Who We Are

A Brief History of the Oregon Broadband Association

The Oregon Broadband Association (OBA) is a trade association representing the telecommunications and broadband industry across Oregon. We bring industry leaders together through committee meetings, educational and training programs, and coordinated engagement during legislative sessions. OBA also represents member interests on regulatory matters and collaborates with companies on individual projects that advance connectivity statewide.

OBA represents the primary providers of voice, data, and broadband services in Oregon. Our membership includes local exchange telephone companies, internet service providers, and more than 100 suppliers of telecommunications equipment and services. Membership is open to all telecommunications and broadband providers, as well as the suppliers who support them.

For more than 110 years, OBA has served as a cornerstone of Oregon’s communications industry. While the Association’s exact founding date is unknown, historical records confirm its existence as early as January 1907. It was formally organized in 1915 as the Oregon Independent Telephone Association and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1974. Initially operating on a voluntary basis, the Association hired its first part-time executive in 1960 and transitioned to a full-time executive in 1969.

As the telecommunications landscape has evolved, so too has the Association. In 1997, the organization adopted the name Oregon Telecommunications Association, accompanied by bylaw updates that clarified eligibility for all telecommunications providers. Voting rights and board representation were extended to all membership classes except honorary members. Continuing this evolution, in February 2024, OBA’s Service Provider Members and Board of Directors voted to adopt a name that better reflects the industry we serve today. The Association officially became the Oregon Broadband Association, representing both large and small service providers across Oregon, along with dedicated Associate Members throughout the United States and Canada who deliver the products and services that help keep Oregon connected.

Our members are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, and affordable telecommunications and broadband services—meeting customer needs, strengthening communities, and supporting economic growth throughout the state.