INCOMPAS NEWS -- December 19, 2016

The Summit kicks off on February 15 at the Newseum with a robust agenda featuring industry leaders and key policymakers from the FCC and Capitol Hill. Sessions will focus on policies that will continue to promote growth, innovation and competition in the communications technology economy. Speakers include executives from companies like Windstream Communications, Google Fiber, Twitter, Microsoft, Verizon and Dish Network; as well as organizations such as Free Press, Public Knowledge and Tech Freedom.

Then, on February 16, INCOMPAS members will participate in meetings with legislative leaders.

For more information or to register, visit the INCOMPAS Policy Summit website.

Save Early on The Spring INCOMPAS Show in New Orleans

Planning to attend The INCOMPAS Show in New Orleans, April 3-5? If so, take advantage of significant savings by registering now. Special early bird registration rates for full conference passes are available until February 3.

The INCOMPAS Show offers competitive communications professionals a great way to expand their networks and seal valuable business deals in a single location. With daily networking opportunities, a comprehensive and relevant education program and the Buyers Forum, The INCOMPAS Show is THE event that should not be missed.

Visit The INCOMPAS Show website for more information, or to register today.

Important Hotel Notice

It had been brought to our attention that INCOMPAS Show attendees are being contacted about limited availability of rooms at our host hotel. Please note that you should only book your room at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside directly through the link provided by INCOMPAS during the registration process.

Wheeler and Rosenworcel
to Depart from FCC

On December 15, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler announced his plans to step down as FCC Chairman in January. In addition, Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel also will depart at the end of the year.

In response, INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering said, "We thank Chairman Wheeler for his service and dedication to the American people. A fierce competitor, Wheeler always liked a good fight, especially when he had the American consumer in his corner. Commissioner Rosenworcel's dedication to our nation's children and public safety is unmatched. We thank her for lifting the dialogue and elevating the debate with both substance and care."

"All Americans, consumers and businesses, have benefited from the Commission's work over the past three years on access to new technologies and services, and we thank all five Commissioners for their hard work," Pickering added. "Great challenges remain. There is still too much concentration of market power in our nation's broadband infrastructure, and rural America is at significant risk of being left behind. More competition is the answer, and we look forward to working with Commissioners Pai, O'Reilly and Clyburn to fight for a better future."

FCC Sets Effective Dates for Broadband Privacy Rules

Last week, the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau announced the effective dates of certain broadband privacy rules and provided guidance to telecommunications carriers and interconnected VoIP providers on implementation of the requirements adopted in the 2016 Privacy Order.

The provisions adopted in the 2016 Privacy Order generally will become effective on January 3, 2017, with some exceptions:

Prohibition on Conditioning Broadband Service on Giving Up Privacy: Effective date will be January 3, 2017.
Data Security Requirements: Effective date will be March 2, 2017
Breach Notification Requirements: Effective date will be the later of PRA approval or June 2, 2017
Notice and Customer Approval (Choice) Requirements: Effective date will be the later of PRA approval or December 4, 2017

In addition, small providers will have an additional 12 months before the new notice and customer approval rules are effective.

PUBLICATION NOTE

The INCOMPAS newsletter will not publish the week of December 26. It will resume the first week of January.