1. CONNECTING HOMETOWN AMERICA
What “Change” in Washington Means to ME!
Matt Polka, Pres./CEO, ACA American Cable Association
Telergee CFO Conference
Newcastle, NH
October 16, 2009

2. Why Should I Care??? 2

3. Why Should I Care???
Learning from the Lessons of the Past (So We Don’t Repeat Them!)
Parallels, and
Changing of the Old to New Guard
DC less business-oriented in its policy
Regulate, Regulate, Regulate!!! 3

4. Why Should I Care???
Big Issues Dominate, But Little Ones (Like Ours) Matter
Health Care, Immigration, Social Security, etc., etc.
But like , TV issues matter.
Today, it’s BROADBAND.
The “Third Rail” of Politics 4

5. Why Should I Care??? Our Business is Highly Regulated
Virtually every aspect of our business has a policy/political component.
Phone and broadband now
Maybe programming soon too
If we miss the details, we may miss the boat. 5

6. Why Should I Care???
Our Business is Based on Relationships and There are Important Relationships in DC Too.
Key Congressional Leaders in Our States
Do you know them? You should!
Do they know you? They should! 6

7. Ok, you’ve convinced me. I care about DC.
Now, what do I do??? 7

8. Now What Do I Do???
Know the Issues – What’s Happening and What We Would Like to See Changed
Issues Congress and the FCC care about and push forward
Issues that WE care about and want to insert into the political debate
We have to be Advocates! 8

9. Now What Do I Do??? Know the Issues Washington Cares About
Broadband Stimulus
National Broadband Plan
Net Neutrality
Satellite Home Viewer Act
Universal Service Reform
Consumer Rates, Choices and Access 9

10. Now What Do I Do??? Know the Issues WE Care About
Retransmission Consent Reform
Fair Access to Broadband Stimulus
Parity in SHVA
DMA Reform/Copyright
Content Neutrality
Appropriate Network Management/Consumption Billing
Proper USF Reform 10

11. Now What Do I Do??? Know the Issues – Broadband Stimulus
$7.2 Billion Available NTIA/RUS
ACA – 83 companies applied, seeking $1.3 Billion – last/middle mile-adoption
$28 Billion Applied for! 2,200 Apps.
Barriers to Cable Ops
10-Yr No-Sale, Loan Subord., Tax Consequences, P.E. Requirements 11

12. Now What Do I Do??? Become a Better Advocate
ACA Members – “Every Connection Counts”
Attend the ACA WashDC Summit
04/19-21/10
Host a meeting for lawmakers at your office.
Send your “good news” to DC/District offices.
Attend fundraisers; get connected locally.
Get to know by name the telecom staffer.
Let them know how you feel about pending issues. 12

13. Now What Do I Do??? Seek True Working Partnerships
Operators vs. Content Providers
Us vs. Them – WHY???
Who wins?
NOT the Consumer!
WashDC will not care about your businesses if consumers revolt.
NOW is the time to fix things…before it is too late. 13

14. The Door of Opportunity Opens…14

15. The Door of Opportunity Opens… Better with a Little Pushing!15

16. Thank You! Matthew M. Polka mpolka@americancable.org
(412) , Ext. 14 (direct)
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