During the course of this two-day meeting, there were four major policy areas that the group focused on.  The first area of policy focus is the need for additional spectrum for utilities to use in the course of their daily operations.  In order to meet the need of the intelligent grid and the customer expectations, there must be connectivity and visibility in the various utility infrastructure.  Utilities must have reasonable access to spectrum at a feasible cost that meets their needs. The second policy area identified is security, which includes both physical and cyber security of the utility infrastructure.  The actions discussed included the sharing of security related information, funding for training and certification programs, and support of utility resiliency by providing access to spectrum and funding for broadband deployment.  Third, the group discussed the broadband deployment that many utilities have completed or are currently contemplating. Areas related to broadband buildout include reduced administrative requirements and federal funding to assist with construction in unserved and underserved areas. The final policy area identified, was that of utility infrastructure protection and resiliency.  The area of particular interest is that of equitable pole attachment regulation.

All in all, it was a productive 2 days that will position UTC and its utility members to lobby for telecommunications and technology positions that enable to provide the most reliable and cost-effective utility services.  Any questions related to this UTC Policy Summit can be directed to Brett Kilbourne, SVP of Policy and General Counsel, at brett.kilbourne@utc.org.