ChannelVision Magazine

single, flat-rate price, the kiosk offers everything exhibitors need: branding, TV monitor, electric, chairs, set-up and tear- down. Traditional 10’ x 10’ booth space is also available. Special packages also are available for first-time exhibitors. INCOMPAS members receive a number of benefits during The IN- COMPAS Show, from savings on reg- istration to discounts on exhibits and sponsorships. Additionally, in 2018, INCOMPAS introduced a new mem- bership category – Marketplace Mem- bership – that is designed for vendors and providers of professional services. The Marketplace Membership is of- fered for a flat-rate of $5,000, of which $2,500 can be used as a credit toward participation in the show. The Impact ofAdvocacy Representing competitive broad- band companies that are building networks of the future and offering the services that are offered over those networks, INCOMPAS advocates for pro-competition and pro-innovation policies in Congress, at the White House, in the Courts and at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For most Americans, broadband com- petition can’t come soon enough. Two- thirds of Americans have at best only two choices for high-speed broadband at home, while more than 40 percent have only one choice. One of our highest priorities in 2018 is speeding the deployment of broadband, including fiber, small cells and 5G networks. Recently, the FCC adopted the Wireless Infrastructure Streamlining Order. INCOMPAS was an early and vocal supporter of the Order, which will reform the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to exempt new small cell deployments. This Order is predicted to save $1.56 billion – an amount that would cover the deploy- ment of 55,000 new cell sites and cre- ate 17,000 new jobs. The race to 5G is a national priority, critical to economic growth and our nation’s security. This Order is a necessary first step, and will lead to more Americans, in more plac- es, having access to faster, more af- fordable high-speed broadband. It will also fuel the innovation of new tech- nologies, like the Internet of Things. Network Deployment Ultimately, driving a bi-partisan network deployment agenda forward in both Congress and at the FCC is criti- cal for the future. To reach these goals, INCOMPAS supports the swift adop- tion by the FCC of an One Touch, Make Ready process for pole attachments – as its Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC) has recommended – which will result in deployment of at- tachments safely, more efficiently and expeditiously than current processes. As the BDAC concluded, this process should be applicable across all juris- dictions and for all entities. We also support prompt action by the FCC to address certain aspects of the permit- ting processes of state and local gov- ernments, which can have a substantial impact on deployment plans. Addition- ally, INCOMPAS supports the Dig Once Act, formally the Broadband Conduit Deployment Act, recently introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and David McKinley (R-VA), which will require all new federally funded roads to include broadband conduit. Equally important, INCOMPAS has called for an end to building and condo monopolies that lock up customers and lock out broadband competition. More than 30 percent of Americans live in multi-dwelling units, and they deserve more choices and lower prices. The FCC looked into the issue last year but should take additional ac- tion to bring broadband competition to apartment buildings nationwide. INCOMPAS has been heartened by the inclusion of dedicated funds for broadband deployment in various spending and infrastructure bills in 2018. However, any new government initiatives intended to spur deployment must encourage investment and inno- vation from new companies seeking to get into the game. Infrastructure in- vestments cannot devolve into a gov- ernment subsidy fund for the largest, incumbent providers. Bringing com- petition to broadband means a level playing field where innovation and customer service wins the day – be it from an incumbent or a new, competi- tive provider. Net Neutrality INCOMPAS believes broadband competition and open internet policies go hand in hand. Strong net neutrality principles have launched a streaming revolution. In last year alone, more than 22 million Americans cut the cord, and competitive content companies pumped $15 billion into creating original content. During the FCC’s reconsideration of its Open Internet policy framework, and in certain mergers, INCOMPAS has been the leading voice for consumer unfettered access to the content and services they love. Strong net neutral- ity policies have brought more choice, faster speeds and lower prices. Main street businesses are migrating to the cloud in record numbers. INCOMPAS supports the no blocking, no throttling and no paid prioritization rules that were enshrined in the 2015 Open In- ternet Order, as well as interconnection practices that are just and reasonable. Our members have come together to support the Open Internet based on their common interest in ensuring that consumers have access to this trans- formational platform. INCOMPAS plans to challenge the FCC’s repeal of the Open Internet rules and is also working in Congress toward a permanent legis- lative solution to save net neutrality. There will be plenty of other items on Washington’s agenda in 2018 that will help achieve our ultimate goal of promot- ing competition and innovation across all types of networks. INCOMPAS remains diligent in holding policymakers account- able to these goals. Policies that speed deployment, without sacrificing competi- tion, are the key to long-term investment in the networks of the future. For more information about how your company can get involved – from supporting INCOMPAS public policy advocacy to networking at The INCOM- PAS Show or throughout the year with other members – visit www.incompas. org or email info@incom- pas.org. o Chip Pickering is CEO of INCOMPAS. March - April, 2018 | Channel Vision 71