Rick Harnish
Rick Harnish
Business Consultant | Strategic Growth | Operations Optimization
Richard (Rick) Harnish is a pioneering rural broadband executive and industry advocate with nearly three decades of experience driving connectivity to underserved communities. As a co-founder and former Executive Director of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA), he helped transform a small coalition of wireless ISPs into a national trade organization and powerful lobbying force for rural internet access.
Rick’s career spans leadership roles in business development, mergers and acquisitions, and marketing strategy across fixed wireless, fiber, and satellite technologies. He most recently served as Director of Business Development at Aterlo Networks, where he led strategic partnerships and market expansion for the company’s flagship Quality of Experience and Access Network Management platform, called Preseem. Previously, he directed M&A and government relations at NextLink Internet, and as Chief Marketing Officer at Baicells Technologies, positioned the company as a leader in LTE broadband solutions for rural markets.
A recognized thought leader and accomplished public speaker, Rick has been featured in Progressive Farmer Magazine for his contributions to rural broadband innovation. His expertise bridges cutting-edge technology with the unique needs of small ISPs and rural communities, making him a trusted voice in industry conferences such as WISPAPALOOZA and WISPAmerica. He has also lobbied in Washington DC, with senators, congressmen and the FCC on behalf of the wireless internet industry.
Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Mechanization with a minor in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University. His early career managing a 1,800-acre grain and tomato farm instilled the entrepreneurial drive and problem-solving mindset that continue to shape his work today. He recognized the power of the internet in 1995, when he invested in a start-up dial-up ISP and became one of the first wireless internet broadband providers in 1997. His network covered approximately 15% of Indiana and a small portion of NW Ohio.
Focus Areas
● Network Technology, Performance & Quality of Experience (QoE)
● Rural ISP Growth, M&A & Market Expansion
● Rural Broadband Advocacy & Industry Leadership