Geoffrey G. Why, a Member of the Communications Section of Mintz, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., will moderate a paper session at the 43rd Annual Telecommunications Policy Research Conference (TPRC). The conference will take place September 24-27 at the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, VA.

Mr. Why will moderate a session entitled, “Competition and Governance,” featuring the following paper presentations:

• Understanding the Federal Communication Commission's Policy-Making Using Big Data, Adam Candeub,* Michigan State University College of Law; Michael J.Bommarito, Bommarito Consulting, LLC

• Right Way Wrong Way: The Fading Legal Justification for Telecommunications Infrastructure Rights of Way, Benjamin W. Cramer, Pennsylvania State University

• The Road to an Open Internet is Paved with Pragmatic Disclosure & Transparency Policies, William Lehr, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL);Erin E. Kenneally,* Elchemy; University of California San Diego; Steven Bauer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Laboratory for Computer Science (LCS)

Every year, TPRC brings together a diverse, international group of researchers from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations to challenge each other’s ideas and to interact with policy makers and members of the private sector. The conference format consists of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and paper presentations, all with audience interaction.

Mr. Why has substantial experience in prominent policy and legislative issues affecting the cable, broadband, wireline, and wireless industries. Prior to joining Mintz he served as the Commissioner (2009 - 2014) and General Counsel (2007 - 2009) of the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC). In his role as Commissioner, Mr. Why directed all administrative, legal, and policy priorities for the department.