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Vol. 10, No. 15  April 21, 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
COMPTEL PLUS
AT THE FCC
COMPTEL STAFF
IP INTERCONNECTION
CYBERSECURITY
MEMBER PROFILE
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS



For more information about joining COMPTEL, e-mail Kevin Morris or call 202-296-6650.
MEMBER NEWS







For more information about submitting member company news, please contact Gail Norris.
UPCOMING EVENTS

May 6

FCC DEADLINES

October 6

November 17
CAREER CENTER

Enventis is seeking individuals for several positions, including:






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Diamond Rio publicity shot

 
TOP OF THE NEWS
Session Proposals Now Being Accepted for Fall Show
Submission Deadline May 16

If you're a thought leader on business strategies, innovative technologies or regulatory trends that are shaping the future of the competitive communications industry, COMPTEL wants to hear from you.  We are now accepting session proposals for the COMPTEL PLUS Fall 2014 Convention & EXPO, which is scheduled for October 5-8 at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas.

Proposals must be submitted online by no later than Friday, May 16.

Themes under consideration include broadband, cloud, emerging markets, Ethernet, management strategies, network, over-the-top (OTT), sales and marketing, security, telemedicine, wireless, and how proposed policies and laws impact these various topics. To see more details about each of these categories, visit our session proposal page. We also welcome your input on other relevant, thought-provoking and timely topics, panel discussions and case studies that would be of interest to the communications industry.

For your session idea to be considered, you must include the proposed session title, an abstract, a brief description of the timeliness and relevancy of the topic, and bio of the proposed speaker.
 
All proposals must be submitted online to be considered. 
AT THE FCC
COMPTEL Weighs In on E-Rate Modernization
Last week COMPTEL filed comments in the FCC proceeding that focuses on modernizing the E-rate program for schools and libraries.

COMPTEL's comments focus on how the FCC can help ensure that the use of consortia does not unfairly disadvantage recipients or smaller providers. The association urged that the FCC preserve competitive bidding and do everything it can to encourage all eligible providers to bid. 
 
FCC April 23 Open Meeting to Include CAF
On Wednesday, April 23, the FCC will host an open meeting at 10:30 a.m. at Commission headquarters.  On the agenda is an item on the Connect America Fund (CAF), on which the Commission will consider a Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, Order, Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Seventh Order on Reconsideration taking significant steps to continue the implementation of the landmark reforms adopted in the 2011 USF/ICC Transformation Order to modernize universal service for the 21st century. An accompanying Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes measures to update and further implement the framework adopted by the Commission in 2011.
COMPTEL STAFF
Smith Promoted to VP, Conference Services 
Congratulations to COMPTEL's Amy Smith, who last week was promoted vice president, Conference Services. With COMPTEL for almost 14 years, Smith has extensive experience in meeting planning and management. Amy's core responsibilities will focus on producing the twice-annual COMPTEL PLUS Convention & EXPO, as well as special events hosted by the association.
IP INTERCONNECTION
AT&T Appeals Michigan Interconnection Order
Last week AT&T appealed a decision by the Michigan Public Service Commission, in which the PSC required AT&T to file an interconnection agreement that included language for IP-to-IP interconnection. In its appeal, AT&T asks the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan to find that MPSC's decisions violate federal law, reverse the determination made by the MPSC, enjoin enforcement of the provisions, direct reformation of the interconnection agreement consistent with its pleading, and award other relief as deemed proper.
CYBERSECURITY
DOJ, FTC Address Antitrust Concerns About 

Sharing Information on Cyber Threats

Last week, the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission have issued a policy statement on antitrust considerations related to csharing information on cyber threats and cybersecurity.

 

The statement explains the agenices' analytical framework for information sharing and makes it clear that they do not believe that antitrust is - or should be - a roadblock to legitimate cybersecurity information sharing. Cyber threat information typically is very 

technical in nature and very different from the sharing of competitively sensitive information, such as current or future prices and output or business plans, the agencies noted.
MEMBER PROFILE

TNCI Delivers Integrated Solutions Nationwide 

TNCI Operating Company started operation in early 2013, when it combined the network and operations of Trans National Communications, Point One and PacWest Telecom. TNCI offers nationwide integrated communications solutions for business, including Telastic Hosted Voice, local phone service in all 50 states, long distance, multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), dedicated Internet access (DIA) and more. The TNCInet™ Advantage private IP network offers small to medium-sized businesses converged solutions with DIA, integrated voice and dedicated long distance. TNCI also offers an expansive wholesale footprint and services.

 

Visit the COMPTEL website to learn more about TNCI.

For more information on submitting a member profile, or updating an existing one, e-mail Anna Bayer or call 202-296-6650.
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.

April 22           Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting
2 p.m.              Contact Karen Reidy

April 29           Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting 
2 p.m.              Contact Karen Reidy
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