The Federal Communications Commission's  Wireline Competition Bureau  extended the deadline for filing reply comments in the Rural Call Completion rulemaking by two weeks to Tuesday, June 11.  The Bureau granted this extension in response to a request filed by the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA), to ensure that all parties have sufficient time to consider and respond to the initial comments without unduly delaying the proceeding.   

Registration opens June 3 for the COMPTEL PLUS Fall 2013 Convention & EXPO, which is taking place Monday, September 23 through Thursday, September 26 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. By taking advantage of early bird rates, which run through July 12, you can save up to $330 off the regular registration costs. 

 

Prime Exhibit Spaces and Sponsorships Still Available

If you're looking for a way to get your company noticed by more than 2,000 communications industry leaders, don't miss the opportunity to exhibit or sponsor at COMPTEL PLUS: 

• Exhibit - COMPTEL PLUS attracts a diverse, expanding mix of attendees, with almost half who are senior-level decision makers. By exhibiting at COMPTEL PLUS, you can get the undivided attention of these individuals. Prime exhibit spaces are moving fast. Visit the COMPTEL PLUS website for more information regarding exhibiting, email Rick Ardalan or call 202-296-6650 or email David Gerhardt or call 312-265-9664.
• Sponsor - By becoming a sponsor at COMPTEL PLUS, your company can stand out from the crowd. In addition, sponsors can improve their chance of securing a meeting room, save money on exhibit costs, and obtain conference passes and content space in the conference program guide. Information on available sponsorships and more is on the COMPTEL PLUS website. For questions, email Amy Smith or call 202-296-6650.

On May 21, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held two hearings on cybersecurity. 

The first hearing, entitled "Cyber Threats and Security Solutions," examined steps the Federal government and the private sector are
taking to bolster the security of the nation's critical infrastructure and mitigate exposure to cyberattacks. The hearing also focused on the President's Executive Order to improve critical infrastructure cybersecurity, including the latest on its implementation and the Administration's development of a voluntary cybersecurity framework

The second hearing focused on "Cybersecurity: An Examination of the Communications Supply Chain." During this hearing, witnesses discussed the challenges in securing the communications supply chain, what steps industry is taking, and what role standards organizations, public-private partnerships, and the government might play.

Last week, the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau provided guidance regarding the 2013 Lifeline recertification process.  The Bureau clarified that all active Lifeline subscribers enrolled or recertified in a calendar year must be recertified the next calendar year and in every calendar year thereafter.  The Bureau also described the process by which eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) can elect to have the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) perform the recertification process.