For what I think is the first time, Minnesota providers are collaborating on a joint conference. Partners include MCCA, MTA, Comcast, CenturyLink, Verizon, AT&T and others. So telecom, wireless, cable. I think it will be interesting to hear what they say collectively and about each vein of the broadband industry.

These are the guys in your neighborhood! They have invested in broadband for decades. Some are more involved with their local communities than others but if you are looking at expanding broadband in your area chances are they will be part of a broadband strategy. It makes sense to check out what they have to say and get to know them as potential partners.

[Note added Jan 24 – you will need to register for the  site before registering for the conference BUT registration is free.]

Here’s the agenda…

Minnesota Broadband Industry Conference Agenda

7:30 a.m.              Gather (coffee and rolls)
8:00 a.m.              Welcome – Mike Martin, Executive Director MN Cable Communications Association and Brent Christensen, President, MN Telecom Alliance
8:15 a.m.              Federal Keynote – United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (invited)
8:35 a.m.              Net Neutrality – Sam Feder, Partner, Jenner & Block Washington DC, Former General Counsel, Federal Communications Commission
9:00 a.m.              Panel — Industry Perspectives

• Sam Feder, Jenner & Block
• Bill Jenson, President, Mediacom
• TBD, MTA Member
• Al Juhnke, staff Senator Al Franken (Invited)
• Margaret Anderson Kelliher, President, MHTA (Moderator)

9:45 a.m.              Break
10:00 a.m.           Minnesota Broadband Coverage: Connected Nation
10:30 a.m.           Panel — The Government’s Role in Broadband

• Representative Ron Kresha, MN State House
• Senator, MN State Senate
• Representative, Office of MN Broadband Development
• Representative, USDA MN Office of Rural Development
• Representative, Center for Rural Policy and Development (Moderator)

11:15 a.m.           Panel — The Wireless Spectrum/First Net

• Steve Kelley, HSPA, Moderator
• TBD

Noon     Lunch
12:20 p.m.           Welcome and Keynote Speaker Intro – Emmett Coleman, VP Government Affairs, Comcast, Michael Willner, CEO Greatland Connections
12:30 p.m.           Speaker: Jonathan Adelstein, President, PCIA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association; Former Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission
1:20 p.m.             Introduction Lt. Governor Tina Smith – Andy Schriner, VP Government Relations, CenturyLink
1:25 p.m.             Minnesota Leaders in Broadband – Tina Smith, Lt. Governor, Minnesota
1:45 p.m.             Technology Advance and the Future of Telecom Cable Labs
2:15 p.m.             Panel: Broadband – The Backbone to Driving Our Future

• TBD
• Moderator, MN Public Affairs Reporter

3:00 p.m.             Closing Comments and Wrap-up