March 22, 2019

ACA Connects’ Name Change Unveiled At 26th Summit – Featured Speakers Included FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly and DOJ’s Makan Delrahim

More Than 350 Attendees, Sold-Out Exhibit Hall, Scores of Government Office Visits Highlighted ACA Connects Annual D.C. Gathering

For Immediate Release
Contact: Ted Hearn
(202) 713-0826
[email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 22, 2019 – Independent communications companies celebrated their 26th Summit in Washington D.C. with news of a name change for their association, comprehensive policy discussions, and a sold-out exhibit hall providing technology products for expanded broadband networks.

The American Cable Association is now America’s Communications Association, and will be known as ACA Connects. The new name combines ACA Connects well-known ACA initials with its long-term strategy to connect with diverse constituencies to build a better America.

Reflecting how independent video and broadband companies connect with communities and customers, the new name celebrates years of achievement and looks to a future marked by rapid technological change.

“For more than twenty years, ACA Connects members have made the necessary investments to first provide traditional video service and now broadband service to rural and smaller market America. Our industry is changing and our new name features our longstanding pledge to serve as communications leaders in our communities,” ACA Connects President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said.

Click here to see all the great #Summit26 photos.

This year’s Summit program included Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai, FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly, a recorded interview with House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), and Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

“We are honored to host these policy leaders at #Summit26,” Polka added. “We appreciate their time and their sharing their insights on legislative initiatives like renewal of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization Act of 2014 (STELAR), the C-Band reallocation plan, broadband deployment, and media mergers and anti-trust issues,” Polka said.

The Summit’s “Leadership Connection” panel featured moderator Tina Pidgeon, GCI’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer; Patricia Jo Boyers, President and Vice Chairman of the Board, Boycom Vision; Maria Brennan, President & CEO, WICT; Italia Commisso Weinand, Executive Vice President, Programming & HR, Mediacom Communications; and Katherine Gessner, Vice President, Strategic Planning & Policy, MCTV.

Additional speakers included Fox Business Network Senior Correspondent Charles Gasparino, who addressed current Wall Street trends on technology investment and the regulatory environment, as well as renowned communications expert Dr. Frank Luntz. Dr. Luntz, reporting on business and political communications strategies, urged attendees to focus on the value ACA Connects members bring to their markets.

More than 350 people attended the conference, which featured a robust vendor exhibit hall and scores of office visits on Capitol Hill and at the FCC on March 21.

“Today, when our members introduce new services, they must have the marketing prowess, service standards and commitment to employee training to leverage fully the broadband network. We are proud to feature our members who shared their thinking, tactics, and theories on how to leverage these new companies,” Polka said.

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 business. For more information, visit: https://acaconnects.org