News - April 12, 2019

INCOMPAS Statement on FCC Action: Warn “Competition Cut Off” Looms

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 12, 2019) – Today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on certain portions a forbearance petition pushed by USTelecom and large incumbent providers including AT&T.

However, the FCC has yet to address the key elements of USTelecom’s forbearance effort that seeks to eliminate statutory provisions that promote competitive markets and fiber deployment across America.

In response to today’s action by the FCC, Chip Pickering, CEO of INCOMPAS, released the following statement:

“While INCOMPAS does not oppose the FCC granting incumbent providers requests on removing duplicate obligations related to pole attachments, it’s time for the FCC to deny, unequivocally, the remaining asks.  USTelecom’s dangerous “competition cut off” puts at risk bi-partisan goals of bridging the digital divide and promoting fiber deployment, broadband and 5G technology across America.

“AT&T is seeking to eliminate tools fiber builders depend on to expand their networks and bring innovative services to parts of the country and to customers the incumbents have ignored.  Americans want faster, more affordable networks, and small businesses cannot afford more of the exorbitant price hikes being forced on them by AT&T and Verizon for business data services.    

“By asking the FCC to cut off competition, the telecom giants are propelling the country to a failed strategy that reeks of the past and taxes the future. We urge the FCC to protect the bridge to broadband and fight for competition.”

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About INCOMPAS
INCOMPAS, the internet and competitive networks association, is the leading trade group advocating for competition policy across all networks. INCOMPAS represents Internet, streaming, communications and technology companies large and small, advocating for laws and policies that promote competition, innovation and economic development. Learn more at www.incompas.org or follow us on Twitter: @INCOMPAS @ChipPickering