I can’t believe this is my last “official” post for NextGenWeb, as I begin a new opportunity that—like broadband—can help change our world.

I want to thank everyone in the NextGenWeb community for making this such an educational and rewarding experience these past two and a half years.

I believe quite passionately in broadband’s potential to improve our economy and our lives.  The stories shared here at NextGenWeb—from educators to community leaders, doctors to network engineers—have inspired me at every turn to work hard to ensure our nation does not erect barriers to the amazing progress that the high-speed Internet is bringing into our lives and making possible for our country.

I have been proud these last eight years to represent the companies that are making our nation’s connected future possible—investing more than $60 billion each year to expand and upgrade U.S. high-speed infrastructure.  And, I am equally proud of this community we formed here at NextGenWeb.  We may not always have agreed (after all, what fun would THAT be?), but we created together this unique destination for thoughtful and civil dialogue in this important high-stakes debate.

We have a big year ahead for our connected nation.  This Thursday, President Obama will convene his White House Summit on Jobs and Economic Growth.  He will then travel to Copenhagen to take part in international talks on global climate change.  In the new year, health care reform and economic renewal will top the agenda on Capitol Hill.  And, waiting in the wings in February is the much-anticipated release of the FCC’s National Broadband Plan.

What is the common thread?  Each of these issues means something real and tangible in our daily lives.  And, broadband innovation offers tremendous potential to be a constructive, game-changing part of each solution.  Here at NextGenWeb, our goal has always been to ensure our nation’s policies prioritize real-world progress, supporting broadband’s expansion and the investment that makes it possible.

We also have strived to allay concerns and help people not lose sight of the fact that all Americans now enjoy a free and open Internet without government control of the Internet. We also all deserve innovative networks and universal connectivity.  At the end of the day, it is vitally important that government policies work in concert—not in conflict—with these mission-critical objectives. This has always been the foundation of my concern that “net neutrality” can end up being “net regulation.”

I am proud of the unique contribution that the NextGenWeb community has made to the nation’s broadband policy debates.  It’s important that we continue to bring the diverse voices of all broadband stakeholders into these conversations.  I look forward to continuing to participate, as an avid broadband user and someone who appreciates the role broadband can play in a cleaner, smarter energy future.  If we’re not already connected on Twitter, I encourage you to reach out today (I’m @reginahopper).

That’s it… for now—along with my tremendous gratitude for this experience.  I won’t say goodbye, simply stay connected.

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