WISPAmerica Show Daily Day 2

1 8 WISPA merica 2018 I MARCH 6 - 8, 2018 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 2 MER C 2018 Getting Politically Correct T he regulatory and legislative stakes have never been higher and opportunity never greater for WISPs. With that in mind, we sat down with Jimmy Carr, Chair of WISPA’s Legislative Committee and a Director at WISP PAC, to get a lowdown on the latest from Washington DC and some ideas on how WISPA members can help their own cause by supporting the industry’s advocacy efforts. SHOW DAILY: For those who are unfa- miliar, can you briefly discuss the goals and missions of the WISP Political Action Committee (WISP PAC)? Jimmy Carr: WISP PAC is a political action committee formed to support the Members of Congress who defend the busi- ness interests of WISPs and small busi- ness in Washington, DC. WISP PAC gives WISPs opportunities to educate Members of Congress on the realities of our industry, and it counters the messages delivered by PACs formed by incumbent cable and phone companies. It’s a critical tool for our industry in Washington. SD: Clearly, the biggest regulatory action facing WISPs right now is the mobile indus- try’s demands to erect barriers to the Citi- zens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) spec- trum band. Are there any updates as to where things stand in this battle or any optimistic developments for WISPs? Carr: WISPA’s team is working around the clock to achieve the best possible outcome for our members on CBRS. We are engaged at the FCC, on Capitol Hill, through standards and regulatory bodies, and we are collaborating closely with other entities that share our objec- tive of ensuring this critical spectrum is available to connect rural America. SD: Outside of the CBRS spectrum issue, what other regulatory or legislative developments should WISPA members be keeping an eye on? Carr: WISPA is a founding member of the Broadband Access Coalition, which has filed a petition with the FCC to open up an additional 500 MHz of spectrum (from 3700-4200 MHz) for point-to-multipoint use. This is an important initiative in an area that is an increasing focus for the FCC. WISPA is also engaged in discus- sions about the parameters of any federal infra- structure package. SD: With Donald Trump’s election, and FCC Chairman Ajit Pai’s familial connection to rural America, many thought Washington DC policies would become more sympathetic to the challenges facing rural businesses and residents. Have you noticed any shifts such as this come about? Carr: Chairman Pai has been a great friend to WISPA, and we appreciate how responsive he has been to our concerns as an industry over the years. However, WISPA was disap- pointed that, since the election, the FCC has moved to significantly change the rules for the CBRS band and may be moving in a direction on CBRS that will effectively preclude WISPs from investing in licensed spectrum to connect unserved Americans. SD: What’s an easy way for WISPA members and WISPAMERICA attendees to support the efforts of WISP PAC? Carr: WISP PAC hosts a fundraiser and information event at each of WISPA’s two annual shows, which are an excellent opportunity for participants to learn more about the important work going on in DC. In addition, WISP PAC is encouraging WISP owners to set up voluntary payroll deduction programs for their employees to support WISP PAC. Collaboration has always been one of our greatest strengths as an industry. If just five employees at every WISPA member company contributed $2 per week to WISP PAC, our industry would have more than $250,000 per year to support our friends in Washington. Overnight we would become a major player in the PAC world. This Wednesday night, WISP PAC is hosting a reception and fundraiser at the Cantina Laredo - Uptown Birmingham. The fun begins at 7:15 pm, and the minimum contribution to attend is $50 per person. Come and learn how WISP PAC benefits your business and how you can help the cause. m Carr with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Upcoming Board Elections WISPA merica 2018 Keynote Addresses Three seats on the WISPA 2018 Board of Directors are open for nomination. Look for upcoming announcement of candidates this May, with campaigning starting in June. Voting begins in July, with the new board seated in August. Make sure to vote so your voice is heard. Wednesday March 7, at 11:00am in the East Ballroom Grow Your Business without Losing Your Mind Nathan Stooke Thursday, March 8, at 11:00am in the East Ballroom CBRS Update and Information Richard Bernhardt, Jimmy Carr, Steve Coran & Mark Radabaugh