The summit also will feature panel conversations about the future of competitive broadband, new networks, video, streaming and over-the-top content. Participants include policy leaders from Netflix, Amazon, Twitter, Uber, Level 3, EarthLink and a Writers Guild of America, West (WAGW) member who is writer-producer Netflix original series, "Narcos."

"The INCOMPAS Policy Summit is an opportunity to showcase the future of competition and celebrate 20 years of policies enshrined by Telecommunications Act of 1996 that has helped give birth to innovation, new networks and start-ups," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering.

For more information, visit the Policy Summit website.

INCOMPAS Praises Wheeler's Plan to End Set Top Box Monopoly

In a blog last week, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler announced his intention to begin a process that could finally bring an end to the cable monopoly of the set top box marketplace.

"It's time to unlock the set top box and let competition stream in. Chairman Tom Wheeler's action will give consumers the power to choose their own device, access new content and save money. It's a triple play that the cable companies will hate, but fans and creators of award-winning streaming programming will love. We can't truly realize the golden age of television while consumers are stuck watching TV on the set top box of the past," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering in a statement. "This is an issue of consumer freedom vs. cable control. No consumer wants their streaming content blocked or barricaded by the cable company. You shouldn't have to switch remotes to watch your favorite over-the-top shows. By ending monopoly control and breaking open the set top box market, Chairman Wheeler and the FCC have the power to present a free market solution for video devices that will bring both competition and innovation and more video choice to consumers."

INCOMPAS Files Comments in Special Access Proceeding

On January 27, INCOMPAS filed comments with the FCC in the competitive broadband access proceeding, also known as special access. Praising Chairman Tom Wheeler and the FCC for their commitment to moving a data collection effort and policy reform process that has been delayed more than a decade, INCOMPAS stressed that ensuring competitive access to customer locations and cell sites is critical to both the future of wireless networks and the businesses who depend on high-capacity broadband connections.

"Ensuring broadband competition has a broad economic impact in helping businesses large and small, schools, hospitals and nonprofit organizations operate and grow through secured managed services, cloud computing and connection to the Internet. Every American who relies on a wireless connection for an Uber ride, buying lunch or
connecting with friends on Twitter and Snapchat has a dog in the fight for promoting wireless competition and innovation via special access," said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. "The FCC and Chairman Tom Wheeler deserve praise for their incredible work in moving the data collection and policy reform process forward. After more than a decade of delay, this data will help policy makers look at the market from the consumer's perspective, rather than the incumbents' portrayal that does not tell the true story. Hundreds of business customers and trade associations representing start-ups and over 150,000 gas stations and convenience stores have called on the FCC to protect and
preserve competition for future networks. Competition drives innovative and affordable products, as well as better customer service for businesses and consumers."

Tackle Your Business Needs in One Place: The INCOMPAS Show

The INCOMPAS Show is where you can tackle all your business needs in one place. Establish new contacts and learn about new industry products and services April 10-13, 2016, in Washington, D.C.

This year, all show activities will take place in the Expo Hall - making it easier than ever to return home with new deals, contracts and contacts.

Meet old friends and build new connections in the Expo Hall
Establish lasting business relationships in the Deal Center
Learn from industry leaders in breakout sessions and panel discussions
Grow your network through a variety of formal and informal networking events

Register Today!

Early bird registration rates for The INCOMPAS Show are available until Friday, February 12.

If you want to be where the action is, be sure to book your room at our host hotel, the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center. In order to qualify for our exclusive room rates, you must first be registered for The INCOMPAS Show.

Interested in Speaking?

If so, we are now accepting speaker proposals. All proposals are due next Monday, February 8.

FCC Releases Broadband Report

At its open meeting last week, the FCC released its 2016 Broadband Progress Report. The report noted that while the nation has made significant progress in broadband deployment, 34 million Americans still lack access to broadband meeting today's benchmark speeds of 25 Mpbs for downloads/3 Mbps for uploads.

The report also finds that a persistent digital divide has left approximately 40 percent of the people living in rural areas and on Tribal Lands without access to service at the FCC's speed benchmark. In addition, while connectivity for schools has greatly improved since the FCC began
modernizing its E-rate program, 41 percent of schools have not yet met the FCC's short-term goals for connectivity capable of supporting digital learning applications. For these reasons, the 2016 report concludes that broadband is not being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion.

FCC Releases Tentative Agenda for February Open Meeting

The FCC has released the tentative agenda for its February 18 Open Meeting:

Promoting Diverse and Independent Programming: Notice of Inquiry that seeks comment on the current state of programming diversity and the principal obstacles that independent programmers face in obtaining carriage on video distribution platforms.
Expanding Consumer Choice: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on a framework for providing innovators, device manufacturers and app developers the information they need to develop new technologies to access video content.

The meeting will take place at FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C. at 10:30 a.m. ET.

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, D.C., from February 14-17. INCOMPAS 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.