INCOMPAS NEWS -- June 19, 2017

On June 15, INCOMPAS filed comments in the wireline broadband deployment proceeding. The association "applauded the Commission's initiative to seek comment on actions to accelerate deployment of next-generation networks and services and thereby promote much
needed facilities-based competition."

In its comments, INCOMPAS discussed steps the Commission should take to reduce barriers to deployment related to pole attachments.Specifically, the association encouraged the Commission to adopt rules that 1) provide new attachers the option to invoke a one-touch make-ready (OTMR) process for pole attachments and 2) exclude capital costs from the pole attachment rates. INCOMPAS also noted that, in order to minimize disruptions faced by competitors and their customers as a result of the loss of facilities or services that are key to the provision of competitive service offerings, the Commission should maintain the current notification requirements for the retirement of copper facilities and network changes. The Commission should also strengthen existing regulations promulgated under Section 214(a) for the discontinuance of carrier-customer services.

Sonic Named as Top West Coast Internet, National Phone Provider

INCOMPAS member Sonic recently received accolades from Consumer Reports. The independent ISP serving Northern California was rated as the best internet service provider on the west coast and the top-scoring phone company in the nation.

Full subscribers to Consumer Reports can read more about Sonic online.

Senate Commerce Hearing to Examine USF, Rural Broadband

On Tuesday, June 20, the Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet, will hold a hearing titled "The Universal Service Fund and Rural Broadband Investment."

The subcommittee will examine the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund and its capabilities for the deployment of broadband in rural America. Witnesses include:

Michael Balhoff, CFA, Senior Partner, Charlesmead Advisors LLC
Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association
Eric Graham, Senior Vice President, Strategic Relations, C Spire
Karen Rheuban, Medical Director for the Office of Telemedicine and Director for the Center for Telehealth, University of Virginia

The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Russell Senate Office Building, Room 253. Witness testimony, opening statements and a live video of the hearing will be available on Commerce Committee website.

House to Hold Hearing on Mapping Broadband Coverage

On Wednesday, June 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on "Defining and Mapping Broadband Coverage in America." Witnesses have not yet been announced.

The hearing takes place at 10 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn, and will be webcast on the committee website.

Rosenworcel Re-nominated to Serve as FCC Commissioner

Last week, President Donald Trump nominated Jessica Rosenworcel to serve on the Federal Communications Commission.

"Congratulations to Jessica Rosenworcel on her nomination to the FCC. Jessica is a dedicated champion for schools, public safety and competition policy who has helped bring consumers and families more choices and better prices," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. "Jessica is a gifted policy maker, steeped in substance, and firmly focused on a forward vision to preserve a free and open internet, and build a better broadband future for all Americans. We look forward to working with Jessica toward policy goals that bring more competition, and more opportunity for students, start-ups, streamers and dreamers."