American Cable Association Changes Name

American Cable Association President-CEO Matthew M. Polka today announced a name change for the trade organization, which represents more than 700 smaller and medium-size independent communications companies. The announcement was made to nearly 350 participants attending the association’s 26th annual Summit, held at the Grand Hyatt in Washington on Wednesday.

The new name is ACA — America’s Communications Association. The new name, the group said, “reflects a leading position for the association in the fast-growing telecommunications industry, where technology is rapidly changing how information is provided to and used by consumers. The association’s new day-to-day name, ACA Connects, further reinforces the value of the connections those communications enhance.”

Polka added: “It’s all about the communications and connections our members provide. Even though our industry and technology are changing so rapidly fueled by our members’ broadband deployments, what’s most important for our members and their customers is the ability to communicate freely and connect in their homes and businesses in countless new ways. With this name change, we’re recognizing that communication is the priority, not the medium.”

ACA Connects emphasized it will continue its advocacy work “in closing the digital divide for its members, including expanding broadband deployment in some of the most rural and financially challenging areas of the country, eliminating governmental barriers to investment, and providing increased access to high-performance connectivity.”

This is the first name change for the association in 20 years, when the association changed its name from the Small Cable Business Association to the American Cable Association. With this change to ACA — America’s Communications Association, the organization says it is “going one step further to support the initialism of ‘ACA’ and to further exemplify its work in ensuring communications and connections are made between governmental policymakers, association members and the communities they serve.”

“We chose our familiar name, ACA Connects, because it’s easy to say and remember, and it’s a great way to tie one name to our website, email addresses, social media and brand,” said Polka. “But, more importantly, ACA Connects explains what our association and members really do. We connect, communicate, build relationships and work together with all, and that will never change.”