News - February 17, 2021

INCOMPAS Welcomes Bipartisan Broadband Efforts in Congress – Applauds GOP Effort to Streamline and Speed Deployment, Remove Local Roadblocks  

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 17, 2021) – Today the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the need to improve broadband access and availability. In addition, the House Energy and Commerce Republicans introduced a broad package that includes 28 bills focused on promoting public and private investment in internet infrastructure build out.

In response to the introduction of the GOP-led effort, Chip Pickering, CEO of INCOMPAS, released the following statement:

“Bipartisan action to improve broadband infrastructure is welcome news for our economy, job seekers and every American family seeking faster more affordable internet access. We want to thank Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Republican Subcommittee Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) for stressing the need to streamline deployment by removing permitting delays, franchise fees and other local rules for accessing the public rights of way that impact competitors and delay new network growth. This is critical for both fiber and 5G deployment.

“COVID-19 has been a wake up call for small towns and communities across the nation. New networks mean faster speeds and lower prices, and there is no time to delay action.”