Creating longevity for rural communities: How CBS Oregon is transforming connectivity

In 2013, nine rural telephone companies came together with one goal: bringing urban-level connectivity and services to rural communities. On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with a representative from CBS Oregon to discuss how that collaboration turned into a success story for rural broadband. 

She also shares insights from her role as chair of the planning committee for Fiber Connect 2026 and what attendees can expect from the industry’s biggest conversations moving forward.

Recommended links:

Jessica Koch LinkedIn

Consolidated Business Services website

Fiber Connect 2026 website

Transcript

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Jessica Denson (00:06):
This is Connect to Nation, an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the digital divide to improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our neighborhoods. In 2013, nine rural telephone companies joined forces to solve a problem, how to provide urban level services in rural settings. I talk with a representative for CBS Oregon about how they succeeded. PS, she just happens to be the chair for the planning committee for Fiber Connect 2026. I'm Jessica Denson and this is Connected Nation. I am at Fiber Connect 2026, which is taking place May 17th through 20th in Orlando, Florida, and I happen to sidle up next to the person who is leading this entire event <laugh>, Jessica Koch, who is the chair of the FBA conference, or the Fiber Connect Conference. Um, thank you so much for agreeing to talk with me today.

(01:10)
I appreciate it. 

Jessica Koch (01:10):
Yeah, this is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to it. 

Jessica Denson (01:13):
Yeah. Um, you're not only the chair of the committee that organized this huge event, which is really super cool. I'm still looking forward to going to look at the vendor hall, but you are the controller for Consolidated Business Services. So let's start there and then we'll come back to the conference in a moment. Talk about what call- consolidated Business Services is, what you guys do, and where you're based. 

Jessica Koch (01:33):
Yeah. So we are comprised of nine rural telephone companies, um, who came together in 2013 and said, "You know, there's an opportunity for us to gain efficiencies in our operations by consolidating some of our key functions." So Consolidated Business Services, um, has about 92 employees who may serve in the accounting function, which is where I'm at, um, may be a part of the outside plant team, engineering team, um, customer services, marketing, all of those types of things. And, and they developed those teams for consolidated business services. And then these nine member companies can opt to take those services all a carte. Um, and ultimately leverage efficiencies because not every company always needs a full-time marketing staff or, you know, maybe they need the expertise of a full accounting staff, but they, they don't have the budget for the full accounting staff. And so if they share those resources with other companies, they're creating fi- efficiencies, right?

(02:41)
Mm-hmm. And they're, they're creating longevity for their rural communities that they serve because they're adding efficiencies to their bottom line. Um, and that's really what, what our mission is, is to stay, um, ahead of the technology curve, um, in, in the offerings and services that we're bringing to the members of these communities, um, by ensuring that we are maximizing efficiencies, um, across all of our operations. 

Jessica Denson (03:07):
So is it a co-op model? Is that kind of what it is? 

Jessica Koch (03:11):
Uh, some might think about it that way, right? I mean, most of the companies are cooperatives, um, so they're still fully autonomous, have their own boards, they have their own general managers, um, but some of them actually even share a general manager. So there are two companies who- That's interesting. ... utilize the general manager, um, that, that is also the president of CBS and he is the general manager of two of the companies. So, you know, these companies range anywhere from about 700 to 1,000 connections to approaching 10,000 connections. Mm-hmm. So, um, some diversity in the size of the nine member companies, um, but just really opens the door of opportunity to really have the expertise that you need to maximize your operations, but not have to have them all as sole employees of your company. 

Jessica Denson (04:04):
When did they start this model? Did you say that? 

Jessica Koch (04:07):
2013. 

Jessica Denson (04:08):
T- so it's, it's not new, but it's fairly new. Right. I'm gonna wave at one of our fans back there. It's, uh, <laugh> Mr. Sampson. <laugh> He, he'll come back later, sorry. No problem. Um, but, um, it's, you, you said 2013- Yeah. ... so it's fairly new. Um, what, what led to that? Was it just seeing that there was a need that, "Oh gosh, we need this and we need that and we're, we've gotta do something to come together." What, what kind of led 

Jessica Koch (04:36):
To that? Yeah, I think in, I think a need, but I also think in rural America, sometimes it's hard to attract the employees that you're looking for. And so by bringing together,

(04:47)
Um, companies that are going to be needing those services or those solutions and, and being able to, um, maybe attract somebody who doesn't wanna just work in one rural market, they wanna, they wanna work, you know, maybe they're really good about working across multiple projects and, and multiple, you know, managing diversity- mm-hmm. ... um, in, in, in their day by day work. Um, and I think also by having a team, you know, sometimes in our organizations, especially smaller organizations, if you lose a key staf member and you don't have the depth, sometimes that can be really hard- Yeah. ... and it can be months and months and months, um, looking for that replacement and that, that's hard. It's hard to keep operations moving without, you know, a speed bump. Uh-huh <affirmative>. And so by having depth in these teams, if somebody happens to leave, you know, we still have depth to continue on and, and provide the services and solutions that we do. 

