2024 Year In Review

As we reflect on 2024, the Community Broadband Action Network (CBAN) marks a year of significant achievement and growth in our mission to advance community-based broadband solutions. Throughout the year, our organization maintained an energetic pace of activities, from expanding our Digital Navigator program to strengthening our partnerships across multiple states.

The momentum we built in 2024 has positioned us for an even more impactful 2025. Our work continues to demonstrate that community-driven approaches to broadband development not only succeed but often exceed expectations in meeting local connectivity needs. As we look ahead, we're excited to build upon our achievements and expand our reach in supporting communities working to improve their broadband future.
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This annual review highlights our key accomplishments, celebrates our members' successes, and outlines our vision for the coming year. We invite you to explore how CBAN and our partners are working together to create more connected, equitable communities across America.

Our Members

Growing stonger as our mission expands

CBAN experienced remarkable membership growth in 2024, expanding our network by 30% from 159 members at the end of 2023 to 207 members by year's end. This growth spanned across all membership categories, welcoming new community broadband providers, municipalities, and industry partners to our organization. Our geographic reach now extends to 34 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, making CBAN the largest organization dedicated to community-based broadband solutions in North America.

2024 Membership by category

• Provider members: 42
• Community members: 54
• Advocate members: 68
• Associate members: 43

Not yet a CBAN member? Join our growing network at no cost! We offer free membership for broadband providers, communities, and broadband advocates. Be part of the movement to advance community-focused broadband solutions.

Sponsorships fuel our growth

CBAN launched an exciting new membership sponsorship program in 2024, creating opportunities for organizations to deepen their support of our mission. We're proud to recognize our inaugural sponsors:
Broadband Backers:

• Keller & Heckman LLP
• Power & Tel
• SpinMarkket

Broadband Ambassador:

• ImOn Communications

Looking to strengthen your impact on community-focused broadband in 2025? CBAN sponsorship offers unique benefits and marketing opportunities. To learn more, contact our Development Manager, Marlena Pfeiffer:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (319) 440-6786

Marlena would be happy to schedule a presentation about becoming a CBAN sponsor and discuss how your organization can help shape the future of community broadband.

CBAN also welcomes individual donations to all that support the work we do! CLICK HERE to make a donation to CBAN and help us grow!

Our Team

Curtis Dean, Executive Director and Co-Founder

Board President and Co-Founder

Development Manager

Digital Navigator

Our Mission and Work

Building Strong Communities

CBAN, established in 2018 as a membership organization, continues to drive broadband development through both direct and indirect support of our members. Our recent direct assistance projects include:

• Supporting Benzie County, Michigan's initiatives to expand digital equity and bridge existing access gaps
• Participating in the Region 2 MITTEN grant program team to enhance digital equity across northwest Michigan
• Collaborating with the City of Hudson to successfully attract a new fiber network provider

Digital Equity

We're excited to announce significant progress in our Digital Navigator program. In 2024, we welcomed Allison Ruhl as our new Digital Navigator for our NDIA-supported work in southern Iowa. Under her leadership, the program has gained substantial momentum in its final months. Looking ahead, we're actively pursuing additional funding sources to not only sustain but potentially expand this vital program. This expansion would allow us to continue breaking down digital barriers and fostering digital literacy in our communities.

Addressing Technology Needs

CBAN held a Tech Tune-Up and Fair in December. Held in conjunction with CBAN member GRM Networks, the event helped over ten families with tech needs, including providing them with new laptops and tablets needed to participate in the digital economy. CBAN is currently in the planning stages of additional Tech Tune-Up and Fairs in the service area in 2025.

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CBAN also distributed several cellular hotspots to persons in the region without access to a reliable broadband connection. We want to thank US Cellular for helping make this program affordable for all.

Member and Industry Outreach

Throughout 2024, CBAN shared our story and our members' successes at industry events across the nation. These gatherings allowed us to highlight the critical importance of Building Broadband Bridges while connecting with current members and meeting new advocates for community-focused broadband solutions. Our members' achievements in communities nationwide continue to demonstrate why local broadband initiatives are essential for America's digital future.

Net Inclusion 2024 – Held in February in Philadelphia, this annual event brought together Jon Willow and former digital navigator Bri Dillavou, along with representatives from 17 other NDIA digital navigator programs nationwide.  

Connected America – In March, Curtis Dean represented CBAN at this prominent industry gathering in Dallas. He engaged with current members and worked to expand CBAN’s network by connecting with prospective members.  

CBAN Spring Summit and IAMU Broadband Conference – Taking place in April in Johnston, Iowa, CBAN’s Spring Summit set a new record for attendance. Sessions were also streamed live for virtual participants. The highlight was a dynamic keynote address from Gigi Sohn of the American Association for Public Broadband.  

Merit Member Conference – In May, near Detroit, Curtis Dean and Jon Willow participated in this event. Jon led an engaging panel discussion titled “Build Your Own Broadband Bridge.”  

Fiber Connect 2024 – Curtis Dean moderated a session at this major event held in late July in Nashville.  

Regional Fiber Connect – In September, CBAN participated in the Regional Fiber Connect event in Des Moines, Iowa.  

NTCA Fall Conference – In late September and early October, CBAN was represented at the NTCA Fall Conference in Indianapolis.  

BBC Summit West – During the late October event in San Diego, Curtis Dean delivered a presentation about CBAN’s mission and initiatives.  

Media

Broadband Action, a CBAN podcast and video series, continue to pick up listnership/viewership during 2024. We gained 44% more followers during the year. Broadband Action was streamed in 7 countries!

If you have an idea for a compelling episode of Broadband Action, email Curtis Dean - [email protected].

CBAN created 11 new episodes of our Member Spotlight video series during 2024. Member Spotlight allows our members to tell their stories to the rest of the CBAN community.

​If we haven't shined the spotlight on your community, provider, or company yet, email Curtis Dean to get something set up. [email protected].