Congress Holds Hearings on Open Internet
COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering, commenting on the hearings, said that the association "has long advocated for a legally sustainable approach that establishes bright lines for conduct in the broadband Internet access service marketplace. Today's Congressional hearings demonstrated that the desire for strong rules to protect the open Internet is not divided down party lines. There is clearly bipartisan agreement that oversight is needed to ensure that no single Internet service provider is able to control consumers' access to content."
He added, "We also are encouraged by the statements and the insightful questions from lawmakers about the role of interconnection in the delivery of Internet service. We believe policymakers must ensure that interconnection to the Internet service provider cannot be used to extract tolls for the delivery of content to consumers. This issue also is of great importance to ensuring the Internet remains open to all Americans."
Congressional Leaders Urge FCC to Release Open Internet Text
Following the hearing, leaders on both Committees urged FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to release the text of the draft Open Internet Order ahead of the scheduled vote late next month.
Bipartisan Support for Open Internet
Unscores Need for Strong Policy Actions
COMPTEL Comments on Results of IFBA Open Internet Survey
Last week, the Internet Freedom Business Alliance reported results of a nationwide Open Internet survey, which showed that concerns about monopoly control and content restrictions are of concern to both conservatives and liberals alike. The poll found that 81 percent of all voters, including Republicans, support an open Internet and endorse the key elements of net neutrality rules.
COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering said, "While inside the beltway, many like to divide opinions on the open Internet down party lines, the IFBA's poll confirms that across the country, a majority of citizens - whether they're Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal - are concerned about the power dominant incumbents can wield over the Internet. There is a bipartisan belief that consumers need to be protected from anticompetitive practices, and be assured that no one Internet provider can influence or impede content as Internet service providers. We have already seen examples of how such providers have used their market power to block or throttle access to content or extract access tolls so content is delivered. These actions have made it clear that strong rules are essential to maintaining an open Internet and ensuring that our nation has functioning, competitive free markets."
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TMI to Lead Workshop on Realizing M&A Benefits
On Wednesday, April 15, Technologies Management Inc. (TMI) will lead a free, half-day workshop at the COMPTEL PLUS Business Expo 2015 entitled "Practical Magic - Realizing Ancillary Benefits from Mergers and Acquisitions."
Whether it is a union of major industry players or a small, unheralded transaction, a merger or acquisition has potential advantages that are often delayed or never realized. TMI will bring together experts to examine the practical "downstream" impacts of mergers and acquisitions, help identify the hurdles that make it difficult to realize all the benefits and provide useful suggestions to move the process forward. Sessions include "Defining the Transaction," "The Regulatory Transaction" and "Post-Transaction Synergy."
Register Now and Take Advantage of Early Bird Rates
Register now and you can save a significant amount off regular rates. Early bird registration ends February 13. After registering, make sure you reserve your room at the Gaylord Palms, our host hotel.
Do You Know the Importance of Prospecting?
Learn from Sales Expert Stephan Schiffman at COMPTEL PLUS
"Prospect every day, meet someone and explain what you do and why you do it."
-- Stephan Schiffman
If your sales team is looking for ways to find and sign new customers when traditional approaches fail, you can't miss training led by Stephan Schiffman at the COMPTEL PLUS Business Expo 2015, April 12-15 in Orlando. There Schiffman will lead an interactive, 90-minute training session entitled "Everyone Sells," where he'll share how sales teams can gain greater insights into the needs of their customers, innovative approaches that help seal the sale, and how having the right tools and experience can underscore why the customer should work with your organization.
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Register Today for COMPTEL's February 24
Competition and Innovation Policy Summit
Don't miss out on the chance to hear from leaders in Congress and at the FCC, as well as top industry executives, at the Competition and Innovation Policy Summit, February 24 at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
This signature event brings together the industry with lawmakers and policymakers for discussions about issues and policies of interest to telecom stakeholders today.
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COMPTEL Seeks Sponsors for Competitors' Reception
As you may know, NARUC's Winter Committee Meetings are being held in Washington, D.C., February 15-18. COMPTEL will be hosting a Competitors' Reception on Saturday, February 14, and is seeking sponsors. Please note that the Competitors' Reception is not sponsored by NARUC nor is it a part of the Annual Meeting agenda.
If your company would like to sponsor, or you need additional information, please email Karen Reidy or call 202-296-6650.
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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 27 Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting
February 3 Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting
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