Jessica Denson (05:49):
I think it's an interesting and great model. And you guys serve, do you serve all of Oregon or parts of Oregon? 

Jessica Koch (05:55):
No, we are, all nine members are in the Willamette Valley, so south of Portland down, um, to, towards Salem and into the Palomath area. Mm-hmm. Um, so, uh, just right now, not, not, we don't touch all of the state. We're kind of in a pretty specific region of Oregon, but, you know, as, as all organizations, they're always looking at, you know, are there other service providers that, you know, m- may need these types of solutions as well? I think we're all, no matter what the size is, we're all looking at opportunities for sustainability and really how do we continue to do what we do into the next generation of this industry, right? 

Jessica Denson (06:39):
Mm-hmm. So, um, you said that one of the general managers was the president of CBS, you mean a local CBS affiliate or- 

Jessica Koch (06:45):
No, so CBS Consolidated Business Services. Oh. <laugh> Yep. So we, we, I used to- We shorten ourselves to CBS Oregon. Oh, love it. Yes. Okay. CBS Oregon. But it's, it's funny that you say that because so many people, I've been in the industry for about 23 years and people will say to me, "How did you go from being, spending over 20 years in this industry to a TV station?" I'm like, "No, no, no, no." <laugh> <laugh> 

Jessica Denson (07:08):
Okay, I'm glad I'm not the only one. You're not the only 

Jessica Koch (07:11):
One. 

Jessica Denson (07:11):
Woo. I was like, w- I don't understand what's happening. <laugh> But okay, so, okay, we're gonna, we're gonna relate, we're gonna call it CBS and we're cool too. Yeah. CBS Oregon. Yes. Um, so, uh, for you, um, or I have, I have so many questions. For the t- for the, it, you said it was a phone company. So I think most people think phone company, they take phone lines, that talk about the modernization bringing it into the fiber world and why you're at Fiber Connect- Yeah. ... because of that. 

Jessica Koch (07:39):
Yeah. So I think, um, obviously being in the rural parts of, of America, coast to coast, right? It's, there's a lot more distance in the rural parts of the, of any state between on connection and, and another. And so that drives up cost per passing, right? Right. Because you're having to string or bury fiber sometimes for a mile or more to get to the next connection. And so I think, um, but, but l- we align with the Fiber Broadband Association and acknowledging that fiber is the premier technology and we want to bring that to rural America as well. Um, and so our alignment and our value in being a member and a premier member of the Fiber Broadband Association is really promoting that and, um, joining like- minded, uh, partners and other operators to, you know, not always just recreate the wheel. You know, network, one of the really great values of networking is learning from one another.

(08:43)
Yeah. You know, what's working in your operation? What new technologies are you using? What new add-on services are you putting on top of your fiber connection to bring value to your end user, right? Customer service or customer experience is something that we talk and hear a lot about. And so what applications are you laying over the top of that fiber connection that's really creating a great experience for your members? 

Jessica Denson (09:08):
So it's good to have that one-on-one connection. For sure. Right. Yep. And so what led you to be the chair of the conference committee? Yes. Had to be a big thing to bite off. <laugh> 

Jessica Koch (09:16):
Yeah. So, you know, I, I like to, you know, think of myself as, um, a doer, you know? Mm-hmm. Um, I like to be an action player and so when I get involved in something, I like to find a way to really be a contributor. And so when I became involved with the Fiber Broadband Association several years ago, um, somebody said, you know, one of the great ways to get involved with FBA is to join one of our committees. So I joined the conference committee, um, and really got my feet wet and understanding what they did and, you know, being an active member of that and then I got asked to be the co-chair, um, last year and I, I served there and then, um, last year's chair became the vice, vice president of the fiber broadband board and so, um, he, you know, focused on that, stayed on as the, the board liaison, but then I became chair.

(10:12)
So, um, I have led the, the committee and worked alongside, uh, the content team to really arrive at what we're experiencing today. Mm-hmm. So that's exciting. 

Jessica Denson (10:23):
So talk about, a litle bit about those conversations. What were things that you were talking about that, oh, we really need to have people here for this, as in topics, panels. We, I saw something in here when I was looking at this, it was called the fiber feud <laugh>. Yeah. So talk to them about some of those interesting things that are happening. 

