INCOMPAS Comments on Mobile Handset Unlocking NPRM

INCOMPAS filed comments in response to the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks input as the Commission explores the use of handset unlocking policies across the mobile wireless marketplace.

"INCOMPAS supports the Commission’s proposal for a uniform handset unlocking policy as it will enhance competition and improve consumer choice in the mobile wireless market. The practice of locking phones makes it more difficult for consumers to change providers," said Angie Kronenberg, president of INCOMPAS. "Unlocking requirements allow customers to switch networks more easily, which means larger providers are incentivized to compete for customers rather than locking them into a plan—enabling smaller providers to better compete. As a result, the FCC’s uniform unlocking policy proposal will strengthen competition and empower consumer choice."

INCOMPAS Comments on 37 GHz Band Shared Use Framework

INCOMPAS filed comments in response to the FCC’s Public Notice seeking to further develop the record on how a co-equal, shared-use framework, which allows federal and non-federal operations, should be implemented in the 37.0-37.6 GHz band (Lower 37 GHz band).

“Reaching unserved and underserved communities with new broadband technologies requires the type of creative decision-making that the Commission has exercised as it has explored making more intensive use of mid-band and millimeter wave spectrum," said Christopher L. Shipley, executive director of Public Policy for INCOMPAS. "With the solutions it needs to repurpose the Lower 37 GHz band for commercial use in hand, the Commission should act now to finalize the operational rules for the band so that fixed wireless providers can bring these innovative broadband service offerings to American consumers."

"With the Lower 37 GHz band, the Commission has an opportunity to quickly open new spectrum resources for competitive providers seeking to deliver affordable residential broadband service to consumers across the country," he added.

Member Profile: OneVizion, Inc.

OneVizion, Inc. offers cutting-edge solutions that empower organizations to harness the full potential of their resources. By seamlessly blending data analytics, process optimization, and task management, OneVizion continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of project management and organizational efficiency. The company's growth from a single template to a leader in integrated management solutions is a testament to the power of innovation and the enduring value of our core principles. As OneVizion looks to the future, it remains dedicated to evolving alongside the needs of its clients, always striving to create more intelligent, adaptable and user-friendly systems that drive success in an increasingly complex business landscape. Learn more about OneVizion.

October 10 is Compliance Date for Broadband Labels

The FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau issued a public notice announcing the compliance date for the broadband label display requirements. Compliance in sections 8.1(a)(1), (a)(2) and (a)(4) through (a)(6) for providers with 100,000 or fewer subscriber lines is required as of Oct. 10, 2024; compliance with the requirement in Section 8.1(a)(2) to make labels accessible in online account portals is required for all providers as of October 10, 2024; and compliance with the requirement in Section 8.1(a)(3) to make information in the label available in a machine-readable format is required for all providers as of October 10, 2024.

NTIA Offers Proposals to Align Federal Broadband Programs

The NTIA released proposals to improve broadband program alignment, in response to a May 2022 Government Accountability Office report finding federal broadband efforts are fragmented and overlapping. NTIA identified areas where congressional or administrative solutions could better align programs, reduce potential for overlap and add needed transparency for applicants and other stakeholders. NTIA suggested:

• Imposing consistent data collection requirements at authorization; continuing to move to common policies
• Imposing reporting requirements on grant recipients in award documents
• Supporting key ongoing federal data collections and the development of new data products
• Supporting a state-federal confidential data exchange ecosystem
• Establishing a deduplication process in a memorandum of understanding

House E&C Holds Hearing on Progress of BEAD Program

Last week, the House E&C Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held the hearing, From Introduction to Implementation: A BEAD Program Progress Report, as an opportunity to hear more about the BEAD program’s implementation, the impact of NTIA’s rules, and select issues such as rate regulation and permitting. INCOMPAS member Tarana Wireless, testified as a witness in the hearing, to answer questions about fixed wireless technology and share how fixed wireless technology advancements help connect customers to broadband quickly and affordably. To watch the hearing, click here.

Briefs Filed in Open Internet Appeal

The FCC filed a brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in the case challenging the 2024 Open Internet Order. It claimed the order found broadband service is best classified as a telecommunications service, not an information service, and the major questions doctrine presents no basis to hold otherwise. Additionally, the FCC said it also lawfully classified mobile broadband as a commercial mobile service. Free Press, et al., filed an intervenor brief in support of the FCC.