Network Modernization: Ensuring All Communities Thrive as Technology Evolves

For decades, evolving network technology has been the catalyst for the way people and businesses connect. Industry is continuously modernizing networks to meet the communications needs of today and tomorrow but are the day-to-day needs of all consumers a part of this plan?

Lynn Follansbee, Vice President Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships at US Telecom, will provide context on why innovation cycles are important and what industry is doing to ensure every community thrives as communications technology evolves.  Lynn will then moderate a panel discussion with advocates from the disability, aging, rural and LGBTQ+ communities. This discussion will examine the opportunities broadband networks have made possible to many in vulnerable communities, as well as how these communities view innovation, where some consumers may be hesitant to move to new technologies.

Panelist:

• Debra Berlyn, Executive Director, Project GOAL
• Tina Metzer, Vice President, NCRD & Co-Founder, RuralRISE and RuralRISE Tech
• Marcie Roth, Executive Director & CEO, World Institute on Disability
• Carlos Gutierrez, Deputy Director & General Counsel, LGBT Tech

Moderator: Lynn Follansbee, Vice President Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, USTelecom