INCOMPAS News -- November 4, 2024

Vol. 20, No. 41

November 4, 2024

INCOMPAS to Host Post-Election Roundtable on November 14

Join INCOMPAS and policy experts from our member companies on Thursday, November 14, at 2 p.m. ET, for a webinar, INCOMPAS 2024 Post-Election Roundtable: Expected Impact on Communications Policy.

Our speakers will offer a breakdown of how the 2024 election outcome impacts the communications industry. This distinguished panel also will review what is expected from the White House, Congress and key committees of jurisdiction, the FCC and dozens of state governments. Additionally, they will cover the outlook on a range of policy areas, including broadband deployment and infrastructure, AI, 5G, USF and net neutrality.

Moderator: Chip Pickering, CEO, INCOMPAS

Speakers:

Patrica Cave, Associate, Morgan Lewis
Josh Finestone, Senior Policy Advisor, Venable
John Heitmann, Partner, Nelson Mullins
Hank Kelly, Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Charles Mathias, Senior Counsel, Hogan Lovells
Robert M. McDowell, Partner, Cooley
Jeff Strenkowski, Partner, Troutman Pepper

Advanced Registration Required

If you are unable to attend, please register so you can receive the link to the recording following the webinar.

Speeding Broadband Deployment Webinar Available On Demand

Last week INCOMPAS President Angie Kronenberg hosted Jill Springer, Senior Policy Advisor for Permitting and Chief Environmental Review and Policy Officer for the NTIA at the Department of Commerce, for an insightful discussion on streamlining the permitting process.

Watch on demand.

INCOMPAS Opposes VTel Petition for Reconsideration of EchoStar's Request for Extension

In comments filed last week, INCOMPAS urged the FCC to deny VTel’s Petition for Reconsideration of EchoStar’s request for an extension of time to complete its buildout requirements for certain wireless licenses contingent upon meeting a series of commitments that further the public interest.

INCOMPAS noted that EchoStar made a strong and compelling case for its extension request, and the WTB rightfully granted it based upon its ample authority and the extensive and detailed filing that meets the extension requirements.

"With commitments to accelerate and expand buildout nationwide, among other commitments, the contingent extensions will benefit consumers by preserving and enhancing competition in the mobile broadband marketplace. Promoting and enabling a fourth nationwide provider is critical to enhancing competition in a concentrated mobile market," INCOMPAS noted in its comments.

FCC Releases Tentative Agenda for November Open Meeting

The FCC released the tentative agenda for its November 21 open meeting, where it will consider:

Enhancing Caller ID Authentication Rules: A report and order that would strengthen its caller ID authentication rules by authorizing the use of third parties in the authentication process subject to limits that ensure accountability for compliance with the STIR/SHAKEN standards.
Updating Security for Vital Infrastructure: An NPRM that would undertake the first major comprehensive review of the FCC’s submarine cable rules since 2001, and seeks comment on how best to improve and streamline its submarine cable rules to facilitate efficient deployment of submarine cables while also ensuring security, resilience and protection.
Program Originating Boosters: A second report and order and order on reconsideration that would adopt final service rules that will enable FM and low power broadcasters to use FM booster stations to originate program content; and an enforcement action.

FCC Sets December 31 Deadline for Connected Care Pilot Projects

The FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau issued an order establishing a uniform completion deadline of December 31, 2025, for all projects funded by the Connected Care Pilot Program and waiving, on its own motion, the previous completion deadline of three years from each project’s start date. The bureau said this action will ensure program participants can fully implement their approved projects.

FCC Precision Agriculture Task Force to Meet December 5

The FCC announced that its Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States will hold its next meeting on December 5. The task force will vote on reports and recommendations discussed during the task force’s term.

INCOMPAS | www.incompas.org