On July 10, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler published a blog entitled "Advancing Technology Transitions by Protecting Consumers, Competition and Public Safety in an IP World," announcing that tech transitions would be on the agenda for the August 6 Open Meeting.

Following that announcement, COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering said in a press release, "Businesses from across the nation, including small corner shops and national retail chains, have asked the FCC to protect their ability to choose a competitive provider during and after the tech transitions. COMPTEL is proud to have led this effort, and is strongly supportive of Chairman Wheeler and the FCC as it moves forward on a pro-competition tech transitions item this summer. Last year, all five FCC commissioners came together around a set of core values that have guided productive, bi-partisan conversation on the tech transitions, which is critical to our economy, education and public safety."

He added that "[h]istory can light the path to the future. Competitive access to networks, enhanced by the landmark 1996 Telecom Act, has enabled choice, affordability and innovation to break open a communications marketplace. It was competition that launched the IP revolution, and competition that will sit at the core of the FCC tech transitions proceeding. By including reasonably comparable wholesale access provisions in the tech transitions, the FCC will take an important step to ensure competition continues across all technology networks and platforms."

COMPTEL also expressed thanks the thousands of business and consumers who have spoken out on this issue, including hundreds who have written the FCC. The association also commended the work of its coalition partners, including Public Knowledge and dozens of consumer groups, AARP and the Small Business Administration advocates.  And commended the collaboration with trade associations Edison Electric Institute, fuel marketing association SIGMA, The Alarm Industry Communications Committee, Engine, Internet Freedom Business Alliance and the National Association of Convenience Stores, which recently joined with COMPTEL on a letter urging the FCC to move quickly on an order in the tech transitions proceeding.

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.

2 p.m.               Contact Karen Reidy