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TOP OF THE NEWS
"The communications industry is at a crossroads, and the future of competitive policy is at stake. The FCC and Congress are beginning to actively debate new policies and legislation that will have a direct bearing on the competitive marketplace," Pickering said. "During the CEO Breakfast, we want to start an interactive discussion with industry leaders, to examine the key issues under consideration now in Washington, D.C., explain how changes could impact their business strategies, and discuss the ways in which we can work together to ensure that robust, competitive markets continue to grow and flourish to the benefit of consumers and our economy."
Pickering will outline the challenges and opportunities in today's policy environment - including the technology transition, last mile access, IP interconnection, E-Rate and Lifeline reform, the recent court decision on open Internet access, and Congressional action on new telecommunications legislation, cybersecurity and data privacy. He also will explain COMPTEL's role in advocating for pro-competitive policies and laws, and what industry leaders can do to assist in these efforts.
CEO Breakfast attendees also will have time to network with other top executives of COMPTEL member companies at the breakfast and throughout the convention. To see our full C-Level Executive Agenda, please visit the COMPTEL PLUS website.
For more information about the CEO Breakfast, please e-mail Tracy MacDonald or call 202-296-6650.
Have You Registered for COMPTEL PLUS Yet?
There is still time to save on registration to COMPTEL PLUS by taking advantage of our discounted rates. Register today, and then book your room at our host hotel, the Aria.
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AT THE FCC
FCC Jan. 30 Meeting to Address Technology Transition
The Federal Communications Commission will hold an open meeting this Thursday, January 30, where it will consider a Report and Order, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry that invites diverse technology transitions experiments to examine how to best accelerate technology transitions by preserving and enhancing the values consumers have come to expect from communication networks. Additionally, the FCC will receive a presentation from the Staff Working Group on Process Reform at the FCC.
Other items on the agenda includes a policy statement and FNPRM on facilitating the deployment of text-to-911 and other next generation 911 applications, and seeks comment on proposals for widespread implementation and achievement of those goals; and an update on the timeline and project plan for the broadcast television incentive auction.
COMPTEL Meets with FCC General Counsel on Technology Transition Issues
On January 17, COMPTEL met with Jon Sallet and Stephanie Weiner of the FCC's Office of the General Counsel to discuss the negative impact to business consumers if the FCC does not revisit its last mile access policies as the industry transitions from using TDM to IP technology. COMPTEL pointed out that the vast majority of competition in the business market comes from traditional CLECs that rely, to a substantial extent, on the competitive provision of the Act in providing consumers the services they need. Robust competition is needed to encourage carriers to address the unique needs, circumstances and problems faced by small to medium-sized businesses. Moreover, COMPTEL explained that wholesale last mile access at just, reasonable terms and conditions is also needed for business customers with multiple locations, that want a single, competitive provider.
COMPTEL Responds to Petition Regarding Declaratory Ruling on Cable One's Phone Service
Last week, COMPTEL submitted comments in response to the FCC's Public Notice seeking comment on a petition for declaratory ruling filed by Union Electric Company (dba Ameren), which requests the Commission to issue a declaratory ruling that the VoIP service offered over Cable One's attachments is a "telecommunications service" for purposes of determining the appropriate pole attachment rental. COMPTEL said that since the classification of interconnected managed VoIP services has been a point of dispute in a number of other proceedings, as well as this one, it would benefit the industry greatly for the FCC to confirm that managed VoIP services, such as the one offered by Cable One, are "telecommunications services."
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NARUC
Competitors' Reception Scheduled for Feb. 8
Prior to NARUC Winter Committee Meeting
COMPTEL and its sponsors invite you to attend the popular Competitors' Reception before the NARUC Winter Committee Meeting. The reception is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Penn Quarter Room at the Renaissance Washington, D.C., Downtown Hotel.
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MEMBER BENEFITS
Last Chance to Register for January 29 Webinar on
New HR Solutions Offering from UNITEL
 Tuesday is the last day to register for the webinar on a new COMPTEL member's only benefit: UNITEL HR Solutions, an innovative human resources advisory service.
COMPTEL members are invited to join UNITEL Insurance account executives Carl Zeutzius and Mike Reed for a live webinar on Wednesday, January 29 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. The webinar will provide members with an opportunity to learn more about how UNITEL's outsourced HR advisory service can reduce costs and overall risk related, and ask questions about the program.
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MEMBER PROFILE
Wolfe Customizes High-Performance Business Solutions
 In operation since the mid-1990s, Wolfe provides businesses across the U.S. with customized network solutions. The company offers high-performance, innovative fiber-based Ethernet and Internet solutions to help meet business connectivity needs, including Ethernet Transport Service, Metro E, VPLS, IPVPN and Wolfe Business Internet. Wolfe's services include blazing fast speeds from 10 Mb/s to 100 Gb/s; a reliable, secure connection; and scalable, customized solutions.
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COMMITTEE MEETINGS
All COMPTEL Committee meetings are held at the Association's headquarters, 1200 G St NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20005, unless otherwise noted. All times listed are Eastern. For more information, call 202-296-6650.
January 28 Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting
February 4 Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting
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