INCOMPAS News -- May 27, 2025

Vol. 21, No. 21

May 27, 2025

INCOMPAS Commends AI Funding for Department of Commerce

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to provide funding to the Department of Commerce to optimize government systems through the targeted deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

"The AI Competition Center from INCOMPAS commends the House of Representatives on the passage of the Reconciliation package that includes a critical provision that will empower a federal, all-of-government approach for the most transformational technology of our lifetime: AI," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. "We are grateful to House Leadership, Energy & Commerce Committee Chair Guthrie and Congressman Obernolte for their boldness of vision, foresight and stewardship of this historic sector."

Learn more about the benefits of this proposal.

"The AI Competition Center from INCOMPAS is the only national body that represents the full AI stack. From cutting edge start-ups and energy builders to data center providers and large consumer companies, the guidance is clear: let's get this right," Pickering added. "And let's empower our lawmakers to set out a national strategy that is coherent, consistent, and ambitious. At the AI Competition Center, we will continue to be engaged — constructively and substantively — as things progress to the Senate."

INCOMPAS Files Reply Comments in FCC's Submarine Cables NPRM

INCOMPAS filed reply 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.

Following its initial comments, INCOMPAS continues to urge the FCC to operate within its delegated authority under the Cable Landing License Act, while prioritizing both national security and continued infrastructure investment. The association’s reply comments recommend:

Enhancing interagency coordination to prevent duplicative requirements
Providing procedural safeguards in revocation actions
Maintaining the 25-year license term
Avoiding requirements to disclose sensitive information such as precise cable landing locations and future business plans

INCOMPAS said it welcomes this opportunity to work with the FCC to develop a framework that eliminates unnecessary bureaucracy, while maintaining appropriate safeguards and streamlines submarine cable regulations that balance efficient deployment with robust national security protections.

On-Demand

INCOMPAS Post-Election Webinar Part II: The 1st 100 Days

In this follow-up to our November 2024 Election Roundtable, panelists provided a pulse check on what's been happening at the White House, in Congress and key jurisdictional committees, as well as at the FCC and in the states.

Watch on-demand.

Member Profile: Stern Recruiting

Officially launched in 2024, Stern Recruiting was founded by industry veterans who recruit and redefine how telecom and technology companies hire top talent. By combining deep industry network with advanced tools like AI and video interviewing, Stern Recruiting offers a unique recruiting process with better vetting and better results.

Learn more about Stern Recruiting.

FCC Wireline Bureau Announces Procedures for Obtaining Confidential Information for Access Charge Tariff Filings

The FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau issued a public notice announcing procedures for obtaining confidential information for 2025 annual access charge tariff filings. Carriers or interested parties seeking access to confidential information filed in this year’s filing must comply with the protective order contained in the 1997 tariff streamlining order. The bureau also recommended carriers and interested parties complete the necessary declaration ahead of time to expedite obtaining and reviewing confidential information.

Interstate Tariff Revision Filing Deadline July 16

The FCC issued a public notice reminding competitive local exchange carriers benchmarking their tariffed rates to competing incumbent LECs to file interstate tariff revisions by July 16, 2025. The bureau encouraged CLECs to make this filing after the competing ILEC’s interstate access charge tariffs become effective on July 1, 2025.

USAC Directed to Fully Fund Category One/Two E-Rate Requests

The FCC issued a public notice directing USAC to fully fund Category One and Category Two requests for E-Rate supported services for funding year 2025. The bureau also directed USAC to use $500 million in unused E-Rate funds from prior years to offset the collection requirements needed to fully meet demand for these services.

House Appropriations Holds FCC Oversight Hearing

The House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government held a hearing on oversight of the FCC. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr testified and responded to questions regarding the FCC’s actions on universal service, the rip and replace program, and robocalls, among other issues.

Watch the hearing on-demand here.

House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on AI Regulation

On May 21, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, led a hearing titled AI Regulation and the Future of U.S. Leadership. During opening statements, Chairman Bilirakis said, “Our task is to protect our citizens and ensure that we don’t cede U.S. AI leadership... And heavy-handed regulations may ensure that the next great American company never makes it.”

Sen. Rosen et al. Request NTIA to Release BEAD Funding

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), et al. sent a letter to President Trump expressing concern regarding NTIA’s recent announcement it is delaying the BEAD Program. They noted that:

42 states have begun or completed their BEAD application process, and three states have had their applications fully approved and are waiting on funds to be released.
Attempts by NTIA to revise the state application process at this stage will cause further delays to the program and leave rural and tribal communities behind in an increasingly connected economy.
NTIA must act swiftly to release BEAD funding to states that have already been approved.

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