Broadband Networks: Providing Access for Economic Development and Opportunity

Start

6/5/2018, 8:00:00 AM

End

6/5/2018, 12:00:00 AM

Organizer

Microsoft

Location

Muhammad Ali Center

24 million Americans lack access to basic, fixed broadband. That’s 19 million rural Americans, and 5 million urban Americans. This means that more than 31% of people living in rural America lack access to broadband, which is defined as 25 megabits per second d

24 million Americans lack access to basic, fixed broadband. That’s 19 million rural Americans, and 5 million urban Americans. This means that more than 31% of people living in rural America lack access to broadband, which is defined as 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits per second upload. While some geographies still don’t have access to a high-speed Internet connection, challenges also exist in adoption rates in many communities allegedly with access to service. Research from the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program suggests that economic growth in the U.S. is directly tied to advancing the high-tech industry, which suggests making economic opportunity more equitable and accessible, while making government services more efficient. Brookings researchers ask whether broadband networks can simultaneously propel all three. Join Microsoft for a dynamic conversation about the state of broadband access and local adoption efforts, featuring the Brookings Institution, Muhammad Ali Center, andprominent leaders from Kentucky’s business, government, and civic communities. Discover the latest research on the state of broadband access and adoption in Kentucky, and its link to economic growth. Microsoft will share the relationship between advanced Cloud services and broadband access, as well as programs designed to close the digital divide. Join us for a dynamic discussion of the most promising new programs and initiatives to expand access for increased economic prosperity for all. Tuesday, June 5, 2018 AGENDA 8:00am Registration and breakfast 9:00 – 9:15am Welcome Remarks

• Joe Arnold, Vice President of Strategic Communications, Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, Event MC
• Mrs. Lonnie Ali, Co-founder, Muhammad Ali Center
• Mayor Greg Fischer

9:15 – 9:45am

• Signs of Digital Distress - Mapping broadband availability and subscription in Louisville and beyond - Adie Tomer, Fellow, Metropolitan Policy Program, Brookings Institution

9:45 – 10:00am Microsoft’s Commitment to Broadband Access

• Melissa Sassi, Program Manager, Airband Initiative
• Microsoft Technology & Corporate Responsibility

10:00 – 10:50am Panel Discussion + Audience Q&A

• Joe Arnold, moderator
• Heather Gate, Director of Digital Inclusion, Connected Nation
• Adie Tomer
• Melissa Sassi
• Rahman Kahn, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, Charter Communications
• Grace Simrall, Chief of Civic Innovation and Technology, City of Louisville

10:50 – 11:00am Closing 11:00 – 11:30am Networking Questions: contact Maile Martinez at v-maimar@microsoft.com