Incompas (The Internet & Television Association) has been at the forefront of advocating for policies that ensure a free and open internet. This organization plays a critical role in shaping the future of telecommunications, broadband services, and internet policy. By championing fair competition and fostering innovation, Incompas helps to ensure that the internet remains accessible, equitable, and supportive of a thriving digital economy.
1. Defending Net Neutrality
- Core to Incompas’ Mission: Incompas is a strong proponent of net neutrality, the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all internet traffic equally, without discriminating or charging differently by user, content, website, or platform.
- Preventing Corporate Control: They argue that allowing ISPs to prioritize content or services based on payment or other factors would create a tiered internet, stifling innovation and restricting users’ access to diverse content.
- Policy Advocacy: Incompas has been actively involved in advocating for the reestablishment of net neutrality protections in U.S. policy, ensuring that users have unfettered access to the information, services, and applications they choose.
2. Championing Competition and Innovation
- Promoting Fair Competition: One of Incompas’ primary goals is to ensure that the internet remains competitive. The organization fights against monopolistic practices by major ISPs that limit competition and consumer choice. They push for open access to networks and fair regulation that benefits smaller ISPs and encourages market innovation.
- Supporting Small ISPs and Startups: Incompas works to give smaller, innovative companies a chance to thrive in the digital space by advocating for policies that reduce barriers to entry and promote a more competitive telecommunications industry.
- Encouraging Investment in Broadband: The association advocates for policies that encourage the expansion of broadband infrastructure, especially in underserved and rural areas, ensuring equitable access to the internet for all communities.
3. Advocating for Digital Inclusion
- Broadband Access for All: Incompas pushes for the expansion of broadband to all corners of the U.S., particularly rural and underserved areas. They believe that access to reliable, high-speed internet is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare, and civic engagement.
- Affordable Internet for Everyone: Incompas also fights for affordable broadband plans and works to make internet services more accessible to marginalized groups, ensuring that socio-economic status doesn’t prevent access to the modern digital economy.
4. Supporting Open-Access Networks
- Shared Infrastructure: Incompas advocates for open-access broadband networks, where multiple service providers can share infrastructure, allowing for greater competition, reduced costs, and enhanced service quality.
- Municipal Networks: The organization supports efforts by local governments to build municipal broadband networks, which can increase competition and lower prices for consumers. By doing so, municipalities can offer high-speed internet services at affordable rates, directly challenging monopolistic practices by dominant ISPs.
5. Fighting Against Digital Censorship
- Ensuring Free Expression: Incompas is committed to protecting freedom of expression on the internet. This includes fighting against censorship efforts, whether by governments, corporations, or other entities that seek to restrict access to information or silence specific viewpoints.
- Promoting Open Platforms: They support policies that ensure online platforms remain open to all types of content, enabling diverse voices and perspectives to be heard.
6. Policy and Regulatory Advocacy
- Influencing Policymakers: Incompas works with policymakers in Washington, D.C., to shape regulations and laws that protect the open internet. They engage in lobbying, public relations, and grassroots campaigns to ensure that internet policies align with their principles of fairness and innovation.
- Monitoring Legal Developments: The organization closely monitors regulatory developments and challenges that might undermine the open internet, such as efforts to roll back net neutrality or impose overly restrictive regulations on smaller providers.
7. Educating the Public
- Raising Awareness: Incompas is dedicated to educating consumers, businesses, and policymakers about the importance of a free and open internet. They provide resources and updates on the ongoing fight for digital rights, as well as information on how public policy decisions impact internet access, costs, and innovation.
- Collaboration with Other Advocacy Groups: Incompas often collaborates with like-minded organizations to amplify the call for a free and open internet, joining forces with advocacy groups focused on digital rights, privacy, and consumer protections.
8. International Advocacy
- Global Digital Rights: While Incompas primarily focuses on U.S. policy, they are also involved in international efforts to promote a free and open internet. They work with global stakeholders to ensure that the principles of net neutrality, competition, and freedom of expression are upheld worldwide.
- International Standards: The organization helps influence international standards for broadband and telecommunications, advocating for the adoption of policies that foster a free, open, and competitive digital landscape.
Conclusion:
Incompas continues to lead the charge in defending and advocating for a free and open internet, promoting policies that foster innovation, competition, and digital inclusion. Whether through supporting net neutrality, pushing for greater broadband access, or fighting against corporate monopolies, Incompas is at the forefront of ensuring the internet remains a tool for progress, rather than a battleground for corporate control. By prioritizing fair competition, consumer rights, and access to information, Incompas is helping to shape the future of the internet in a way that benefits everyone.