Become a NBBC Member

Membership Overview

When you invest a one-time membership fee with NBBC, you become a co-owner of a member-owned cooperative built to give Indiana ISPs the buying power, shared infrastructure, and wholesale pricing that only a co-op model can provide.

Membership rights:
As a member-owner, you have a voice in how the co-op is run, including voting on major decisions and electing representation to the board. You gain access to wholesale rates on dark fiber, colocation, transport, and other shared infrastructure that would be out of reach on your own, plus a share in the co-op's collective investments and any patronage returns distributed to members based on your participation.

Membership responsibilities:
Ensure continual maintenance of your account and contribute to the financial stability of the National Broadband Co-op. As a member-owner, that means participating in good faith — paying your share of costs, using the co-op's services responsibly, and engaging in governance when it matters to you. In return, you get a reliable, member-first partner instead of a vendor with outside shareholders to answer to.

Membership Applications

Membership Investments

To join our cooperative, a one-time membership fee covers administrative costs related to your membership. By becoming a member, you gain access to the following benefits: the ability to purchase telecom products and services from NBBC, expand your market share affordably, increase your recurring revenue, reduce recurring costs, enhance reliability and redundancy, improve your service offerings, and boost visibility among your customers.

At NBBC, depending on the products and services you purchase, you can receive annual dividends authorized by our Board of Directors. These dividends, known as Capital Credits, are calculated based on the profits of NBBC and your share of the revenue generated. Our Board of Directors determines the percentage of capital credits applied to members. Discover the benefits of being a member and earn your Capital Credits today!

NBBC Membership fees are not eligible for charitable contribution deductions. However, you can deduct 95% of the fees as a business expense for tax purposes. The remaining 5% is non-deductible, considering NBBC’s engagement in lobbying activities.

Membership Partnerships

In our daily collaborative efforts among Members, we harness significant advantages beyond delivering innovative and scalable solutions. These solutions empower our Members to provide residential and commercial services throughout Indiana and enable them to achieve unparalleled reliability and efficiency.

As an open-access provider specializing in wholesale and enterprise transport, we prioritize cooperation over competition, fostering a strong and united network that sets the stage for sustainable growth and long-term success in the telecommunications industry.

Membership Levels:

The Association was founded by five ‘Class A’ WISPs/ISPS or Electric Co-ops members in various stages of developing comprehensive fiber-to-the-home networks. We offer multiple classes of membership, including:

Available to Electric Co-ops, WISPs, ISPs, or their affiliates providing middle-mile or wholesale service

Available to non-Co-op entities providing retail, wholesale or other broadband services.

Available to others who support the NBBC’s rural broadband mission, including contractors and vendors.

Dues for CY2021 are $6,000 for Class B and $3,000 each for Classes C and D.  An invoice will follow after your application is approved.

Membership Benefits:

Events, Gov. Relations and Policy Advocacy, Communications, Research and Policy Analysis, and Company Promotions.

  • Make it a priority to participate in regular NBBC meetings and connect with fellow members of the Association to expand your network.
  • Get exclusive discounts for NBBC events and conferences.

  • Help shape the legislative priorities of NBBC.
  • Engage in meetings with policymakers at the state and federal levels to actively participate in shaping policies and decisions.

  • Stay with frequent updates on the latest efforts of NBBC.
  • Stay informed with timely alerts on pertinent policy developments.

  • Access exclusive NBBC research
  • Gain comprehensive analysis of state and federal policies and regulations.

  • Promote your company by leveraging branding opportunities on NBBC’s website and promotional materials.
  • Prom company news via NBBC’s official website and social media channels.

Application Included:

Address barriers to rural broadband deployment through collaboration on strategic initiatives

Research and support industry best practices to improve access to broadband services

Generate timely policy analysis to guide our government relations and advocacy efforts

Serve as the leading voice on rural broadband before policymakers and elected officials

Foster greater coordination and partnerships through networking opportunities