Robert Boyle
CEO and founder Planet Networks
Serial entrepreneur Robert Boyle is the CEO and founder of Planet Networks, a leading provider of next-generation fiber optic Internet, cloud, security, communications, and network services. Boyle is an internationally recognized expert, entrepreneur, and speaker. He has more than 25 years of experience building Internet infrastructure, software, and services businesses, including extensive experience delivering revenue growth and scaling both small and large organizations. Strategic acquisitions have always been part of his growth strategy with over 18 successful M&A transactions completed so far under his leadership. His entrepreneurial background and ability to commercialize nascent technologies has enabled him to drive innovation throughout his career by identifying emerging market trends and correlating them with customer feedback resulting in rapid growth. Service to the community has also been part of the culture of all companies he has started and led with significant involvement in helping solve problems and provide relief to others in social, educational, and civic areas.
Broadband Deployment in New Jersey and The Federal Incentives Funding Them
Clearly broadband access is not just necessary but required for so many things: information, education, employment, and entertainment. Now that federal money is being distributed to township to provide broadband service to everyone, we at JAG need to understand how this money is being used at the local level and what it means for our stations. There are a variety of programs that are supposed to feed money to New Jersey Municipalities—the BEAD Program, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), Universal Service Fund, H.R.278 - BROADBAND Leadership Act, H.R. 339 - Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act. We will find out where things stand with them, how it could affect us directly, and how changes in our nation’s capital might affect NJ’s broadband efforts. Panelists: Robert Boyle, CEO, Planet Networks; Joe Rivera, Manager of Broadband Access, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities; Gerry Lederer, Partner, Best, Best & Krieger LLP; Mike Wassenaar, President & CEO, Alliance for Community Media; Moderator: Brian Wahler, Mayor of Piscataway