Top Washington, D.C., Officials To Address ACA Summit

A Commpro News Update

On March 29, The American Cable Association’s Washington, D.C.'s , Summit kicks off, drawing some of the biggest names in communications law and policy.  It will feature discussions with policymakers as they continue interest in supporting the future of smaller broadband providers serving thousands of rural locations.

"ACA members are leaders in deploying high-speed broadband Internet services in many areas of the country, especially some of the hardest-to-serve rural and remote regions. I am confident that government-driven efforts to close the digital divide, resulting in ubiquitous and affordable broadband for all Americans, will require the expertise and involvement of the independent cable community,” ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said.

Confirmed ACA Summit speakers include:

• Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai. He is scheduled to speak Thursday, March 30, at 8 a.m., ahead of ACA's messaging day on Capitol Hill.
• Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). She is scheduled to speak Wednesday, March 29, at 8:30 a.m.
• Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.). He is scheduled to speak Wednesday, March 29, at 10 a.m.
• House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.). She is scheduled to speak Wednesday, March 29, at Noon; and
• FCC Commissioner Michael O'Rielly. He is scheduled to speak Wednesday, March 29, at 1:15 p.m.

Members of the ACA support government initiatives that help the private sector to spark innovation and job creation. Many of the smaller Internet access providers are hoping Washington, D.C. leaders will remove regulation under Title II of the Communications Act. Movement in that direction has already begun with the introduction of bills and resolutions in Congress.

At the FCC, regulators have temporarily stayed data privacy regulations and voted to shield smaller ISPs from costly enhanced transparency requirements.

The ACA Summit is a unique event where small and mid-sized cable operators serving hometown America connect with the leading lawmakers and regulators as well as media representatives on the communications policy beat in Washington, D.C. This year's edition coincides with the start of a new Congress and a new President in the White House, with both focused on ways to reduce regulatory burdens on communications providers and other businesses.

This year's Summit is ACA's 24th annual "fly-in" to Washington with its members and, as such, will use the hashtag #Summit24 for all social media about the event.