PITTSBURGH, December 10, 2020 – ACA Connects President and CEO Matthew M. Polka issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission service of Commissioner Michael O’Rielly as his term in office comes to a close:
“Over the years, as ACA Connects got to know Commissioner O’Rielly in his leadership position at the FCC, we developed nothing but the deepest respect for his service to the country and his dependable approach to law and regulation.
“To his credit, Commissioner O’Rielly was always willing to reach out and consider the point of view of independent video and broadband providers. Commissioner O’Rielly had an open-door approach that demonstrated to all stakeholders, private and public, that he examined each issue on the merits with an open mind. That’s a model for anyone in public service to follow.
“We also greatly appreciate the fact that he would set aside time to address ACA Connects members personally at our annual Washington, D.C., Summit. Candid and approachable, Commissioner O’Rielly told it like it is, and it was never a mystery about where we stood with him on the issues, win or lose.
“ACA Connects wishes Commissioner O’Rielly nothing but the best as he moves into the next phase of his career.”
About ACA Connects: America’s Communications Association – Based in Pittsburgh, ACA Connects is a trade organization representing more than 700 smaller and medium-sized, independent companies that provide broadband, phone and video services to nearly 8 million customers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA Connects’ members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their businesses. For more information, visit: https://www.acaconnects.org