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WNC Broadband Summit- Looking Ahead at Broadband in 2021

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 as we hear from local, state, and national leaders on what those changes will bring.

We will be hearing from:

Paul de Sa 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 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 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 consultant to the Dogwood Health Trust


Jeff Sural 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,

We will also be hearing 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 10-12 with optional breakout sessions covering policy, funding, education, and technology conversations from 12-12:45, we will reconvene as a group to discuss breakout information from 12:45-1

Mar 2, 2021 10:00 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)