Government, Industry Experts To Discuss Broadband Policy In A Title II World
PITTSBURGH, February 17, 2015 – The American Cable Association is very pleased to announce that this year’s ACA’s Summit in Washington, D.C., will feature a panel discussion focusing on Net Neutrality and where this issue is heading with the Federal Communications Commission poised to reclassify all broadband providers as Title II telecommunications carriers later this month.
“This panel of experts from both industry, the public interest community and government will give ACA Summit attendees their insights on how net neutrality regulation will play out directly after the FCC’s much-anticipated Feb. 26 vote to impose Title II rules on all broadband service providers,” ACA President and CEO Matthew M. Polka said. “Occurring less than a week after the expected vote, the panel will be one of the first public debates among opposing parties on the matter.”
The panel – which will take place Wednesday, March 4, from at 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt and will be moderated by Washington Post awarding-winning reporter Cecilia Kang — will include:
§ Althea Erickson, Public Policy Director, Etsy.com;
§ Barbara Esbin, Partner, Cinnamon Mueller law firm;
§ Hap Rigby, Republican staff member, Senate Commerce Committee; and
§ Matt Wood, Policy Director, Free Press.
The panel discussion promises to include contrasting opinions on the impact of Title II on market participants and consumers. Panelists will also forecast what comes next after the historic Feb. 26 vote, including in the courts and Congress.
Leading up to the FCC’s vote, ACA has been urging the agency to use its forbearance authority to shield the nation’s smaller broadband Internet access providers from costly and burdensome Title II regulations.
Taking place March 3-5 in Washington, D.C., the ACA Summit is a forum that allows independent cable operators to come in close contact with America’s top lawmakers, regulators and journalists to discuss the vital communications issues of our time.
The ACA Summit website includes event details and secure online registration. Please visit the ACA Summit 2015 website by clicking here: ACA Summit. The event will take place at the Grand Hyatt, 1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001.
Government relations and law firm professions are welcome to attend the public sessions of the ACA Summit, including the panel on net neutrality. ACA offers day passes for qualifying individuals. For more information, please visit the ACA Summit registration page.
ACA’s more than 800 independent cable operators play a unique role in providing best-in-class communications services to millions of consumers, many living and working in rural areas of the country. These operators also are competitive providers of cable service in urban areas, bringing choice and price competition to consumers. When it comes to responding to the critical broadband infrastructure needs of America, ACA Members are supplying the solutions.
Created in the early 1990’s, the ACA Summit gives independent cable operators a vehicle for framing the issues in their own words during dozens of meetings on Capitol Hill over a short period of time. More so than ever, ACA Members agree on the need to speak with one voice and to be as visible as possible in making their views known on the diverse and complex issues facing their companies.
About the American Cable Association: Based in Pittsburgh, the American Cable Association is a trade organization representing about 850 smaller and medium-sized, independent cable companies who provide broadband services for more than 7 million cable subscribers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA’s members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their business. For more information, visithttps://acaconnects.org/.