Jessica Koch (10:43):
Yeah. I think we really try to think about or approach our, our conference, Fiber Connect, how do we differentiate ourselves a bit? How do we bring value to people who we know have choices? Mm-hmm. Um, there's multiple events throughout the year. There are a number of associations that are serving its members very well. So how do we differentiate ourselves? And I think one way that fiber, the fiber broadband association really different, differentiates themselves is by really bringing together all the operator types. You know, we're not just talking to the rural independent providers, we're not just talking to electric cooperatives or, or municipal operators. We bring them all together and we, we bring them together in not only great general sessions and breakout sessions, but we provide networking opportunities for them to all talk together, you know, what's working for you? What challenges are you experiencing?

(11:37)
How did you overcome them? Um, and I think that's really what's great about the opportunity that we bring to attendees. 

Jessica Denson (11:45):
What I know that, um, I talked to, uh, the head of the fiber, uh, I can't think all of a sudden, FBI, the head of FBA, the Fiber Broadband Association, thank you, that's correct, right? <laugh> Yeah. I can't think all of a sudden, but, um, he was super excited about the, um, the keynote, Dr. Kaiku. Mm-hmm. And, um, uh, supposedly he's going to be talking about strength theory or something. Yeah. So he's- But is it just- 

Jessica Koch (12:11):
Yeah, a well known, you know, physicist, right? 

Jessica Denson (12:15):
Uh-huh. Who 

Jessica Koch (12:16):
Has been very forward thinking in his career and, um, here we are not just now talking about connecting homes and businesses with a fiber connection. Now we're talking about quantum and, and AI and data centers and all of these things that fits really nicely into what, what Dr. Kaku has really become, you know, known for. Uh-huh. 

Jessica Denson (12:38):
And, 

Jessica Koch (12:38):
You know, that progressive forward thinking, what if, you know, and here we are, right? And so we're really excited about his, his keynote on Wednesday. I think he's going to bring, um, a, a dynamic conversation that, um, will, will spark a lot of thought leadership, um, amongst attendees. 

Jessica Denson (12:57):
Yeah. I think I just find that interesting that the technology, it's not just, it's not OneNote at this conference. Right. I would encourage people who aren't here to attend next year if they can. It's June 13th through the 16th, but this time in Nashville, Tennessee. Yes. Um, so what are you most looking forward to going to? 

Jessica Koch (13:16):
Yeah, so I was just down in the expo hall and it was really busy. Lots, lots of chatter, people visiting, you know, I'm always amazed when I come to Fiber Connect the number of new partners that are available for operators, right? Um, bringing new, new spins on the technology that we're providing and, um, so it's great to see all of the people down there. Um, I always think that's a fun place. Yo bump into old friends and- 

Jessica Denson (13:42):
Yeah, I'm looking forward to going down there, yeah. 

Jessica Koch (13:45):
Um, but also just the hearing from the people in the industry that are making the impacts, um, I'm always amazed at what people are doing in communities across the country and, um, the, the leadership that they are bringing to their communities and to their regions and then to, you know, fellow operators in states away, right? Mm-hmm. Um, I just, I always look forward to those conversations. I mean, just like you and I met, right? <laugh> Yeah. Um, those contacts serve us all very well, um, whether it's today or down the road. Mm-hmm. It's like, oh, I had this really great conversation and I need to reach, reach back out. 

Jessica Denson (14:25):
Um- Yeah, the, just so our audience knows, somebody there, I was, I was trying to get some lunch and <laugh> somebody sitting next to me talked around me to you to tell you good job, Jessica, at, uh, <laugh> at your keynote at your, your opening- Yeah. ... you emceed the opening stuff. So, um, great job with that. Thank you. Apparently you did good. You did well. Thank you. I'm sorry I missed it. <laugh> Um, I want to come back to consolidate CBS Oregon. Um, couple of questions there, you know, with BEAD, all this money that's going on, on the 42 billion that's out there, most states have taken half of that. Um, does, is CBS Oregon, do they, are you in conversations with, uh, the state broadband office for Oregon or is that- We have, 

Jessica Koch (15:06):
We have one member company who is, is in the BEAD conversation. 

Jessica Denson (15:11):
Uh-huh. 

Jessica Koch (15:11):
Um, of course they, Oregon is going through kind of the reapplication process, right? So they've been selected as an awardee, but they had to kind of go back through the, the application process to refine some of, um, the details before getting to 

Jessica Denson (15:27):
Site- Yeah, we've, we've been there. <laugh> Yes. Yeah. 

