Community Broadband Awards

What are the NATOA Community Broadband Awards?

In recognition of the broadening role of government in technology, NATOA proudly honors outstanding individuals and projects that seek to improve government and public options in broadband technology. This exceptional awards program was initiated to recognize and highlight some of the many extraordinary efforts going on at the local level to bring the benefits of technology to American communities. Throughout the United States, numerous exceptional leaders in government, business, organization and the community are serving as champions of local interests and needs in broadband and technology. NATOA’s Community Broadband Awards annually recognize these efforts and achievements. The Award recipients are highlighted on NATOA’s website.  Nominations are due by Friday, July 12, 2013.

CLICK HERE to submit a nomination.

What are the Award categories?

Awards are presented annually in the following SIX categories:

  • Community Broadband Hero of the Year - individual award
  • Community Broadband Visionary of the Year - individual award
  • Community Broadband Wireless Network of the Year
  • Community Broadband Fiber Network of the Year
  • Community Broadband Project of the Year
  • Community Broadband Organization of the Year

How do I nominate my community for a Community Broadband Award?

The nominee and/or nominator DOES NOT need to be a member of NATOA - these awards are designed to recognize the best of the best throughout the county.  Nominations must be submitted by July 12, 2013. There is a $100 fee per nomination for NATOA members and $150 fee per nomination for non-members.  2013 winners will be announced at the 2013 Annual Conference taking place September 16 - 19, 2013 at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Universal Orlando, FL. If you have questions, please contact Joanne Hovis at (301) 933-1488 or jhovis@CTCnet.us. 

CLICK HERE to submit a nomination.


Who Are the Recipients for 2012?

Community Broadband Hero of the Year
John Windhausen for long-time heroic advocacy for more, bigger broadband in America, and for ably advocating on behalf of the needs of schools, health care, and libraries in broadband.

Community Broadband Visionary of the Year
Blair Levin for understanding the potential of fiber to the home, and advocating for gigabit networks in all American communities through true partnerships between public and private sectors.

Community Broadband Fiber Networks of the Year
The City of Wilson, NC for funding, building, and operating a state-of-the-art municipal fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in the face of well-funded opposition seeking to preclude the emergence of competition in that market.

Clackamas County, OR for building an exemplary public middle-mile fiber infrastructure to bridge urban, suburban, and rural regions, and also despite well-funded opposition seeking to preclude competition.

Community Broadband Wireless Network of the Year
The City of Port Angeles, WA for planning and deploying an innovative, multi-use, multi-sectoral wireless network to serve public safety, consumers, local government, and tribal needs.

Community Broadband Organizations of the Year
Institute for Local Self Reliance for persistent reporting on community broadband initiatives and their opponents, thereby educating and informing the public and policy-makers nationwide.

Massachusetts Broadband Institute for pioneering an innovative regional strategy and demonstrating the power of regional multi-jurisdictional collaboration.

Community Broadband Project of the Year
Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband (UC2B) for deploying an innovative, open-access FTTH network, and turning on its head the traditional model of starting with the most lucrative areas by prioritizing first low-income and unserved communities.


Click here for a list of 2011 Award Winners
Click here for a list of 2010 Award Winners
Click here for a list of 2009 Award Winners
Click here for a list of 2008 Award Winners
Click here for a list of 2007 Award Winners