Mike Wendy, who had been president of the industry-backed MediaFreedom.org, has joined the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) as head of policy and grassroots communications.
WISPA represents more than 800 smaller fixed wireless providers serving primarily rural Americans. Rural broadband is high on the FCC, and President Trump's, to-do list as the commission tries to close the rural digital divide. The President promised help to farmers looking to get some digital aid to monitor crops and increase yields.
WISPA has for main policy priorities Wendy will be promoting:
1) "Balanced spectrum approaches, ensuring that small and rural providers have a fair shot at accessing airwaves that are critical building blocks for fast, reliable broadband.
2) "Targeted subsidy programs that expedite broadband deployment to unserved locations in a technology-neutral and cost-effective manner.
3) "Fast and fair access to infrastructure for broadband deployments no matter the location, whether federal, state, municipal, or private.
4) "Keeping small businesses competitive by ensuring regulatory burdens are appropriately calibrated for those who have the least ability to shoulder them."
“We’re excited to have Mike and his broad expertise aboard and look forward to building with him a strategic and persuasive communications program for WISPA’s diverse membership," said WISPA President Claude Aiken.
