November 13, 2025—America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is pleased to announce that Ron Duncan, the Founder and CEO of GCI, will be an industry keynote speaker at its Summit in Washington, D.C. on March 4, 2026.
“Everyone has something to learn from Ron and his experience navigating the rugged Alaskan terrain, laying fiber in places like the frozen tundra, and reaching communities only accessible by boat or plane,” said Grant Spellmeyer, the President and CEO of America’s Communications Association in an exclusive announcement in Independent Communications News (ICN). “When it comes to going to the extreme to close the digital divide, Ron is the communications legend to talk to! I invite all our members to register and join us at the Summit for this must-see conversation and more.”
Duncan has been a driving force in bringing modern communications to Alaska for almost five decades. In 1979, from a small apartment in Anchorage’s Bootleggers Cove, Duncan co-founded GCI with Bob Walp. Under his leadership, GCI has grown from a small startup into Alaska’s largest telecommunications company, investing more than $4.7 billion in broadband infrastructure across the state and in the most remote communities in America. A passionate pilot with more than 10,000 hours of flight time, he embodies Alaska’s spirit of adventure and resilience.
At the Summit, Duncan will share insights on the evolution of the communications industry, competing in a world of emerging broadband technologies such as fixed-wireless and LEO satellites, GCI’s strategies for overcoming Alaska’s geographic challenges, and the value of its strong partnership with ACA Connects in advancing policy priorities in Washington, D.C.
The theme for this year’s ACA Connects Summit is “We’re Building!” This event attracts hundreds of community-based independent operators, communications industry vendor partners, and rural broadband advocates who are leading to bridge the digital divide, bring cutting-edge technologies, and spur economic development in communities across America.
The Summit will take place March 3-5, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt, 1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Learn more at ACAConnects.org/Summit.
America’s Communications Association (ACA Connects) is a trade organization representing about 500 small and medium-sized, independent companies that provide high-speed internet, video, phone, and mobile services covering 29.5 million households. ACA Connects members operate in every state, providing advanced communications to connect homes, companies, main street, schools, hospitals and more. America’s economic prosperity in smaller communities and rural areas depends on the growth and success of independent operators, who believe a connected nation is a prosperous nation. For more information, visit www.acaconnects.org.