Rural Collaboration, Infrastructure Planning, and Sustaining Affordable, High-performance Middle Mile Broadband

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

8:00 AM - 8:40 AM ET

Location: Escambia (Mezzanine Level)

Moderator(s)

Kimberly Maki

CEO, Influential Voices, LLC & Strategic Advisor
Broadband Library Magazine, Florida, United States

Panelist(s)

Jim Meyers

Chairman of the Board
NM Fiber Network
Artesia, New Mexico, United States
Casey Lide

Partner
Keller & Heckman, District of Columbia, United States
Jen Wade

National Broadband Leader
RSM US LLP
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Eric Bathras

Chief Technology Officer, Infrastructure
Maryland Department of Information Technology
Severna Park, Maryland, United States

Building and sustaining middle mile networks in rural areas requires collaboration and strategic planning. This session explores how providers and communities can work together to design infrastructure that delivers high performance while remaining cost-effective. Learn best practices for funding, partnerships, and long-term maintenance. Strengthen your approach to ensure middle mile connectivity becomes a lasting asset for rural regions.