about us

History behind the Broadband Tax Institute.

The Broadband Tax Institute was established in 1986 to facilitate communication and cooperation among its members on tax issues and developments that affect the cable and telecommunications industry. The institute is currently comprised of approximately 250 industry members and associate consultants who meet annually to discuss emerging tax issues and solutions in all areas of tax practice including property, sales/use, and income taxes.

The Institute was originally comprised of tax professionals from the cable industry. However, as technology and business services have evolved and blended, the membership base has broadened to include tax professionals from programmers, Internet service providers, DBS/Satellite companies, DSL, CLEC, and Regional Bell Operating Companies. The resulting diversity of membership has required an expanding list of topics that are presented at the Annual Conference in general sessions and more specific breakout meetings.

The Annual Conference occurs in the fall at a variety of locations. The Institute prides itself on the quality of its host facilities and the technical presentations, which qualify for continuing education credits for CPAs and attorneys. Speakers are generally drawn from the membership and prominent accounting, valuation, and legal firms serving the telecom area. Additionally, the Institute will call on engineers to discuss technological innovations leading to new business services and on Wall Street financial professionals, who discuss the latest in financing techniques. A Washington, DC legislative update is usually included as well.

Overall, the annual conference provides an interesting blend of tax, technology, finance, and legislative information to enhance your ability to perform your role as a tax professional for your telecommunications company. We develop our annual conference agenda with general and breakout sessions to create relevancy for professionals specializing in federal, state, sales/use and property tax matters.

Special Projects

In addition to our annual conference, BTI has occasionally initiated specific projects related to creating a sale/use tax database, personal property projects, and legislative committees to facilitate effective tax lobbying and bill oversight. Special projects begin as a need presents itself among the membership. Historically, the Institute has not expended funds on specific lobbying activities.