News - April 18, 2023

INCOMPAS to CPUC: Promote Competition, Reduce Barriers to Entry and Build Future-Proof Networks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 18, 2023 – Yesterday, INCOMPAS, the internet and competitive networks association, filed comments in response to the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Rulemaking Proceeding regarding the implementation of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.  

“As the leading trade association for competition and innovation, we encourage the CPUC to integrate competition laws as it formulates the rules and policies for implementing the BEAD program,” said INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering. “Without competition, consumers will inevitably incur higher prices and most likely only have one choice of provider. That is why we believe it is necessary to have open access and a wholesale condition as a requirement for serving last mile customers. In addition to promoting a competitive open bid process, it is vital that the CPUC address several barriers to entering the market. From reducing delays in the permitting process, to gaining more access to the public rights-of-way, these barriers pose a direct threat to deployment.”  

“We look forward to working together with California and other state and local governments to ensure this historic amount of funding is allocated to the most resilient and cost-effective networks,” Pickering continued.” “It is critical that this investment bolsters the needs of today while building the networks of tomorrow. Using this money for scalable future-proof networks will ensure this investment is used wisely and will be beneficial for generations to come.”