NTCA, ACA Connects Encourage Operation IFAST Certification During Human Trafficking Prevention Month

In recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association and America's Communications Association (ACA Connects) have joined forces to encourage more broadband providers to fight sex trafficking by participating in Operation IFAST - Internet Service Providers Fight Against Sex Trafficking to train employees to recognize indicators of trafficking,, support law enforcement and raise money to combat these crimes.

Originating with CLtel in Clear Lake, Iowa, and in coordination with Guardian Group, a team of former intelligence professionals, Operation IFAST works to prevent and disrupt sex trafficking of women and children in the United States. Over 110 broadband providers in 18 states participate in the program, engaging more than 1,800 employees and training company teams to report potential trafficking situations to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline. In addition, 12 companies have become IFAST certified by training 80% of their staff, making an annual donation to support victim identification and connecting at least one law enforcement contact to Guardian Group.

NTCA and ACA Connects will continue to promote awareness by sharing educational resources about Operation IFAST and highlighting the stories of participating providers on social media and across the organizations' media channels.

"The internet powers many indispensable resources, including educational opportunities, telehealth, deployment of smart ag tools and the ability to stay in touch with loved ones," said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. "However, it is also the most common place for the recruiting and selling of sex-trafficking victims. As we raise awareness during Human Trafficking Prevention Month, NTCA is proud to collaborate with ACA Connects, Guardian Group and Operation IFAST to raise awareness, and our efforts are already making a difference by identifying trafficking victims and returning them to safety. I encourage all providers to get certified and help serve as the front line of defense against these crimes."

"ACA Connects is dedicated to working with NTCA to encourage providers to get certified through Guardian Group and advance the shared mission to combat human trafficking," said President and CEO of America's Communications Association Grant Spellmeyer. "Through participation in Operation IFAST, our members can join a united industry effort to raise awareness, equip teams to recognize these unthinkable crimes, support law enforcement, and help make communities safer."

"Internet service providers are uniquely positioned to play a critical role in identifying and reporting trafficking while they run service calls and interact with their communities," said Jeff Keith, Founder and CEO of Guardian Group. "Operation IFAST gives companies a clear, practical way to turn awareness into action, by training employees, strengthening partnerships with law enforcement, and directly supporting victim identification. We are grateful to NTCA and ACA Connects for elevating this effort and for encouraging providers to step forward as part of the solution."