What began with the first NYSTA Annual Conference held in Albany in 1922 reached the 100 year milestone recently at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs. While, the number of companies represented was down from the original thousand telecom companies serving individual villages and towns back in 1922, the industry was well represented.

The program addressed a variety of subjects, including both state and federal regulatory and legislative updates, 5G technology, Quantum computing, and the many amazing things being accomplished with Drone technology. Participants also heard the amazing story of Alan Mallory and his family’s adventure in climbing Mt. Everest and how lessons learned apply equally in the business world.

Special guests included Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association and Jonathan Spalter, President and CEO of US TELCOM -The Broadband Association, who provided updates on the many federal activities addressing voice and broadband services and the challenges that lie ahead for the industry.