History

The Oregon Broadband Association (OBA) has evolved over our 109 years as a cornerstone of the telecommunications industry. While the exact date that the Association began is not available, early records show that it dates back to at least January of 1907. The Association was formally organized in 1915 as the Oregon Independent Telephone Association and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1974. The Association operated on a voluntary basis until a part-time executive was hired in 1960. In 1969, a full-time executive was hired and has since been staffed by an EVP and one or two support employees.

Just as the telecommunications industry has changed, so has the Association. In 1997, the Association adopted its former name, the Oregon Telecommunications Association – our identity for nearly twenty-seven years. The bylaws at that time were amended to clarify that all telecommunications providers are eligible to become members of the Association. Voting rights and board representation, as set forth in the bylaws, are available to all classes of membership except for honorary members. In 2024, with continued progress around connectivity and dramatic changes in the telecommunications landscape, the membership voted to change its name once again, to better reflect the collective that we serve and therefore we now conduct business as the Oregon Broadband Association.

Our members are the same dedicated folks that continue to aim to provide the highest quality voice and data services available, affordable prices, satisfying the evolving needs of our customers while promoting economic growth throughout the state.