The INCOMPAS 2016 Policy Summit is less than a month away - February 10 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. We are planning an exciting agenda, with prominent keynote speakers and panels on topics such as:

Economic Development: This panel will focus on how polices can encourage investment and will discuss specific policies, including special access, technology transitions, Open Internet and video reform.
The Disruptors, Innovators and Investors: Hear from some of the most innovative companies as they discuss the marketplace dynamics that demand innovation, how their companies engage in this challenging environment, and how disruption relates to the policies that govern various aspects of the communications ecosystem. The panel will touch upon a wide array of issues, including open Internet and video distribution.
The Future of Content: Industry experts will discuss the future of content, with a strong focus on the aspects of delivery, creation, financing and production. The panelists will evaluate how an evolving television model will impact the marketplace, including the investment in, and production value of content, and also will consider consumers' roles in the demand for specific content.
The Congressional Panel on the 1996 Telecommunications Act: This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which ushered in unprecedented economic growth and innovation. Panelists will discuss the law's impact and what comes next.

For more information, visit the Policy Summit website.

INCOMPAS Seeks Speakers for Spring Show in Washington, D.C.

Are you interested in being a speaker at the all-new INCOMPAS Show, which is scheduled for April 10-13 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center near Washington, D.C.? If so, we are now accepting speaker proposals. All proposals are due Monday, February 8.

Registration for The INCOMPAS Show will open Wednesday, January 20. Stay tuned to the newsletter for more details!

FCC Announces Agenda for January 28 Open Meeting

The FCC announced the tentative agenda for its January Open Meeting:

Broadband Progress Report: The Commission will consider the 2016 Broadband Progress Report, examining whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion, pursuant to Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (GN Docket No. 15-191). Download the fact sheet here.
Expansion of Online Public File: The Commission will consider a Report and Order that modernizes the public inspection file rules by requiring cable and satellite TV operators and broadcast and satellite radio companies to post public inspection files on the FCC's online database. (MB Docket No. 14-127).
Improving the Nation's Public Alert and Warning Systems: The Commission will consider an NPRM to strengthen the Emergency Alert System by promoting participation on the state and local levels, supporting greater testing and awareness of EAS, leveraging technological advances, and bolstering EAS security (PS Docket Nos. 15-91, 15-94).

The Open Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 28 at 10:30 a.m. in Room TW-C305 at FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C., and is available live online at www.fcc.gov/general/live.

House to Hold Legislative Hearing

The House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a legislative hearing this week on four communications bills:

H.R. 1301, the Amateur Radio Parity Act;
H.R. 2666, the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act;
H.R. 2669, the Anti-Spoofing Act; and,
The Small Business Broadband Deployment Act.

The hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, January 12 at 10:15 a.m. in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, also will be webcast live at energycommerce.house.gov/.

INCOMPAS Supports TelePacific Petition on Copper Retirement

On January 5, INCOMPAS filed comments supporting a petition by member company TelePacific Communications. The petition sought Commission action to ensure that where the loss of access to retired copper leads to a discontinuance of retail service by a competitive carrier that had been leasing the copper unbundled network element from the incumbent, the Section 251(b) retirement process and the Section 214(a) discontinuance process be harmonized.

Sponsorships Available for February Competitors' Reception

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) will host its Winter Committee Meetings will be held in Washington, DC from February 14-17. COMPTEL is planning to host a Competitors' Reception on February 13. Please note that the Competitors' Reception is not sponsored by NARUC nor is it a part of the meeting agenda.

If your company would like to sponsor, or you have questions, please email Karen Reidy or call 202-296-6650.