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Keep Rural Broadband Front and Center

As the nation continues to adapt business practices in the face of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, NTCA is committed to keeping you connected to the latest information from Washington. Our industry has been hit with many challenges and barriers in the past, but it’s important that we continue to stand strong for the communities you serve.

The annual NTCA Legislative + Policy Conference will be held this year in a virtual format. Hear from policymakers and legislators regarding efforts to continue supporting rural network deployments that are now more critical than ever all from the comfort of your home or office.

Join us on April 21, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. ET for this online event to get access to the same deep discussions on policy, legislation and politics you have come to expect from this conference over the years.
 

Attending this virtual conference earns you one P101 credit toward your NTCA certificate. 
Learn more about NTCA certificate programs.

 

AGENDA
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TUESDAY, APRIL 21

10:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.  |  Welcome

Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA

NTCA’s CEO offers a conference preview and the latest on the association’s efforts to represent rural carriers in Washington.

10:15 a.m.–10:45 a.m.  |  FCC Commissioner Address

Geoffrey Starks, Commissioner, FCC

10:45 a.m.–11:15 a.m.  |  FCC Advisors Q&A

Austin Bonner, Wireline Advisor to Commissioner Starks, FCC
Preston Wise, Rural Broadband Advisor to Chairman Pai, FCC
Michael Romano, Sr. Vice President of Industry Affairs and Business Development, NTCA

NTCA’s Michael Romano and senior FCC staff discuss the latest developments on the agency’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and other relevant proceedings, as well as plans for the remainder of the year.

11:15 a.m.–Noon  |  Congressional Staff Panel

John Lin, Counsel, Senate Commerce Majority
Evan Viau, Professional Staff Member, House Energy and Commerce Committee Minority
Jennifer Epperson, House Energy and Commerce Committee Majority
Molly O'Leary, Director of Government Affairs, NTCA

NTCA’s Molly O’Leary moderates a lively discussion among senior congressional staff regarding commerce committee efforts on rural broadband deployment (including RDOF and USF contribution reform), consumer data privacy and other telecom issues, and the congressional response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Noon–12:30 p.m.  |  BREAK

Take a relaxing break from the screen to check on your lunch delivery or fix a quick bite to eat, take a few steps around the block or get up and stretch, or check emails and make a few calls.

12:30 p.m.–1:15 p.m.  |  Election 2020 Analysis

Ian Swanson, Managing Editor, The Hill

Ian Swanson, a seasoned observer and reporter of Capitol Hill and election news, discusses the 2020 federal elections from the presidential race to what it will take for the political parties to flip control of either the House or the Senate.

1:15 p.m.–1:45 p.m.  |  Wrap-Up/Advocacy Overview

NTCA Staff

NTCA government affairs staff explains current advocacy efforts on the Hill and offers pointers on how NTCA members should engage in their own advocacy to keep rural broadband deployment at the top of the agenda for decisionmakers in Washington.

A Special Recorded Message
Several rural leaders in Congress have prepared messages for conference attendees that will be played throughout the program, including remarks from Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Reps. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.)

 

SPEAKER LINEUP

Austin Bonner
Wireline Advisor to Commissioner Stark
FCC
Shirley Bloomfield
CEO
NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association
Jennifer Epperson
Counsel
House Energy and Commerce Committee Majority
John Lin
Counsel
Senate Commerce Majority
Roger Marshall
U.S. Congressman
Kansas, 1st District
Molly O'Leary
Director of Government Affairs 
NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association
Michael Romano
Sr. Vice President of Industry Affairs and Business Development
NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association
Geoffrey Starks
Commissioner
FCC
Ian Swanson
Managing Editor
The Hill
John Thune
U.S. Senator
South Dakota
Evan Viau
Professional Staff Member
House Energy and Commerce Committee Minority
Preston Wise
Rural Broadband Advisor to Chairman Pai
FCC
Todd Young
U.S. Senator
Indiana
       

 

Questions
Sponsor

 

Thank You to Our Sponsors

 

  • Wi-Fi

  • Cocktails

  • Refreshment Break

  • Refreshment Break;

  • Registration Area

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  • Refreshment Break

  • Refreshment Break

  • Room Drop

  • Hill Meeting Debrief Happy Hour

  • Welcome Reception + Mobile App

  • Mobile App