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TOP OF THE NEWS
FCC Releases Special Access Order, FNPRM
On December 18, the FCC released its special access report and order and further notice of proposed rulemaking (FNPRM). In the order, the FCC requires providers and purchasers of special access service and certain other services to submit data, information and documents for the Commission to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of competition in the special access market. In the FNPRM, the FCC proposes and seeks comment on a market analysis to assist it in evaluating whether the pricing flexibility rules result in just and reasonable special access rates and what regulatory changes may be needed. The Commission also seeks comment on how the special access pricing flexibility rules might change after they conduct the market analysis; what steps the Commission should take where relief has been provided under existing rules and where the data and analysis demonstrate that competition is not sufficient to discipline the marketplace; and, data and information on the terms and conditions offered by incumbent LECs for special access services.
In a statement after the order was released, COMPTEL CEO Jerry James said, "We are encouraged that the Commission is undertaking this data collection and it is moving forward to address the flawed framework that has been in place for the special access market. Special access is a multi-billion dollar market through which valuable communications services are provided to numerous other industries, and is used by wireless carriers for critical backhaul services. COMPTEL will continue to work with the Commission as it collects and analyzes this data so that the necessary changes can be made to ensure that businesses across America can continue to benefit from competition and the innovative broadband services our members provide. We hope that the data collection and FNRPM leads to rapid, fact-based evaluation and correction of special access market failures. We agree with Commissioner Clyburn that the 'industry and the consumers impacted have waited long enough" for resolution of these issues."
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AT THE FCC
COMPTEL Meets with Commission on PSTN Transition
On December 13, COMPTEL met with Michael Steffen of the FCC Chairman's Office; Sean Lev, the Commission's General Counsel; and Rebekah Goodheart of the Wireline Competition Bureau, to discuss the transition of the PTSN to IP technology. COMPTEL also met separately with Christine Kurth from Commissioner McDowell's office and Nicholas Degani from Commissioner Pai's office.
In its ex parte about the December 13 meeting, COMPTEL said that it is looking forward to working with the Commission as it actively oversees the details of the transition in technology and it is hopeful that the task force will facilitate the industry moving forward to a packet-based PSTN.
During the meeting COMPTEL underscored that, "in order to be successful, the Commission should start by pronouncing that the competitive provisions of the Act apply and will be enforced regardless of the technology. The focus should be updating the competitive rules to reflect the technological changes." COMPTEL also noted that there is nothing about this change in technology that changes the market power of AT&T and Verizon. In order to ensure that, while the technology moves forward, the market doesn't move backward to a time when consumers lacked competitive choice, it is important for competitive rights in two critical respects be preserved for the next generation facilities: interconnection and last mile access.
USTelecom Seeks Ruling that ILECs Are
Non-Dominant in Switched Voice Services On December 19, USTelecom petitioned the FCC to rule that ILECs are non-dominant carriers in switched voice services. In response, COMPTEL commented that "clearly USTelecom has recognized that its forbearance petition filed in February is flawed, and this is simply another attempt by the large incumbent telcos to free themselves from consumer protections designed to curb their abuse of market power. The petition for declaratory ruling filed today is based on the false premise that the PSTN is going away, when in fact it is only the underlying technology that is evolving. The change in technology does not change the fundamental market power of AT&T and Verizon."
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COMPTEL PLUS
Spring Golf Tournament Registration Now Open
The COMPTEL PLUS Spring 2013 Golf Tournament will tee off Sunday, March 10, 2013, at the Desert Pines Golf Club. Known as Las Vegas' "top strategic" course, Desert Pines was recognized as one of the best upscale courses in the country by Golf Digest and was selected as a host course by the Golf Channel for the very popular "Big Break II." It also ranked in the 2009 Golf Digest Readers Choice Top 50 Public Courses in the country.
You must be registered for the COMPTEL PLUS Spring 2013 Convention & EXPO to participate in this tournament. Golf registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Entry fee is $160 per person. The entry fee includes greens fees and cart, coffee and breakfast, lunch and prizes. Rental golf clubs are available for $55.
Prizes will be awarded for "Closest to the Pin" (two winners), "Longest Drive" (men's and women's) and First- and Second-Place teams.
If you are interested in golf tournament sponsorhips, e-mail Amy Smith or call 202-296-6650. Register Early and Book Hotel for COMPTEL PLUS Spring
Show Scheduled for March 10-13 at Aria Resort in Las Vegas
Sign up now to attend and take advantage of considerable savings off the regular rates for full conference or networking passes. If you're not already a member, join COMPTEL and enjoy additional savings off registration and exhibit fees. For more information on membership, e-mail Kevin Morris.
Hotel rooms at the Aria Resort are selling quickly too! Visit the COMPTEL PLUS website for more information on rates and to reserve your room.If you need a hotel room block of 10 or more rooms, please e-mail Amy Smith at 202-296-6650.
Warning about Unaffiliated Hotel Booking Firms
Recently it was brought to our attention that a firm operating under the name of Global Housing Management (GHM) has contacted exhibitors and other potential COMPTEL PLUS attendees soliciting credit card information to assist with booking prepaid hotel accommodations for the COMPTEL PLUS Spring 2013 Convention in Las Vegas. Neither Global Housing Management nor any other third party travel agency or hotel booking service is affiliated with COMPTEL or COMPTEL PLUS. We strongly urge you NOT to provide your credit card or other business or personal information to this company and to book your reservations for the COMPTEL PLUS Spring 2013 Convention directly with the Aria Resort & Casino.
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MEMBER PROFILE
Voce Telecom Delivers Exceptional Experience
 In business since 2008, Voce Telecom is a facilities-based long distance company that services both wholesale and retail long distance accounts. The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company attributes its success to its employees, who give Voce's customers an experience that is better than other long distance companies, resulting in very low churn and the ability to successfully cross-sell additional services.
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COMMITTEE MEETINGS
All COMPTEL Committee meetings are held at the Association's headquarters, 900 17th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20006, unless otherwise noted. All times listed are Eastern. For more information, call 202-296-6650.
January 8 Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting 2 p.m. Contact Karen Reidy January 15 Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting 2 p.m. Contact Karen Reidy
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© 2013. All Rights Reserved.
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