Lou Borrelli on Empowering 650+ Members Through Shared Innovation and the AI Center of Excellence

“Connectivity is king. Without connectivity, you don’t really have a business.” — Lou Borrelli, CEO, National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC)

In this in-depth conversation with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, Lou Borrelli, CEO of the National Content & Technology Cooperative (NCTC), shares the evolution of an organization born from a Kansas City poker game into a powerful force connecting over 650 members across all 50 states and U.S. territories—and over 40 million broadband users.

What began 41 years ago as a content-buying co-op for small and medium-sized cable operators has transformed into a modern technology and content hub, offering members buying power not just for programming, but also for hardware, software, broadband, mobile services, and now AI-driven solutions.

At the heart of the conversation is NCTC’s latest initiative: the AI Center of Excellence (AICOE). This strategic program is currently in its second phase, piloting AI applications for network monitoring, customer service, and predictive maintenance—all designed to help smaller operators stay competitive with national giants like Comcast and Charter.

Borrelli emphasizes real convergence—not just of telecom technologies, but of content, connectivity, mobility, and AI. With the explosion of digital tools, even the smallest provider can now offer scalable, competitive services thanks to shared innovation and cooperative economics. From rural Kentucky to the suburbs of Boston, NCTC members benefit from centralized procurement, support, and emerging service models.

The conversation also previews The Independent Show, NCTC’s signature annual event, which brings together technologists and content creators. Borrelli calls it “the last great cable convention,” providing a unique venue for collaboration amid an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

On the topic of content delivery, Borrelli is blunt: “Discovery is broken.” He points to the decline of unified cable guides and the rise of app-based content chaos. Consumers are subscribing, unsubscribing, and re-bundling content in real time—often recreating cable-like bills through a mix of streaming services. NCTC is exploring ways to aggregate and simplify the content experience while delivering sustainable value to customers and members.

He also critiques the state of U.S. regulatory policy, calling for an overhaul of retransmission consent rules and emphasizing that consumers haven’t truly “cut the cord”—they’ve unbundled it.

For service providers, MSPs, or content vendors wondering if they have a place in the NCTC ecosystem, Borrelli extends a clear invitation: “If you have products or services that help our members succeed, we’re open for business.”

Learn more about NCTC and how your technology or content can help shape the next phase of convergence: https://www.nctconline.org.