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Date: July 17th, 2017
Appalachian Connectivity Summit Will Feature Institute for Local Self-Reliance Expert
Christopher Mitchell will keynote the event, held in Marietta, Ohio, in order to address rural connectivity and federal policy.
Contact:
Christopher Mitchell
612-545-5185
On July 18th, the National Rural Assembly is hosting "The Appalachian Ohio-West Virginia Connectivity Summit" at Washington State Community College in Marietta, Ohio. The summit will bring experts together to share their knowledge with participants who are interested in learning more about ways to improve local connectivity. In addition to a keynote address by Christopher Mitchell, breakout sessions will include topics such as broadband policy, technology, and organizing.
Mitchell's keynote address will focus on how local efforts to improve Internet access are vital for connecting underserved and unserved communities. Currently, the federal programs advantage incumbent monopolies such as AT&T rather than strengthening local ISPs, cooperatives, and municipal Internet networks. The Connect America Fund funnels millions to these monopolies that build inadequate networks or no service network at all.
There will also be an afternoon panel discussion titled “Community Ownership Models” and FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will be sharing remarks. The event is one stop on her #ConnectingCommunites listening tour around the U.S.
You can learn more about the summit and the speakers at the Rural Assembly website. They’ve also collected a list of resources and want you to share your broadband stories.
About Christopher Mitchell:
Christopher Mitchell is the Director of the Community Broadband Networks initiative with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Mitchell leads the acclaimed MuniNetworks.org as part of ILSR's effort to ensure broadband networks are directly accountable to the communities that depend upon them. He is a leading national expert on community networks, advising high-ranking broadband decision-makers and speaking on radio and television programs across the United States.
FOR MORE INFORMATION and to schedule an interview with Christopher, call Nick Stumo-Langer at 612-844-1330 or email stumolanger@ilsr.org.
