Broadband Development Conference
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Caroline Stratton

Benton Institute, Research Director

Dr. Caroline Stratton directs the Benton Institute's research efforts to support a broadband-for-all agenda. She leads and facilitates research that demonstrates the benefits of broadband adoption and the costs of disconnection for individuals and communities. Caroline holds a Ph.D. in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a BS in Nuclear & Radiological Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She has conducted research about digital inequality and inclusion in previous roles at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and at Florida State University. 

All Sessions by Caroline Stratton

3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Governors Square 14

If You Build It, They Won’t Necessarily Come: Acquiring and Keeping Subscribers Through Broadband Adoption Strategies

Building the infrastructure is only half the battle in broadband: to sustain that network, you need subscribers. Whether it’s making the case to older adults to use telehealth, helping local entrepreneurs bring a small business online, or letting parents stay in touch with their children’s schools, potential subscribers need to know the why and the how. That’s where digital inclusion programs come in, helping community members see broadband’s value in their day-to-day lives and teaching them how to use it safely and effectively. Join digital inclusion experts to discuss on the ground knowledge of barriers and best practices to broadband adoption. We’ll cover affordability, digital skills, safety and security, and digital confidence – all through looking at real examples that can provide a roadmap to drive broadband adoption in your community.

3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Governors Square 10

ISP Focus Groups on Broadband Deployment Barriers

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is convening small focused discussions with internet service providers at Mountain Connect 2026. We want to understand the practical issues that ISPs encounter as they deploy broadband infrastructure, such as permitting and rights-of-way, workforce constraints, supply chain challenges, and coordination with state and local agencies.

Insights from these discussions will inform research briefs for policymakers, broadband offices, legislative staff, and other stakeholders working to implement broadband infrastructure programs. All contributions will be anonymized and not attributable to a specific person or ISP. Our goal is not simply to document challenges, but to identify actionable solutions that can accelerate broadband deployment while maintaining strong accountability and consumer protections.
 
Who should participate: We are looking for provider representatives who have broad familiarity with their organization’s network deployment challenges.  
What: 45-60 minute group discussions, anonymized responses
When/Where: August 10, 3:30 pm, Governors Square 16
 
The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a 45-year-old nonprofit working to make sure everyone in the United States can use and benefit from high quality, affordable broadband. We strengthen local, state, and national leadership by providing the timely information and analysis, practical guidance, and advocacy needed to articulate and implement a Broadband for All agenda.

If you are interested in participating, please take two minutes to complete this brief screener so we can assemble balanced groups of providers.

Thank you for considering participation. Your experience and insight is essential to ensuring that broadband policy reflects the realities of network deployment.