INCOMPAS News -- October 5, 2026

Vol. 22, No. 40

October 5, 2026

INCOMPAS Files Replies on Covered List and Equipment Authorization Proposals

INCOMPAS filed reply comments in response to the FCC's Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on strengthening the equipment authorization program against national security risks to the communications supply chain. A secure equipment supply chain is essential to the infrastructure that INCOMPAS members build and to the country’s economic and national security.

Security and growth are not competing goals. Well-designed protections keep critical infrastructure secure while strengthening America’s ability to innovate and compete.

In its filing, INCOMPAS emphasized several key points:

The FCC should implement Covered List determinations according to their terms and should not expand them into general supply chain authority.
The FCC should reject universal hardware and software bill of materials filings, which would require applicants to submit information they often cannot obtain or verify and would concentrate sensitive data in a government repository.
Equipment should not be subject to certification or registration requirements solely because it belongs to a Covered List “sector.”
The proposed 40-unit importation limit would impede legitimate testing, security research and product development, and should be replaced with a workable threshold and a prompt review process.
Fixed terms for equipment authorizations are unnecessary, and any expedited revocation process must preserve notice and a meaningful opportunity to respond.

On Demand: Webinar on the CSP's Practical Path to IP Modernization

For communications service providers (CSPs), the sunset of legacy switching isn't just a maintenance headache – it's a forcing function. The networks built to support decades of TDM traffic are reaching a natural limit, and the CSPs that treat that limit as an opportunity, rather than a deadline, are the ones positioning themselves for long-term success.

In last week's webinar – Rethinking the Network: A CSP's Practical Path to IP Modernization – Kyle Trullinger, Product Manager for Voice Services, Communications Market at TNS, broke down what a well-planned IP transition actually looks like on the ground.

Watch on demand here.

Bipartisan Affordability and Jobs Act Introduced to
Reform Energy and Infrastructure Permitting

Last week, Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mike Lee (R-UT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 to reform the federal environmental review and permitting processes. provides certainty that permitted energy and infrastructure projects will retain their permits absent extraordinary circumstances, violations of law, or court order, as well as targeted reforms for various energy projects.

"INCOMPAS applauds Sens. Capito, Whitehouse, Lee and Heinrich for delivering a bipartisan path forward on permitting reform. This legislation represents an important opportunity to accelerate the energy and infrastructure projects needed to support America’s AI future," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering.

"For INCOMPAS members, permitting reform must translate into infrastructure coming online faster. That means timely, coordinated reviews, predictable decisions and fewer duplicative hurdles. It also means expanding generation and transmission capacity, improving grid access and advancing complementary reforms that speed fiber deployment and data center construction. These systems must grow together if America is going to compete and win. Together, congressional and FCC action will deliver the comprehensive legislative and regulatory reforms that AI infrastructure needs. We look forward to the House and Senate passing this legislation," Pickering added.

Get in Front of Buyers Making Multimillion Dollar Decisions

The 2026 INCOMPAS Show Buyers Forum gives you direct, walk‑up access to service provider buyers actively sourcing new products, partners and solutions.

This is high‑impact networking: Fast, focused and built for results.

Why Should You Be There?

Meet active telecom buyers looking for new vendors and innovations
Find new partners in a rapid, speed‑meeting format
Maximize your time with dedicated buyer networking—no scheduling required

No Appointments Necessary

Explore the Buyers Forum Guide, target the right connections, then walk up and start the conversation during dedicated Buyers Forum times each day:

Monday, November 2 | 11:00 a.m.–Noon

Tuesday, November 3 | 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Once registered, download the INCOMPAS Show Mobile App for:

Full attendee list
Attendee‑to‑attendee messaging
Personalized schedule builder
Agenda and speaker lineup
Sponsor, exhibitor and meeting host details

Guidance Provided on NG911 Implementation for MLTS

The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau issued a public notice providing guidance on the implementation of Next Generation 911 for multiline telephone systems, originating service providers, next generation core services providers and other stakeholders. The bureau said in meetings with stakeholders, it identified areas where it could help to advance the NG911 transition by identifying best practices with respect to MLTS and the implementation of NG911 Phase 1 and Phase 2.

It also granted Verizon’s petition seeking additional time to implement NG911 Phase 1 in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions, and this public notice offers guidance to help others resolve similar challenges.

FCC Extends STIR/SHAKEN Implementation Extensions

The Wireline Competition Bureau issued a public notice announcing that it performed its annual reevaluation of the remaining STIR/SHAKEN implementation extensions granted by the FCC as required by Section 64.6304(f) (extension of implementation deadline).

The Bureau said the extensions remain necessary at this time to maintain stability and prevent potential disruptions while the FCC evaluates whether the two remaining undue hardship extensions should be repealed pursuant to the Know-Your-Upstream-Provider FNPRM.

Network Change, Service Discontinuance Rules Effective Oct. 15

An FCC notice announced that the Office of Management and Budget approved an information collection associated with the FCC’s revised network change disclosure and service discontinuance rules in the March 2026 report and order on reducing regulatory barriers and costs that hinder the IP transition.

Amendments to sections 51.329 (notice of network changes: methods for providing notice) and 51.333 (notice of network changes: short term notice, objections thereto, and objections to copper retirement notices), along with certain Part 63 rules are effective October 15, 2026.

INCOMPAS | www.incompas.org