Co-op leaders continue collaboration for broadband interests in local communities at Rural Fiber Expo
PGEC President and CEO Sarat Yellepeddi participates in the CEO panel discussion at the Rural Fiber Expo with colleagues from Virginia and Maryland cooperatives.
Many industry professionals and legislators from Virginia, Maryland and neighboring states gathered for the third annual Rural Fiber Expo in September. The event, held in Roanoke, Va., was hosted by the Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Broadband. Amongst those who gathered were the co-op’s President and CEO Sarat Yellepeddi and RURALBAND staff.
“This event is yet another testament of our commitment to our efforts in bringing the benefit of high-speed, fiber-to-the-home internet to our rural communities,” Yellepeddi says.
Signature features of the event included a vendor expo, policy roundtables, breakout sessions and opportunities to meet with broadband industry experts from across the mid-Atlantic.
“During this time, we were able to forge new partnerships and discuss best practices in meeting the needs of more than 6,000 residents who have not yet taken advantage of RURALBAND in our service territory,” Yellepeddi explains.
PGEC’s wholly owned fiber subsidiary, RURALBAND, currently provides high-speed internet services to more than 10,000 residents in the co-op’s service territory. As RURALBAND continues to break ground in new areas, residents are encouraged to register by visiting RURALBAND.coop.
“RURALBAND is already available for thousands of residents in our territory, and we want members to spread the word to their family
members, friends and neighbors to register,” Yellepeddi continues. “We recognize that having adequate access to broadband not only impacts their quality of life today, but also the quality of life for generations to come in telemedicine, education, remote work and more.”