Nominee Questionnaire

Please provide a short bio for voters to get to know you.

Roger Timmerman has served as Executive Director of UTOPIA Fiber since 2016, bringing over 20 years of experience in telecommunications and information technology leadership. A recognized expert in network architecture and broadband infrastructure, Roger has led efforts to design and deploy open-access fiber networks that serve communities across the western United States. His previous roles include Vice President of Engineering at Vivint Wireless, Chief Technology Officer at UTOPIA Fiber, Network Engineer at iProvo, and Network Product Manager at Brigham Young University. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Information Technology from Brigham Young University.

Please summarize why you consider yourself an excellent candidate for the FBA Board of Directors?

As an designer, builder, and operator of broadband networks for over 20 years, I know all the in-and-outs of what it takes to be successful in this industry. I have a passion for bringing all of the benefits that fiber brings to communities across the country. With a strong technology background, I love to share experiences and educate on how to use the latest technologies and how fiber can enhance and enable the latest technologies.

Describe your current position and functional responsibilities to your company.

I am currently the CEO of UTOPIA Fiber. As a relatively small operator, I am very involved in the day-to-day functions of our company. From technology decisions, operations, financing, governmental partnerships, staffing, sales, and growth strategies, I rely on an amazing team at UTOPIA Fiber and do my best to contribute and to support the success of our organization.

What was your previous position, and how long did you hold that position before transitioning to your current one?

I was the Vice-President of Engineering for Vivint Internet, which was a wireless ISP startup that quickly grew to 20k subscribers and then was sold off and dissolved into other companies. I held the position for the life of the startup, which was about 3 years.

Do you have any experience as a member of a Board of Directors? If so please provide name of the entity and number of years of which you served.

I have served on various boards including the following:

Information Technology & Cyber Security Industrial Advisory Board – Brigham Young University – 2015-2025

Utah Broadband Advisory/Outreach Center Council – 2010-2020

Broadband Nation Expo Advisory Board – 2023-current

How many years has your company been a Fiber Broadband Association Member?

15 years (estimate) – there were some lapses in membership and we do not have a clear record of when membership was active/inactive

How many years have you participated in Fiber Broadband Association activities?

20 years

Please indicate any Fiber Broadband Association Committees or working groups you have participated on including position and years served.

In-home Experience Committee – Board Liason – 2024-current
Marketing Committee – Board Liason – 2024-current
Public Official – Participant – 2023-current

Please list any Fiber Broadband Association Contributions (activities supported, assets developed, documents drafted, webinars presented, etc.)

Various sponsored events at Fiber Connect Conferences. Participated in various webinars, and contributed to many whitepapers, but I don’t have a list of these.

Please provide a short overview of your experience with telecommunications, fiber optics, and FTTH technologies.

I have been designing, building, and operating fiber broadband networks for 20+ years including for Brigham Young University, Provo City, Vivint Internet, and UTOPIA Fiber. In addition to providing broadband services, I have hands-on experience with various deployments of applications including IPTV systems, VOIP systems, Public Wi-Fi, wildfire detection systems, air quality sensor networks, access control systems, various software and server installations, and cybersecurity systems. I hold both a BS and MS in Information Technology and my masters these was on Open-Access Fiber-to-the-home networks, published in 2009.

Please describe the goals you would like to accomplish during your term as Fiber Broadband Association Board Member.

I would like to see dramatic investment in further expansion of FTTx throughout the country.

I would like to promote the improvement of Internet-based services to take advantage of the higher capacity, lower latency, and reliability of fiber.

I would like to see a dramatic increase in the ease-of-use, security, and capabilities of home-automation/smarthome solutions.

I would like to see dramatic investment in smartcity, precision agriculture, and sustainable technologies as a result of fiber availability.

Please describe the level of commitment (in terms of time and effort) that you intend to make to the Association during the three-year term.

I commit to attending all Fiber Connect Conferences, FBA board meetings, and at least 75% of Regional Workshops, at least 75% of assigned Committee meetings, and to participate in as many webinars and other events as they become available.

Please use this space to include any additional information you feel is important to share with voting members.

I believe there is enormous opportunity in expanding the role and importance of the FBA into other industries that are related to the connectivity that fiber broadband brings (i.e. Consumer Electronics, Smart-City, Precision Agriculture). I believe there is also enormous benefit to the organization as we support partner or sub-organizations such as LATAM. If elected, in addition to my responsibilities as a board member, I will increase my involvement in these partner organizations and other industry groups to benefit the FBA organization’s influence and to create additional opportunity for its members.