""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.""
""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.""
Shirley Bloomfield will retire in March after about 40 years in the telecom industry. She emphasizes that rural broadband's fundamental purpose remains providing connectivity and ensuring access for all. Bloomfield values companies dedicated to serving neighbors and sustaining Main Street. She expects rural providers to become community leaders through advancing technologies, notably AI, which can benefit consumers and entrepreneurs. She identifies supply chain constraints and workforce development as major future challenges, along with the need to secure the Universal Service Fund. Bloomfield expresses optimism, calling rural broadband providers highly tech-savvy and committed to their communities.
Read at Telecompetitor
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