WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which maintains oversight of the Federal Communications Commission, will participate as a keynote speaker at America’s Communications Association’s (ACA Connects) annual Summit.
The Republican from Kentucky will participate in a “fireside chat” with the President/CEO of the organization representing the regulatory interests of small and independently owned MVPDs.
This will see ACA Connects head Grant Spellmeyer speak with Rep. Brett Guthrie at the association’s annual event, scheduled from March 3-5 at the Grand Hyatt Washington.
Main topics of discussion are expected to focus on Congressional efforts tied to closing the digital divide, “lifting permitting burdens,” and “ensuring America’s technological leadership against China,” ACA Connects said.
As the House’s top lawmaker overseeing the nation’s telecommunications policy, Rep. Guthrie plays a central role in shaping legislation that determines how broadband networks are regulated, built, and deployed in rural and hard‑to‑serve communities. As such, his ACA Connects appearance will concentrate on the acceleration of broadband deployment nationwide.
This is integral to the future of audio and video consumption by consumers who have largely gravitated toward streaming. Higher connection speeds will further fuel the desire to enjoy radio and TV content via a digital broadband connection.
“Chairman Guthrie is leading the conversation in Congress on the issues most important to our Members,” said Spellmeyer. “As Energy and Commerce Chairman, he understands that smart policy, streamlined permitting, and a light-touch regulatory environment are essential to getting affordable, high-speed internet to rural communities. This will be a must‑see conversation about how bipartisan goals are turned into real‑world results for the communities our providers proudly serve.”
The theme for this year’s ACA Connects Summit is “We’re Building!” This event attracts community-based independent operators, communications industry vendor partners, and rural broadband advocates who are bridging the digital divide, bringing cutting-edge technologies, and spurring economic development in communities across America.
Other confirmed speakers include a top cybersecurity official from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, MVPD operator GCI CEO Ron Duncan, and ACA Connects’ own team of legal experts and government affairs specialists.
More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks, including an additional congressional keynote speaker.
