NATOA Announces 2025 Community Broadband Award Winners
NATOA Announces 2025 Community Broadband
and Digital Equity Award Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 23, 2025 – The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) today announced the recipients of NATOA’s 2025 Community Broadband and Digital Equity Awards, recognizing innovative projects in government, business and local communities nationwide. Recipients will be honored at NATOA’s Annual Conference, to be held in New Orleans, LA, August 18th – 21st at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.
“At NATOA, we’re proud to support the unique and diverse needs of communities nationwide by working to ensure everyone has access to affordable, high-speed, and reliable broadband,” said NATOA President Rick Assmus. “This year’s winners are shining examples of what’s possible through innovation, a focus on digital equity, and strong partnerships. On behalf of all our members, we applaud their leadership and their commitment to making broadband better and more accessible for everyone.”
The 2025 Community Broadband Award recipients are:
Community Broadband Project of the Year
The City of Virginia Beach, VA’s Regional Connectivity Ring (RCR), a high-capacity fiber-optic network with open-access infrastructure aiming to improve the availability and affordability of high-speed internet across the southside Hampton Roads region, supporting residential, commercial, and institutional users. The RCR will connect to transatlantic cable landings in Virginia Beach—providing some of the fastest internet speeds on the East Coast—and is expected to drive significant regional economic development. Construction is approximately 80% complete with full completion of the project targeted for March 31, 2026.
Digital Equity Project of the Year
City of San Jose, CA’s SJ Access, a digital equity initiative launched by the San José Public Library as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic that evolved into a long-term strategy to promote digital inclusion. The initiative expanded public Wi-Fi, continued device lending, and launched Digital Skill Building Pathways—a multilingual, flexible learning program. In 2024, the City unified its digital equity efforts under SJ Access and now supports Tech Hubs—permanent digital empowerment spaces in trusted community centers—marking SJ Access as a comprehensive, citywide model that combines access, education, and support to help residents succeed in all areas of life.
Digital Equity Project of the Year
City of New Orleans, LA’s Digital Skills Classes, designed for City employees and aiming to enhance employees' proficiency in basic computer skills, internet usage, and productivity tools. The City has extended digital literacy training to the broader community through partnerships with local organizations, covering topics such as computer and equipment basics, internet fundamentals, and accessing online government resources. The City also partners with NORDC, STEM NOLA, and the New Orleans Public Library to help residents with device repair and technical support at Reconnect NOLA Community Device Repair Clinics.
Public-Private Partnership (P3) of the Year
Connect Beaver County Broadband, a Beaver County, PA and Michael Baker International Collaboration, a broadband expansion initiative launched in Beaver County, PA—a rural, under-resourced region historically impacted by limited internet access. Leveraging state and federal funding, the County formed public-private partnerships to deploy fiber-optic infrastructure, accelerate implementation and introduce consumer choice to drive down costs. Today, Connect Beaver County is nationally recognized as a model for rural broadband leadership, paving the way for a more inclusive and connected future across Appalachia and beyond.
Public-Private Partnership (P3) of the Year
Digital Inclusion Fund, a Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville and GFiber
Collaboration, supporting local nonprofits working to close the digital divide in Huntsville, Alabama. The fund invests in programs that provide digital literacy training, access to technology, and workforce development for underserved communities. As of 2025, the fund has awarded over $388,000 to 26 nonprofits, supporting 43 programs that serve a wide range of residents—including youth, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. In 2025 alone, $45,000 in grants were awarded to seven organizations and continues to be a driving force for digital equity and opportunity in the Huntsville community.
Broadband Visionary/Legislative Achievement of the Year
ConnectALL Office in New York State’s Affordable Broadband Act, a groundbreaking New York State law aimed at expanding internet affordability for low-income households. The law requires internet service providers with more than 20,000 customers to offer two low-cost broadband plans: 25 Mbps for no more than $15/month and up to 200 Mbps for a maximum of $20/month. The legislation is expected to benefit approximately 2.7 million low-income households statewide and represents a major step toward digital equity. While the law has faced pushback from some providers, the policy remains a national model for state-level action to bridge the digital divide.
For more information on the awards or recipients, click here.