NTIA Chief Meets Korean Counterpart, Michael Baker Hires Broadband Executive, Lumos Gets N.C. Funds

September 13, 2023 – Alan Davidson, administer of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, met Tuesday with Park Yun Kyu, vice minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT for the Republic of Korea, to discuss telecom and policy on artificial intelligence, according to the NTIA.

“It will take partnership with countries like Korea to ensure that supply chain is as diverse, innovative and resilient as possible,” Davidson said in a statement.

Park agreed that cooperation with agencies like NTIA is key, adding that MSIT plans to do so “in key fields of advanced digital technologies such as AI, 6G and Open RAN,” referring to open radio access networks.

In the meeting, Davidson also outlined the non-binding 2021 Prague Proposals on Telecommunications Supplier Diversity, which are the basis for agreements in diversifying telecommunications supply chains.

Those proposals push for policy development in network innovation and support, international collaboration and engagement with industry members.The two agreed to have agencies share information on promoting responsible and trustworthy A.I. developments.

Karen White joins Michael Baker International as broadband executive

Michael Baker International, a consulting firm and sponsor of Broadband Breakfast, announced that Karen White joined as a National Broadband Practice Executive.

In her role, White will oversee the execution of Michael Bakers’ broadband projects and take on identifying, developing and winning other national broadband projects, read a press release.

“Broadband technology has revolutionized the very way we live and communicate, including how services are provided and business is conducted. Michael Baker believes in closing the digital divide and ensuring reliable, high-speed internet for all” said Dan Kieny, president consulting and technology solutions at Michael Baker.

White takes on this role with 25 years of experience in public safety telecommunications and designing and implementing broadband systems.

She is also the former Vice President of Client Solutions at CTC Technology & Energy, a consulting firm focused on things like rural broadband solutions and broadband grant writing.

“Karen has served in key roles for many high-profile, multi-million-dollar communications systems projects for clients across states, municipalities and transit organizations” added Kieny.

Fiber optic company Lumos gets rural expansion grant funding

Lumos, a fiber optic provider, announced they received funding to build broadband infrastructure in Wayne County, North Carolina.

This grant money will help uphold Lumos’ goal of bringing broadband to over 14,000 underserved communities in North Carolina, read a press release.

The funding comes from the Growing Rural Economics with Access to Technology grant, a sum of almost $350 million dollars awarded to North Carolina to increase rural broadband access.

“The GREAT grant funds will allow us to provide Wayne County with lightning-fast internet access, giving residents bandwidth and reliability to work from home, learn remotely, attend telehealth appointments and more” said Brian Standing, Lumos CEO.