Ryan Palmer is the United States Director for the Microsoft Airband Initiative. The Airband Initiative advances access to high-speed internet and meaningful connectivity as a fundamental right around the world by partnering with internet service and energy access providers, nonprofits, government agencies and others focused on closing the digital divide. Airband collaborates across private, public, and nonprofit sectors to build the digital infrastructure required for internet access and adoption, as well as support the programs and policies needed for newly connected communities to leverage the full value of connectivity to improve livelihoods. Ryan leads Airband’s work in the United States, advocating for a holistic strategy for broadband adoption that results in digital transformation enabled by access to affordable high-speed internet, meaningful devices, and digital skilling resources.
Before joining Microsoft, Ryan was the Chief of the Telecommunications Access Policy Division (TAPD) at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). TAPD’s primary mission is to advance the goals of universal service — that all Americans have access to robust, affordable broadband and voice services. Consistent with that mission, Ryan’s team developed policies for administration and oversight of the federal Universal Service Fund programs, the FCC’s primary tools for closing the digital divide.
Prior to joining the FCC, Ryan served as a Commissioner of the West Virginia Public Service Commission (WVPSC) from 2010-2014.
Ryan also served as Deputy General Counsel for West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III from 2008 – 2010 and as an attorney/aide for Commissioner Charlotte R. Lane at the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) from 2003-2008.