INCOMPAS News -- January 26, 2026

Vol. 22, No. 5

February 2, 2026

The INCOMPAS Policy Summit

Where Congress, Agencies and Industry Converge—This Wednesday and Thursday

As AI, broadband infrastructure and emerging technologies reshape our industry, this week's INCOMPAS Policy Summit brings together the full spectrum of stakeholders—Members of Congress, senior federal agency leaders and industry innovators—to navigate what comes next.

For more than four decades, INCOMPAS has been the trusted national voice advancing competition policy across communications and technology. Join us this Wednesday and Thursday in Washington, D.C. for a front seat look at what the future holds.

Last Chance to Register

Be where policy meets practice. Register today and avoid the lines onsite, so you can dive into these important discussions and hear from the leading voices in the communications ecosystem.

2026 Policy Summit Speakers

FCC Acts to Expand 6 GHz Wi-Fi Innovation

Last week at its open meeting, the FCC issued a decision to expand unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band, a move that will strengthen U.S. leadership in Wi-Fi and unlock new connectivity opportunities for consumers and businesses. The Commission’s approach for unlicensed devices will deliver faster speeds, better coverage and more reliable connections, while continuing to protect current operations.

“This is a balanced decision by the FCC that recognizes the critical role unlicensed spectrum plays in innovation and economic growth,” Christopher L. Shipley, Executive Vice President of Public Policy at INCOMPAS, said in a statement. “By expanding utilization of 6 GHz spectrum while protecting current users, the Commission is creating a scalable, license-free connectivity foundation for next-generation devices, enterprise networks and advanced consumer applications. The FCC’s action reinforces U.S. leadership in unlicensed mid-band spectrum and ensures Wi-Fi remains a key driver of innovation, competition and global competitiveness."

FCC Announces Tentative Agenda for February Open Meeting

The FCC issued a tentative agenda for the February 18 Open Meeting, where they will consider:

Reforming Intercarrier Compensation – An NPRM that would seek comment on proposed reforms to intercarrier compensation, interexchange services, and CAF ICC support aimed at accelerating network deployment and modernization;
Strengthening the Integrity of the Lifeline Program – An NPRM on reforms to the Lifeline Program to ensure federal dollars go to eligible Americans, enhance program integrity, ensure service providers comply with FCC rules and regulations, and streamline Lifeline rules;
Maximizing the Potential of the 900 MHz Band – A report and order that would enable broadband deployment on all 10 megahertz of the 900 MHz band, facilitating additional spectrum access by utilities, critical infrastructure, and other enterprises for private wireless broadband deployments;
Proposing Application Limit in Upcoming NCE Reserved Band FM Translator Filing Window – A public notice that would seek comment on eligibility restrictions and a general limit of 10 applications filed by any applicant entity in the upcoming 2026 filing window for new noncommercial educational reserved band FM translator stations.

Consumer Protection Committee to Meet February 24

The FCC issued a public notice announcing the next meeting of its Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee (CPAAC) will be held on February 24, 2026. CPAAC members are expected to:

Receive updates or reports from the Advancements in Accessible Communications Technologies Working Group and the Protecting Consumers through Advancements in Robocall Mitigation Efforts Working Group
Consider and may vote on recommendations presented by the working group(s);
Discuss any other topics relevant to CPAAC’s work

Senators Urge NTIA to Release BEAD Nondeployment Funds

Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) et al. sent a letter to NTIA Assistant Secretary Arielle Roth urging the NTIA to release BEAD nondeployment funds immediately. They said the Georgia Technology Authority seeks to use the funding to: upgrade 911 connectivity service; improve telehealth resources; expand the use of precision agriculture technologies; and establish device access and education programs to increase economic output.

Senate Commerce to Consider Broadband Funding Map Bill

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will convene a full committee executive session on February 3 to consider nominations and legislation, including S. 2585, MAP for Broadband Funding Act, which would improve the funding map to promote the most efficient use of federal funds for broadband deployment.

Senate Hearing on Energy Permitting Reform

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a bipartisan hearing to examine the need for comprehensive federal permitting reform amid rising energy demand, infrastructure constraints, and growing concerns over affordability, competitiveness and regulatory certainty.

Watch the hearing on demand.

NTIA to Hold Listening Session on BEAD Nondeployment Funds

NTIA published a notice in the Federal Register announcing it will convene a virtual listening session on February 11 on the use of the BEAD Program nondeployment funds. The session will gather input from stakeholders to inform NTIA’s future planning and policy development regarding the use of these funds.

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