ACA Connects Members Gain Actionable Policy Insights at Summit 2026
America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is empowering America’s independent operators to shape the future of the nation’s broadband and video infrastructure. At Summit 2026, influential leaders, broadband advocates, communications policy experts, and government affairs specialists provided critical insights to help providers navigate regulatory and potential policy shifts—from speeding up infrastructure deployments in rural and underserved areas to promoting competition in the video marketplace.
Summit attendees gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead — and how ACA Connects is working to ensure their priorities remain central in national policy debates.
Here are the top moments and takeaways from Summit 2026!
Capitol Connection Interview with Chairman Brett Guthrie
Grant Spellmeyer, President and CEO of ACA Connects, spoke with Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) about his leadership as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee to close the digital divide in rural America, streamline permitting, update outdated regulations like the 1992 Cable Act and the broken retransmission consent regime, and strengthen America’s technological leadership.
ACA Connects Executive Committee Leaders on 2026 Priorities
Chairman Patricia Jo Boyers, Vice Chairman John Reardon, Treasurer John Gdovin, and fellow Executive Committee Board Members Tom Larsen and Drew Petersen spoke to the audience about how ACA Connects is leading to promote competition, support smart regulation, and ensure independent providers continue delivering top-quality services to communities nationwide.
The Frontier Advantage: A Fireside Chat with GCI’s CEO Ron Duncan
GCI CEO Ron Duncan shared his personal insights and leadership experience on what it takes to deliver reliable service across Alaska and why a strong partnership with ACA Connects is essential to advancing smart policy in Washington, D.C. Attendees gained a front‑row view into the strategies shaping tomorrow’s connectivity in America’s most rugged and remote terrain.
From Ransomware to Nation-State Attacks: FBI’s Cyber Threat Outlook
FBI Cyber Division’s Deputy Assistant Director Michael Machtinger sat down with ACA Connects Vice President of Technology and Policy Bill Tortoriello to provide an exclusive cybersecurity briefing on global bad actors, emerging risks, and what it takes to outsmart cybercriminals.
We’re Building Together!
In this fireside chat, Lou Borrelli, CEO of NCTC, and Jack Latzer, EVP & COO of ACA Connects, shared an update on how NCTC is helping members compete and grow through collective negotiations and innovative content, connectivity, and technology solutions. Lou invited ACA Connects and NCTC members to attend the The Independent Show, July 26-29, at Walt Disney World.
Thank you to all ACA Connects members and our partners who have helped make Summit 2026 a success!