You’ve been asking questions- we’re paying attention. 2021 will bring a host of changes to policy, funding, technology, and more.
Join us on March 2nd for our annual broadband leadership summit as we hear from local, state, and national leaders on what those changes will bring.
We will be hearing from:
Paul de Sa- "Perspectives on the new FCC directions and Internet Policy and Funding in the Biden Administration." Paul was part of the leadership team at the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 2009-12 and 2016-17, serving as Chief of its Office of Strategic Planning, with a focus on merger reviews, spectrum policy, and broadband, including work on the National Broadband Plan. He is now a senior partner with Quadra Partners consulting and a member of President Biden's Broadband Transition Team.
Walter Johnston- "Broadband Technology in 2021". Walter was Chief of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Division of the FCC from 2009 to Jan. 2019. He is now a senior partner with Danu consulting. He is a leading expert in new broadband technologies.
Dan Gerlach- "Foundations and funding questions"- Dan has served the public for 25 years as a budget advisor to Gov. Easley, President of the Golden Leaf Foundation, and interim Chancellor of East Carolina University. He currently is president of Dan Garlach LLC and a consultant to the Dogwood Health Trust.
Jeff Sural- "What to expect at the state level"- Jeff earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill and his J.D. from Western Michigan University. Since January 2015 he has been the Director of the Broadband Infrastructure Office (BIO). BIO leads the statewide initiative to expand high-speed internet access for all North Carolinians.
There will also be information from several providers in the region including Charter, Skyrunner, ERC, and French Broad Electric Co-op.
And more......
This event will be held from 10-noon with optional breakout sessions from noon-1pm.
Breakout sessions will include:
Education - led by Jeff McDaris - will hear what K-12 and colleges have done to meet the pandemic and respond to the digital divide. Barry Pace of Buncombe Schools will provide an update on their experience.
New Technologies - led by Stagg Newman and Walter Johnston will continue the conversation about 5G expansion, satellite services, and the future.
State & Local Funding for Broadband - led by Jeff Sural and foundation partners - will look at the potential for state and local funding for broadband.
Federal Policy Changes - Greg Vogt and Paul de Sa will continue the conversation about what the Biden administration and Democratic control of Congress means for broadband improvements and regulations.
