INCOMPAS NEWS -- December 5, 2016

In 2017, you'll find no better way to expand your network and strengthen existing relationships than at The INCOMPAS Show. Exhibitors and sponsors benefit from high-level exposure to, and interaction with, an unparalleled competitive communications marketplace.

If your company is interested in exhibiting or sponsoring at The INCOMPAS Show: Spring 2017, taking place April 3-5 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, please email Samantha Edidin or call 312-673-5685.

Reap the Benefits

of INCOMPAS Membership

Companies experience a wealth of benefits from their INCOMPAS membership - from advocacy in Washington, D.C., and beyond, and building their businesses at The INCOMPAS Show.

As a member, your company can participate in advocacy and take advantage of the association's strong presence before the FCC and Congress. You'll also receive discounts on exhibit space, meeting rooms and registration at the twice-annual INCOMPAS Show, as well as priority consideration for speaking opportunities.

INCOMPAS also enables your company to:

Become more involved in the industry, through board and committee participation;
Increase networking opportunities that improve sales; and
Lower expenses through members-only discounts through the Preferred Partner Program, INCOMPAS Marketplace and savings when hosting educational webinars.

If you are a member, are you taking advantage of these benefits? Be sure to renew your membership this month so you don't miss out on all INCOMPAS has to offer!

Questions about membership renewals? Email Natalie DeHart or call 202-367-2373.

Interested in joining? Prospective members should email Julia Strow or call 202-296-6650.

Broadband Privacy Rules Published in Federal Register

Last week, the final rules for the FCC's Report and Order on broadband customer privacy were published in the Federal Register. The rules were adopted on October 27, 2016, establishing a new framework of privacy and data security requirements for telecommunications carriers.

With these rules, the Commission has signaled its intention to "apply the privacy requirements of the Communications Act . . . to the most significant communications technology of today-broadband Internet access service (BIAS)" in order to protect the privacy of customers of broadband and other telecommunications services. The order, which replaces the existing CPNI requirements for telecommunications carriers with a harmonized set of rules for BIAS and other telecommunications services (including voice services), has been called "arguably the most consequential and comprehensive FCC privacy rulemaking since the 1996 Telecommunications Act" and will require providers to review their existing privacy policies and practices and adjust them accordingly to meet any new requirements.

It is important to note, however, that although the Commission approved these rules on a 3-2 vote, the upcoming administration change has led to speculation that these broadband privacy rules could immediately face re-adjustment or reconsideration under new FCC leadership.

FCC Announces December 15
Open Meeting Agenda

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler announced the tentative agenda for the December Open Commission Meeting:

Transition from TTY to Real-Time Text Technology: The Commission will consider a Report and Order and FNPRM to help achieve the transition from TTY technology to a reliable and interoperable means of providing real-time text communication over wireless Internet protocol-enabled networks and services.
Improving the Nation's Public Alert and Warning Systems: The Commission will consider a Report and Order and FNPRM to enhance the Emergency Alert System (EAS) as a tool for community emergency preparedness. The Report and Order improves alerting organization at the state and local levels, builds stronger community-based alerting exercise programs, and protects the EAS against accidental misuse and malicious intrusion. The Further Notice seeks comment on proposals to leverage technological advances to improve alerting and additional measures to preserve EAS security.

The following items that are currently on circulation may be considered, unless they are voted on circulation prior to the meeting:

Update to Parts 2 and 25 Concerning Non-geostationary, Fixed-Satellite Service Systems and Related Matters, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
In the Matter of Amendment of Part 0 of the Commission's Rules Regarding Public Information, the Inspection of Records, and Implementing the Freedom of Information Act
Maritime Communications/Land Mobile, LLC, Order on Reconsideration and Memorandum Opinion and Order
Improving the Resiliency of the Nation's Mobile Wireless Communications Networks, Order
Preferred Long Distance, Inc., Memorandum Opinion and Order

The Open Meeting is scheduled for December 15 at 10:30 a.m. at FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C.

INCOMPAS Congratulates Walden on House Energy and Commerce Chairmanship

On December 1, Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) was elected to serve as the next chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

"We wish to congratulate incoming Chairman Greg Walden on his election as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. "He has demonstrated himself to be an open, fair and substantive public servant, dedicated to rural communities, innovation and broadband growth. We look forward to working with him and the entire committee on ways to improve and expand technology networks of the future."