Overview: Tim Wilkerson has led the New England Connectivity and Telecommunications Association as president since 2019, overseeing regulatory affairs, legislative advocacy, public relations and business development for the association’s members. He previously served as NECTA’s vice president and general counsel, and earlier as its policy counsel.
NECTA’s evolution mirrors New England’s constant innovation.
NECTA modernized its staffing structure and recruited experts across key operational areas. In recent years, reflecting members’ evolving role in the technology ecosystem, it rebranded from “Cable” to “Connectivity,” launched a new logo, and adopted the mission: “Connecting New England.” It also expanded membership to welcome streamers, content creators, and tech companies. NECTA’s broadband ISP members include Charter, Comcast, and Breezeline and the group has more than 50 associate members and partners, including Astound Broadband, NESN, OpenVault, and NBC Universal.
NECTA relocated to a state-of-the-art Boston headquarters, now a hub for cross-industry coalitions and events including Comcast NBC Boston’s Winter Olympics kickoff party and gatherings with policymakers like Gov. Maura Healey and Sen. Ed Markey. NECTA has elevated the annual NECTA Convention as a premier forum for technology, government, sports, and media leadership. The NECTA team has won awards including the CableFax Top Ops award, and it has built coalitions to advocate for its members during the legislative and regulatory process.
Question 1: NECTA is marking its 65th anniversary this year. What does this milestone represent for the association and for the region’s broadband and telecommunications sector?
TW: From the telephone to the internet and the first transatlantic wireless and broadband connections, New England leads the way. For NECTA, this anniversary is about New England’s legacy of innovation and the future of connectivity.
NECTA members connect loved ones during the important moments while serving as the backbone of innovation across education, medicine, transportation, and entertainment. NECTA’s 65th anniversary comes at a milestone moment for our nation and our industry: America’s 250th anniversary, the 30th anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and the telecom industry’s 150th anniversary – a legacy born blocks from NECTA headquarters where Alexander Graham Bell uttered the famous words during the world’s first telephone call: “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you.”
These milestones make it clear: New England is the epicenter of technological revolution. The region is home to leading companies and growing industries driving investment and innovation.
Beyond the wires and spectrum, NECTA’s members’ networks serve as the connective tissue binding us as Americans. They carry us through moments of national triumph and collective grief. And they’ll carry us into the next generation of technology. (More after paywall)