C3 Technology Summit: Where Industry Insight Meets Innovation

The broadband industry has never stood still, but today's pace of change is unlike anything we've experienced before. Artificial intelligence is transforming network operations. Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated. Regulatory requirements continue to evolve. Customers expect more bandwidth, more reliability and more content than ever before. At the same time, service providers are challenged to make strategic investments while maintaining resilient, future-ready networks.

That's exactly why the C3 Technology Summit exists.

Hosted by SDN Communications, the annual summit brings together industry experts for two days dedicated to one goal: preparing service providers for the future of connectivity.

Designed Around Industry Priorities

The name C3 represents the three pillars that define the event:

• Connectivity
• Capacity
• Content

Rather than offering broad, high-level discussions, C3 focuses on practical strategies providers can take back to their organizations. This year's agenda reflects that commitment.

Sessions will explore topics including:

• Data centers
• DDoS mitigation and cybersecurity
• Telecommunications regulatory updates
• Artificial intelligence
• Unmanned aircraft systems for telecommunications
• And more

Together, these sessions create a comprehensive look at both today's operational priorities and tomorrow's emerging technologies.

Learning From Industry Peers

One of the defining characteristics of C3 is its speakers.

Rather than hearing only from keynote personalities or industry commentators, attendees learn directly from professionals who are actively solving the same challenges providers face every day.

Technology leaders from organizations such as Akamai, Corero Network Security, Sunbird Software, Geosolv, NTCA, SDTA, Airborne Defense, Eide Bailly and more will share practical insights, real-world experiences and proven strategies.

Collaboration Continued Beyond the Sessions

One of the greatest strengths of the broadband industry has always been its willingness to collaborate. The C3 Technology Summit creates an environment where conversations continue well beyond the presentation room.

Whether during meals, sponsor showcases or networking receptions, attendees have the opportunity to exchange ideas with peers who understand the unique challenges of operating broadband and middle-mile networks. Many attendees discover that someone else has already solved the problem they're facing. Those conversations often become just as valuable as the sessions.

Middle-Mile Providers

Many telecommunications conferences understandably focus on consumer services or national carriers.

Middle-mile providers serve critical infrastructure connecting communities, regional providers, enterprises, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, public safety agencies and wireless carriers.

The C3 Technology Summit recognizes this unique role.

Discussions are intentionally relevant to organizations responsible for building, maintaining and expanding the networks that power regional connectivity.

It's an opportunity to engage with peers facing similar realities while learning from experts who understand the industry's unique challenges.

The Importance of Resiliency

Security incidents, severe weather, equipment failures and unexpected network disruptions all require providers to respond quickly while keeping customers connected.

That's why several sessions at this year's summit focus on building stronger, more resilient networks. These conversations will explore the strategies that help keep networks running through every unexpected disruption, staying on when communities need them most.

Join the Conversation

The 2026 C3 Technology Summit will be held September 28–29 at the Canopy by Hilton in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

With focused educational sessions, meaningful networking opportunities and discussions centered on the future of connectivity, capacity and content, the summit offers attendees new voices and unique perspectives.

In an industry where technology changes rapidly and collaboration is essential, taking time to learn from peers and industry experts is one of the most valuable investments a provider can make.

The future of broadband won't be built by one organization alone. It will be built by providers willing to come together, share knowledge and innovate together, that's exactly what the C3 Technology Summit is designed to do.