Jessica Koch (15:29):
<laugh> And so we have one member company who's doing that, but we have a number of our companies who either have reconnect three, reconnect four or reconnect five money. Uh-huh. So of course USDA has been huge, um- Yeah, they're huge in rural. Value add for a lot of rural companies who are deploying fiber. Um, and so working through, of course, there's, you know, environmentals and permitting and all of those things. Yeah. So working through those, but yeah, lots of, lots of federal money that is enabling these companies to continue to deploy, deploy infrastructure. 

Jessica Denson (16:05):
So before, uh, I let you go, I would be remiss if I didn't ask you about your background. Yeah. Uh, how did you end up at CBS Oregon and were you, are you a lifelong, long Oregonian in most 

Jessica Koch (16:16):
Of- No, actually I live in Colorado- Oh. ... ironically. Um, I, my first job, um, out of college was with a rural telephone cooperative. Okay. Um, and I spent 18 years there in, in the accounting department and, um, managing the, the customer service department as well and, um, my youngest daughter graduated high school and, and took an opportunity to, to relocate and I spent some time, um, on the vendor side. I went to work for Calix for a few years. Oh, Calix. I love Calix. Yeah. That was an amazing experience, um, just getting to see the industry through a different lens and that was an invaluable experience. And then I got to know the president and s- chief operating officer of Consolidated Bus- Business Services at a few, a few events and we just began to connect and build a relationship and, and here I am today and, um, just an incredible, um, leadership team who really has a vision for the future and I think they're demonstrating that by their shared resources model, um, where they're just really passionate about ensuring sustainability, but not only just that they're there but that they're progressive in their technology and so just incredibly blessed to be a part of, of an organization that, that views our industry that way. 

Jessica Denson (17:36):
That's awesome. So let's wrap it up. What, um, where do you think Fiber Connect next year are you helping to plan that? Yeah, we- Can you give us any insight? 

Jessica Koch (17:44):
Yeah, for sure. <laugh> So we, um, actually just a few weeks ago had, um, our first kickoff meeting for what does Fiber Connect 2027 look like? And, you know, I think it's just continuing to evolve beyond what does it mean to connect and continue to evolve into further conversations about how quantum and AIs and data centers really become a part of the ecosystem and, and the digital economy, right? Um, and how do we continue to bring speakers like Dr. Micio Kaku and others who, you know, m- maybe aren't speaking at other conferences and are giving a different spin on, you know, what our industry is and, and will look like in the coming years. So, um, just continuing to develop that line of thought and continuing to develop, um, content and networking that really draws in the next layer of what our industry is going to look like. 

Jessica Denson (18:40):
Well, I go to a lot of conferences with the podcast and I can say that I find this one very interesting. The topics, the choices, um, like I said, I, I'm, I wanna know what this fiber feud is about, so we'll have to talk more about that. But interesting keynote, just, I think you guys have done a great job cura- curating it and, um, it is, it, uh, it is at a different level for sure. 

Jessica Koch (19:04):
Yeah. Well, and I think just touch on the Fiber Feud. I think- Uh-huh. ... last year we did ... Yeah, last year we did the, the Hot Wings challenge- Uh-huh. ... on stage and people just really enjoyed. I think sometimes people just enjoy an opportunity to sit back and- And have some fun. ... just have some fun with things. And so the Fiber Feud kind of was a s- a spin on how do we continue that element. So is it like 

Jessica Denson (19:25):
Family Feud kind 

Jessica Koch (19:26):
Of thing? Yep, exactly like Family Feud, but it's fiber feud and, um, the questions are, are based on the industry and just something we've had a lot of fun with and, um, make sure you come tomorrow. The finals are tomorrow. <laugh> Yeah. 

Jessica Denson (19:39):
Yeah, that's interesting. Well, Jessica Koch, who's the controller of Consolidated Business Services of Oregon, our CBS Oregon, and is the chair of the committee for that, the conference committee that ran, that runs Fiber Connect 2026. I appreciate your time. I will include links to Fiber Connect 2027 and to CBS Oregon in the description of this podcast. So everybody can connect with you. <laugh> 

Jessica Koch (20:05):
Fabulous. I appreciate your time today. 

Jessica Denson (20:06):
Yeah, thank you. I'll continue my coverage from Fiber Connect 2026 in upcoming episodes of the Connected Nation Podcast. Until then, I'm Jessica Denson and this is Connect to Nation. If you wanna know more about us, head to connectednation.org and you can find our latest episodes on your favorite podcast platform.