoing progress in meeting the broadband deployment obligations of the program. This session will provide an update on the CAF compliance framework and a preview of the changes ahead to prepare carriers for the new requirements. The session will cover reporting broadband deployment data in the HUBB portal, participating in CAF verification reviews for USAC to confirm deployment reported in the HUBB, and conducting speed and latency testing to measure network performance.


  • Cybersecurity Starts Here: Building Awareness Across Rural Telecom Teams

    Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

    This discussion will focus on how rural telecom organizations can strengthen cybersecurity from the ground up. Panelists will share relatable examples and practical guidance to help leaders and staff better understand risks, build a culture of security awareness, and protect both networks and customers.

  • D

  • Decoding CAF BLS from forecasting to true-up

    Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

    We will discuss common line voice and CBOL cost recovery, including cost and demand forecasting, tariff and support filings, per-line cap on support, budget control mechanism, CBOL rates and CAF BLS support true-up. An in-depth look at the CAF BLS processes from projection to true-up will give insight into the importance of accurate forecasting, related data collections, support filings, and common line rate-of-return and timing of cash flows. Staff from all companies eligible for CAF BLS support will find this class beneficial.

  • F

  • From Calculations to Cash: Pooling, Support and Disbursements Demystified

    Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

    This class covers the basics and benefits of NECA pooling, settlement and disbursement statements, federal support projections and true ups, forecasts, cost studies, pool earnings and potential cash flow impacting events. Designed for professionals at all levels, this session is ideal for anyone whose role requires a strong understanding of NECA cash flows.


  • Future Broadband Technologies

    Intermediate/Advanced

    We will explore the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of broadband technologies. This session will cover future advancements, including the decentralization of the internet through edge computing, fiber optic innovations, new developments in satellite technologies, a potential move from internet protocol to quantum-based protocols, involvement with data centers, and other technological changes in the future. These technologies are in various stages of development but hold immense potential to redefine the future of broadband connectivity by meeting consumer demands for faster speeds, lower latency, broader coverage and enhanced security. These advancements may also help to close the digital divide in rural areas by enabling providers to meet and exceed their ever-increasing broadband buildout requirements connected to various broadband funding mechanisms and initiatives to make broadband more affordable and accessible to all socioeconomic groups.

  • I

  • Inside the Beltway

    Intermediate/Advanced

    Hear the latest on telecommunications issues that have been hot topics before the FCC, Congress and the courts, including a roundup of who’s who behind these items and the politics surrounding telecom. We provide a wide overview of issues and all levels of employees will benefit, particularly those in beginner and intermediate roles with regulatory responsibilities and an interest in what is happening in Washington.

  • L

  • Leading Beyond the Office: Thriving in a Remote World

    Beginner/Intermediate

    Explore how to lead, connect and inspire teams with and without physical proximity. This session focuses on building trust, strengthening relationships and maintaining momentum in a remote or hybrid workplace.

  • M

  • Making a Splash into Data Collections

    Beginner/Intermediate

    Dive in to explore the full range of NECA data collections through a streamlined overview of key reporting requirements, due dates and how each dataset supports NECA filings and industry analysis. Ideal for anyone seeking a quick, clear understanding of the essentials across all data collections.


  • Mergers, Acquisitions and the NECA Pools

    Intermediate

    An in-depth review of settlement system calculations, tracing results from data entry to output reports and monthly disbursements/invoices. Topics covered include pool treatment of CAF BLS and CAF ICC with a brief mention of how model-based support is reflected on statements.

  • N

  • Network Modification Considerations

    Intermediate/Advanced

    An overview of industry and tariff requirements when implementing switch upgrades, downgrades or consolidation. Topics covered include advance notification procedures, database upgrade requirements, billing changes and cost recovery considerations.


  • NPRMs update: IP, USF and more

    Intermediate/Advanced

    This class will focus on the recent FCC notices of proposed rulemaking that impact ILECs, including the transition to all-IP interconnection for voice services, proposed reforms to intercarrier compensation and CAF ICC support, and an initiative to modernize high-cost support. Other proceedings that may be initiated by the FCC will also be addressed.

  • R

  • Rural Associations Panel

    Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

    Representatives from several rural associations will provide updates on industry efforts addressing the state of regulatory change.

  • S

  • Sources of Telecom Revenue

    Intermediate/Advanced

    An understanding of company revenue streams that expand and complement traditional telco revenues. Topics include local exchange, intercarrier compensation, model and CAF BLS program support funding, broadband and additional complimentary broadband services, subsidiary telecom and nontelecom revenue opportunities, and the latest in broadband funding programs.


  • Special Access: Rate Management and Application

    Beginner/Intermediate

    Join us for a tour of the tools available for customers on our website. These tools provide companies with the option to adjust their proposed NECA rates before the annual tariff is filed and assist in accurately pricing out service requests. This class benefits companies and their consultants concerned with competition in their area for tariffed DSL and special access services. This class also benefits those that price out service requests, market DSL and SPA services, process CAB/end user billing and want a more efficient method for verifying the calculation for disputed circuits.

  • T

  • Tariff 6 and BDS

    Intermediate/Advanced

    Learn about NECA’s Tariff No. 6 and our business data services tool. Topics include services and benefits of participating in NECA’s Tariff No. 6, a demo of NECA’s BDS tool and how rates are calculated. This class is for ILEC employees and consultants who want to learn more about the benefits and resources available to companies that opted into incentive-based regulation for their BDS services.


  • Tariffed Services and Rate Development for Rate-of-Return Carriers

    Intermediate/Advanced

    We’ll discuss various interstate common line, switched and special access services available in Tariff No. 5 for rate-of-return carriers. Recent changes to existing services as well as new service offerings will be reviewed along with plans for future additions to the tariff. Rate development and rate flexibility options for legacy carriers will be explored. This class benefits ILEC employees and consultants involved with access ordering, service provisioning and tariff application.


  • The Great AI Cutover: From Curiosity to Operations to Revenue

    Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced

    Last year, rural carriers were asking what AI means for Main Street. In 2026, the question changes: how do carriers turn AI into something they can actually use, manage and monetize? AI is moving into the carrier operating model: customer care, network monitoring, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, managed Wi-Fi, workforce productivity and small business services. This panel will examine how rural broadband providers can adopt AI in ways that improve operations, strengthen customer relationships and create new revenue opportunities. The discussion will focus on practical adoption, vendor partnerships, operational safeguards, customer trust and the emerging AI revenue stack. The goal is not to chase hype but to help carriers decide where AI belongs, where it does not belong, and how to turn the AI transition into real business value.

  • U

  • USAC Audit Division Overview and High-Cost Common Findings

    Intermediate/Advanced

    Join us to learn about the various groups within the USAC Audit and Assurance Division, including the differences and similarities between the Beneficiary and Contributor Audit Program, Payment Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain Audit Program. Get familiar with the PQA and BCAP process and learn about High-Cost Common Findings and how to address or prevent the common findings and ensure compliance with FCC rules and program requirements.


  • USF Support: Legacy Fund Overview

    Beginner/Intermediate

    Our focus is on legacy funds such as CAF BLS, HCL and CAF ICC. The class provides an overview of each fund’s history and will cover current rules and requirements for reporting and filing data along with data verification, support calculation, and disbursement timelines. A status update on the FCC proceedings considering the role of these funds in the future will be inclluded. This class benefits anyone who wants an introduction to or refresher of the ins and outs of legacy USF support funds.