INCOMPAS Comments on

FCC's Submarine Cable NPRM

INCOMPAS filed comments on the FCC's NPRM that seeks input on how to improve and streamline the rules to facilitate efficient deployment of submarine cables while ensuring the security, resilience and protection of this critical infrastructure.

“Submarine cables form the backbone of our global digital economy, carrying over 95% of intercontinental global internet traffic, and 99% of transoceanic digital communications,” said Christopher L. Shipley, Executive Director of Public Policy at INCOMPAS. “Our recommendations aim to support the Commission's dual objectives of enhancing national security while preventing unnecessary regulatory burdens that could impede infrastructure development.”

In its filing, INCOMPAS offered several recommendations that prioritize both national security and continued infrastructure investment:

• Enhanced Interagency Coordination: The FCC should coordinate with the Executive Branch, including Team Telecom agencies and the State Department, to ensure its regulatory decisions reflect comprehensive security assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Innovation-Focused Regulatory Framework: The proceeding should prioritize removing deployment barriers rather than introducing new regulatory hurdles that could delay critical infrastructure projects.
• Procedural Safeguards in Revocation Actions: Executive Branch involvement is required in all revocation proceedings to facilitate adequate due process protections, and affected parties should have an opportunity to preliminarily address concerns through meaningful mitigation measures.
• Appropriate Licensing Requirements: Refrain from requiring all capacity holders (such as data center owners) to obtain submarine cable landing licenses, as this would exceed the Commission's statutory authority under the Cable Landing License Act.
• Protection of Sensitive Information: Avoid requiring disclosure of sensitive information in the application process, including precise submarine cable landing locations and future business plans, which could be unnecessary and potentially harmful.

“INCOMPAS stands ready to collaborate with the Commission on solutions that strengthen and streamline America's submarine cable rules, while protecting national security interests,” added Shipley. “We look forward to working with the Commission on solutions, as it works to finalize its regulatory approach.”

INCOMPAS CEO Speaks on Future of AI at Cloud Connections 2025

Last week, INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering spoke on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) at Cloud Connections 2025.

During The New Regulatory Landscape - How it Could Reset the Future for Legacy and AI Services session, Chip discussed with CCA President Joe Marion the implications of AI policy for data centers and cloud providers and offered an overview of INCOMPAS' AI initiatives and the work being done by the AI Competition Center.

INCOMPAS Commends Memo

on Permitting Reform

President Trump recently issued a presidential memorandum on leveraging modern technology to effectively and efficiently conduct environmental reviews and evaluate permits.

"We strongly commend President Trump's decisive action to revolutionize infrastructure permitting through digital transformation. This presidential memorandum directly addresses America's urgent need to outpace global competitors in the critical AI race. While competitors like China rapidly build the physical foundations for AI supremacy, America has been hampered by bureaucratic permitting processes that delay essential infrastructure projects," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering.

"By directing federal agencies to eliminate paper-based processes, implement automation and establish the Permitting Innovation Center, the administration is removing the roadblocks that have hindered our technological advancement," he added. "These reforms will accelerate the deployment of high-speed broadband networks, robust energy grids and advanced data centers, all of which are fundamental requirements for developing and deploying cutting-edge AI systems at scale."

"The administration's commitment to deliver results at 21st century speeds, demonstrates a clear understanding that America's AI leadership depends on our ability to build physical infrastructure efficiently. We fully support this strategic approach to securing America's position as the global AI leader and ensuring our dominance for decades to come," he concluded.