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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 who want to understand formulas, reporting requirements and support payments.
- B
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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.
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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.
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Beginner
Join us for a trip through the history of Telecom, an overview of common industry acronyms and terminologies and a brief rundown of the basics of networking and technology. This is designed as a course for those who are newer to the telecom industry, those who might be returning to the industry to get a refresher or anyone who simply wants to get a better base of knowledge around Telecom.
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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 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.
- C
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Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
We unlock the complexities surrounding CBOL cost recovery, including cost and demand forecasting, per-line cap on support, budget control mechanism, fully calculated rates and cost/support/demand true-up. An in-depth look at the CBOL processes from projection to true-up will give insight into the importance of accurate forecasting, common line rate-of-return and timing of cash flows. All companies considering or currently offering CBOL will find this class beneficial.
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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.
- F
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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, integrated satellite and mobile wireless networks, a potential move from internet protocol to quantum-based protocols, and advancements in Wi-Fi and Li-Fi technologies.
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.
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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, D.C.
- M
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Beginner/Intermediate
Acquire an understanding of the calculations and filing of switched access rates and CAF ICC support. Topics include a demonstration of the CAF ICC system with detail behind the calculations, timeline and data filed with the FCC and USAC, potential impact of mergers on rates and CAF ICC, and audit support resources provided. This class benefits both legacy and model CAF ICC support recipients, new company employees, consultants or anyone who wants an introduction or refresher on the ins and outs of CAF ICC.
- N
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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.
- P
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Beginner
Plan your trip to the NECA website! Pack your virtual bags and join us as we explore the online resources available to our companies and their consultants. This guided tour will cover how to access the website, navigate to key pages and make the most of the tools available. Stops along the way include the settlement system, Tariffs 4, 5 and 6, training resources and the service pricing tool.
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Artificial intelligence is reshaping the telecommunication industry, but what does it mean for local providers? Panelists will debate AI’s impact on Main Street and explore the revenue and operational opportunities, challenges and real-world applications for rural and regional wireline carriers.
- R
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Intermediate/Advanced
Learn about the importance of telecommunications infrastructure for emergency communication and disaster response in rural areas. This session includes discussions about the resilience of rural telecommunications networks, the role of mobile networks in emergencies and efforts to improve emergency communication capabilities in rural communities.
- S
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This panel brings together cybersecurity experts, rural telecom leaders and technology innovators to address the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by rural telecommunications providers. The discussion will explore how rural providers can protect their networks and customers against growing threats in a connected world.
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Intermediate/Advanced
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.
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Intermediate/Advanced
An understanding of new 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
- U
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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 them to ensure compliance with FCC rules and program requirements.
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Beginner/Intermediate
Our focus is on legacy funds such as CAF BLS, HCL and CAF ICC, and we will review each, including key dates, rules and requirements for reporting and filing data, and discuss data verification, support calculation and disbursement timelines. This class benefits anyone who wants an introduction to or refresher of the ins and outs of legacy USF support funds.
- W
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Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced
Representatives from several rural associations will provide updates on industry efforts addressing the state of regulatory change.
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Beginner/Intermediate
Have you ever had an argument on the job? Faced conflict with a coworker, client or vendor? There’s a difference between an argument and a conflict, and knowing how to handle conflict can make all the difference. When handled well, conflict can strengthen relationships and build trust, two critical components for delivering consistent service and innovation.
In our workshop, we’ll explore practical ways to navigate conflict in the telecom workplace. You’ll learn how to approach difficult conversations with clarity, confidence and respect, leading to stronger communication, better teamwork and more effective problem resolution, even under pressure.
