Connection MasterHead 600x113
Vol. 10, No. 19 May 19, 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
OPEN INTERNET
AT THE FCC
MEMBER PROFILE
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS

COMPTEL 
PLUS registration opens 
June 10
 
MEMBER NEWS







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

June 2
FCC DEADLINES

July 15 

September 10 

October 6

November 17
CAREER CENTER

Enventis is seeking individuals for several positions, including:



SOCIALIZE WITH COMPTEL

 

@COMPTEL 

@COMPTELPLUS 

@COMPTELADVOCACY
                          

Diamond Rio publicity shot

 
TOP OF THE NEWS
FCC Launches Broad Rulemaking to 
Protect and Promote the Open Internet 
The FCC at its May open meeting last week introduced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking public comment on how best to protect and promote an open Internet. The NPRM poses a range of questions to elicit the broadest range of input from everyone impacted by the Internet, from consumers and small businesses to providers and start-ups. The NPRM: 
  • Proposes to retain the definitions and scope of the 2010 rules, which governed broadband Internet access service providers, but not services like enterprise services, Internet traffic exchange and specialized services. 
  • Proposes to enhance the existing transparency rule, which was upheld by the D.C. Circuit. The proposed enhancements would provide consumers, edge providers and the Commission with tailored disclosures, including information on the nature of congestion that impacts consumers' use of online services and timely notice of new practices. 
  • As part of the revived "no-blocking" rule, proposes ensuring that all who use the Internet can enjoy robust, fast and dynamic Internet access. 
  • Tentatively concludes that priority service offered exclusively by a broadband provider to an affiliate should be considered illegal until proven otherwise. 
  • Asks how to devise a rigorous, multi-factor "screen" to analyze whether any conduct hurts consumers, competition, free expression and civic engagement, and other criteria under a legal standard termed "commercial reasonableness."
  • Asks a series of detailed questions about what legal authority provides the most effective means of keeping the Internet open: Section 706 or Title II. 
  • Proposes a multi-faceted process to promptly resolve and head off disputes, including an ombudsperson to act as a watchdog on behalf of consumers and start-ups and small businesses. 

About this FCC action, COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering said, "The Internet has been a driving force for innovation for more than two decades, generating incredible growth in our economy and delivering significant value to its users. The FCC, under the leadership of both parties, has recognized that these new services, applications and content offerings have been possible as a result of an open Internet."

"We are pleased that the Commission is working to explore new, legally sustainable policies to ensure an open Internet will continue in the U.S.," he added. "As the Commission proceeds, it will be important for the agency to adopt rules that provide certainty to all Internet users and Internet service providers. Such rules must protect against blocking, discrimination and paid prioritization, and offer more transparency in the marketplace for Internet services. These attributes are critical to ensure that the Internet remains an open platform for speech and commerce. COMPTEL and its members are committed to these values, and we look forward to participating in this very important dialogue at the Commission."

AT THE FCC
COMPTEL Files in Support of Rural Call 
Completion Reporting Clarifications
On May 13, COMPTEL filed comments supporting clarification of reporting requirements related to rural call completion. COMPTEL noted that "clarification and guidance are necessary to eliminate the confusion caused by the specific ISUP cause codes and corresponding SIP Response messages included in the Legend of the Reporting Template that the new rules require originating providers to complete and submit to the Commission on a quarterly basis."
 
In a related matter, COMPTEL filed comments supporting Midcontinent Communications' request for a limited, temporary waiver of the FCC's rural call completion reporting requirements. COMPTEL noted it its comments that "Midcontinent's request for waiver underscores the need for Commission reconsideration of its decision to change without notice or warning the definition of small carrier for purposes of exemption from the recordkeeping, data retention and reporting requirements adopted in the above captioned proceeding." 
 
COMPTEL Commends FCC Action to Implement Broadcast Television Incentive Auction 
Last week at its May open meeting, the FCC adopted rules to implement the broadcast television incentive auction.

Following the meeting, COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering said "I commend Chairman Wheeler for his leadership on the Broadband Television Incentive Auction. The Commission has adopted a balanced set of rules that will raise the necessary funds for FirstNet and help our nation achieve its first, nationwide advanced public safety network. In addition, this action will promote competition in the wireless marketplace and ensure a competitive bidding process where companies of all sizes will have an opportunity to acquire the valuable spectrum needed to supply American consumers with the broadband mobile services they desire." 
MEMBER PROFILE
TMI Helps Clients with Regulatory Compliance
Since 1986, Technologies Management Inc. (TMI) has been helping companies identify and comply with state and federal regulations. Understanding that all major business decisions have regulatory implications, TMI helps clients enter new markets efficiently, maintain good standing, and avoid costly mistakes by providing them with quality, scalable resources to help address their regulatory requirements cost effectively.  
 
Visit the COMPTEL website to learn more about TMI.

For more information on submitting a member profile, or updating an existing one, e-mail Gail Norris 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.

May 20             Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting
2 p.m.              Contact Karen Reidy

May 27             Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting 
2 p.m.              Contact Karen Reidy
© 2014. All Rights Reserved.