The past year was my first as NoaNet’s CEO, and as I reflect on 2021, it held many moments of celebration and hope, as well as its fair share of challenges.
NoaNet has long been viewed as a leader in realizing broadband access for the unserved and underserved in Washington State. That has been especially true during these times when the ability to function day to day has rested heavily on access to broadband at home.
The uncertainty about how the pandemic would continue to impact businesses, livelihoods, and everything else in our state was a looming unknown. However, I was poised each day because I know that the NoaNet machine collectively faces our challenges with what I refer to as “true grit.” It’s a cocktail of extreme work ethic, can-do attitude, and creative problem solving whose combination never fails to meet the challenges we face as an organization.
For this unwavering confidence in our ability to succeed, I want to thank all of the employees of NoaNet, our customers, our member organizations, and many service providers for the collective contributions made to our shared goal of expanding broadband access last year. Many plans were met and overachieved even in the most challenging of conditions. It was made possible by all of us bringing the “true grit” mindset with us each and every day and is what makes us unstoppable in the pursuit of our mission.
The conversation about the importance of broadband access has been replaced with the innate knowledge that it IS IMPORTANT.
Action is now being taken on every level to close the digital inequities that exist not only in Washington but nationally. Alongside these initiatives, NoaNet has grasped the sense of urgency and looks to help facilitate broadband wins in every county and community of our state.
Funding to bring services to sparsely populated areas is abundantly available, and many communities, service providers, and organizations have already taken the call to tackle this challenging task. The network deployments being planned and executed this year will change the digital landscape of our State for decades to come. It is an exciting time to be in this industry.
When thinking about what’s on the horizon for 2022, I am confident that Washington State and NoaNet are poised for tremendous things in the year to come with the continued partnerships and collaboration I’ve seen in my first year as CEO.
My best wishes to you and your families for a joyful, prosperous, and CONNECTED New Year.
Craig Nelsen