INCOMPAS Launches New Website for Enhanced User Experience

INCOMPAS is thrilled to announce the launch of its revamped website. Inspired by, and designed for, an evolving industry, the website provides an enhanced user experience to engage with new content, explore member benefits and expand business efficiency. With enhanced navigation, search abilities, and mobile-friendly design, the website provides a seamless browsing experience for visitors.

“Much like INCOMPAS is committed to evolving to serve the needs of the communications and technology market, our website redesign underscores these ideals as we strive to provide a more compelling experience,” said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. “With more dynamic content, our website is a must-visit resource that provides INCOMPAS members and the industry with the valuable information and connections they need to continue growing and succeeding in our dynamic industry.”

INCOMPAS members will receive more information in the coming weeks about additional key features and resources available to them through the new website. Visit incompas.org to explore the new website experience.

NTIA Blog Examines Need to Ramp Up BEAD Workforce

The $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program aims to connect 25 million Americans currently without high-speed Internet access. Building these broadband networks on time and at scale across 56 states and territories will require tens of thousands of broadband construction workers: from network designers to pole surveyors, from locators to drill operators, from general laborers to fiber splicers.

The NTIA discusses this issue in a recent blog: Ramping Up the BEAD Workforce: 5 Things States, ISPs, and Construction Firms Can Be Doing Now.

Order on 5G Fund for Rural America Effective January 13

The August 2024 second report and order and order on reconsideration that implemented the framework for the 5G Fund for Rural America was published in the Federal Register last week. The order also resolved issues raised in petitions for reconsideration of the October 2020 report and order, among other things. The order is effective January 13, 2025.

Status Updates Due January 3 for Secure Networks Program

The Wireline Competition Bureau issued a public notice reminding recipients in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program of their obligation to file status updates with the FCC every 90 days, beginning on the date the bureau approved recipients’ applications until the obligation to file expires.

All recipients must file their next status update on January 3, 2025.

Q1 2025 Universal Service Contribution Factor Rises to 36.3%

The FCC's Office of Managing Director issued a public notice announcing the proposed universal service contribution factor for the first quarter of 2025 will be 36.3%, up from the previous quarter’s 35.8%. This assessment factor is 110 basis points less than indicated by the USF demand and revenue projections filed by USAC at the beginning of November and December, respectively. The reduction in the contribution factor is caused by use of $48 million in unused funds to offset first quarter demand in the Rural Health Fund (RHF).