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Vol. 10, No. 16 April 28, 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
ON THE HILL
COMPTEL PLUS
AT THE FCC
WEBINAR PROGRAM
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

May 15

FCC DEADLINES

October 6

November 17
CAREER CENTER

Enventis is seeking individuals for several positions, including:






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TOP OF THE NEWS
COMPTEL Comments on House White Paper on "Modernizing U.S. Spectrum Policy"
On April 25, COMPTEL responded to questions posed in the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee white paper on "Modernizing U.S. Spectrum Policy." COMPTEL said that it is "imperative that communications policy, including spectrum policy, ensures that the communications networks serve everyone, promotes competition, and makes certain all consumers have access to advanced services and technologies. These basic principles must apply across all communications platforms to ensure a free, competitive and functioning communications marketplace."

COMPTEL also emphasized "that the wireless and wireline markets are inextricably linked given the growth in applications and services that require tremendous amounts of bandwidth. Furthermore, in the business market, spectrum remains a vital component for the wireline market for network extensions, backhaul and Wi-Fi applications."

To read COMPTEL's full response, click here
COMPTEL PLUS
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.

If you have questions, please email Tracy McDonald or call 202-296-6650.
AT THE FCC
Open Internet and Incentive Auctions on 
Tentative Agenda for May 15 FCC Open Meeting
Last week, the FCC announced its tentative agenda for its May 15 open meeting. Topics expected to be addressed include:
  • Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet: The FCC will consider an NPRM addressing the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals' remand of portions of the Commission's 2010 Open Internet Order and proposing enforceable rules to protect and promote the open Internet.
  • Incentive Auction: The FCC will consider a Report and Order that adopts key policies and rules for the broadcast television spectrum incentive auction, laying the groundwork for an unprecedented, market-driven process for repurposing spectrum for mobile broadband use, and promoting competition and innovation.
  • Mobile Spectrum Holdings: The FCC will consider a Report and Order that modifies the Commission's policies and adopts rules regarding the aggregation of spectrum for mobile wireless services through initial licensing and secondary market transactions to preserve and promote competition.
  • Wireless MicrophonesThe FCC will consider a Report and Order that provides a limited expansion to the class of wireless microphone users eligible for a license. 

The Open Meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in Room TW-C305 at FCC headquarters in Washington, D.C. and will be webcast on FCC.gov/live.  

  

FCC Seeks Comment on Possible Clarifications of
Rural Call Completion Order  

On April 21, the FCC requested comments on whether guidance or additional clarification would assist providers with their filing obligations related to the Rural Call Completion Order.


Specifically, the Commission seeks comment on whether to modify or otherwise provide assistance regarding the criteria described in Appendix C of the Rural Call Completion Order for categorizing certain types of call attempts. The FCC's Public Notice is being issued in response to questions raised in the record regarding the "answered" and "ring no answer" categories of call attempts described in Appendix C, pursuant to delegated authority. These questions raise the possibility that the relevant criteria in Appendix C were inadvertently drafted in a way that fails to reflect the Commission's clear intent, as expressed in the Order.  

 

Comments will be due seven days after publication in the Federal Register.

WEBINAR PROGRAM
Host a Webinar Through the COMPTEL Webinar Program
Whether it's emerging technology, innovative services, better business practices or regulatory issues that may impact the competitive communications industry, the COMPTEL Webinar Program provides companies and subject-matter experts with the opportunity to educate and expand their marketing reach to a broader audience. 
 
The COMPTEL Webinar Program is powered by PGi.  For more information about hosting your own webinar, email Tracy McDonald 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 29           Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting
2 p.m.              Contact Karen Reidy

May 6               Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting 
2 p.m.              Contact Karen Reidy
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