News - January 14, 2021

INCOMPAS Policy Summit to Feature Congressional and FCC Leaders

Virtual Event Taking Place February 8-10 will Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Groundbreaking Telecommunication Act of 1996

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 14, 2021) – INCOMPAS, the internet and competitive networks association, today announced keynotes speakers who will be featured at the 2021 INCOMPAS Policy Summit. A virtual event taking place February 8-10, The 2021 INCOMPAS Policy Summit will offer insights on the most pressing tech topics, and look ahead to the agenda impacting the communications sector, including broadband deployment and access, 5G, Section 230, net neutrality and E-rate. The summit also will include a celebration of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which will mark 25 years of competition laws that launched the internet age. 

Keynote speakers include:

• Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) – A fierce advocate for competition, Markey authored the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996 during his time in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served for 20 years as Chair or Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, where he fostered the growth of new information technologies and was the principal author of many of the laws now governing our nation’s telephone, broadcasting, cable television, wireless, and broadband communications systems. After representing Massachusetts in the House for 37 years, Markey was elected to the Senate in 2013. He is currently a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, offering his expertise as a leader on telecommunications policy, technology and privacy.
   
• Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) – Now serving his 17th full term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Pallone, in 2019, was sworn in as the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues pertaining to energy, environment, healthcare, commerce and telecommunications. 
   
• Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) – Since 2007, Latta has served the people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee where he plays an intricate role in crafting the nation’s energy, telecommunications, environment, healthcare, and interstate commerce policy. Latta is Republican Leader of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where he advocates for policies that help consumers, grow our economy, and spur innovation. 
   
• FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr – Carr is leading the FCC's work to modernize the infrastructure rules governing the buildout of 5G and other next-gen networks. His reforms are predicted to cut billions of dollars in red tape and have already accelerated 5G builds, helping to bring more broadband to more Americans. By updating our country's infrastructure rules, he's helped extend U.S. leadership in 5G and ensured that rural America has a fair shot at next generation connectivity. Carr is also leading an FCC telehealth initiative, which is designed to drive down healthcare costs while improving outcomes for veterans, low-income, and rural Americans.