COMPTEL Connection -- August 10, 2015

On August 6, the FCC voted to uphold and preserve competition - a longstanding bi-partisan principle - as the nation's networks continue to evolve to IP-based networks.

In response to the FCC's action in the tech transitions proceeding, COMPTEL CEO Chip Pickering said that this "is a win for competition, and a win for the future of new networks. Upholding competition policy, regardless of network technology, will serve as the catalyst for new network deployment, better customer service and continued innovation."

He noted that IP-based technology, which can be delivered over copper or fiber, was the result of innovations by competitive broadband providers seeking to disrupt the 100-year-old telephone network. "Competition is a proven, free market force that drives prices down and investment up. A return to rates regulated by monopoly rents and consolidated market power would be bad for consumers, business and investment. The results of the FCC's competition first approach, applied in the tech transitions Order, are evident in recent commercial agreements taking place in the business market."

Pickering gave credit to Chairman Wheeler and the entire FCC for their leadership and thoughtful approach to the technology transitions, in response to concerns raised by a broad coalition that wanted to ensure that competition was preserved while vital public safety measures were set in place. The coalition included consumer groups, small business advocates, trade associations representing a wide range of industries, businesses of all sizes, schools, hospitals and governments offices that depend on affordable access to essential services provided by broadband. In fact, more than 11,000 people signed a petition to the FCC calling for more broadband choice in recent weeks.

"Today's victory validates their efforts while creating momentum for the future action that will finally allow competition to break the last mile barricade," Pickering added. "For the broadband marketplace to achieve the same level of competition in other markets, such as wireless and over-the-top, completion of the long-delayed special access proceeding must be the next step forward for the competition agenda. Attacks on the tech transitions competition order from incumbent telecom providers simply echo their monopoly roots. [The FCC's decision] represents a blow to protectionist policy, and we encourage our incumbent friends to turn away from the playbook of the past and embrace a future driven by new networks. This will both open and grow new markets."

To read Pickering's full statement, visit the COMPTEL website.

#STOPBOB

BOB (Big Old Broadband) stopped by COMPTEL headquarters last week. COMPTEL staff told him to take a hike. #StopBOB.

COMPTEL PLUS

Start Your Networking at COMPTEL PLUS, Oct. 18-21

Don't miss this year's best opportunity to meet other communications professionals and close the deals that will make an impact for your business. Join us October 18-21 in San Francisco for the COMPTEL PLUS Fall 2015 Business Expo, where you will have an exclusive opportunity to mix, mingle and make deals.

Bring Your Pen...You'll Need it to Sign Contracts
We have designed the event in a way that encourages meaningful business exchanges that can lead to lucrative deals. You'll be able to interact with vendors from every segment, subject-matter experts and industry peers. Whether your goal is to strengthen existing relationships or to develop new ones, COMPTEL PLUS is an event that you simply can't afford to miss.

Maximize Your Experience at COMPTEL PLUS
Take advantage of some of the unique features that COMPTEL PLUS has to offer:

Expo Hall - The central point to meet with new and existing contacts, and learn about the latest technologies and services.
Deal Center - Located in the expo hall, the Deal Center is a comfortable place where you can schedule meetings to catch up with potential business partners.
Business PLANner - This online tool, which will be available on September 8, enables you to look at the pre-registered attendee list and invite key prospects to meet with you at the show.

Stay at the Official COMPTEL PLUS Hotel for Convenient Access.
Book your hotel room at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, the official host hotel for COMPTEL PLUS. Make your reservation before September 23 to receive the COMPTEL preferred rate!

Register today for this highly anticipated networking event.

Follow us! #COMPTELFall15

WEBINAR PROGRAM

GSAssociates to Host Free Webinar with OneBill on

"Billing, Taxation and Compliance - Why Outsource?"
If your company is a complex subscription business, you likely have challenges and concerns around revenue management, taxation and compliance. Working these issues in-house may not result in the performance improvements you desire.

Join Matt LaHood, CEO of COMPTEL member GSAssociates, LLC, and OneBill Software's Founder and CEO JK Chelladurai and CSO Anna Kennedy for a webinar, illustrating the benefits of outsourcing these activities and how it can reduce pressure on your billing and taxation department.

During the webinar - entitled "Billing, Taxation and Compliance - Why Outsource?" - you will learn:

How to reduce risk and cost in your back office;
What full-lifecycle revenue management can offer to close the gaps and improve your metrics;
How to understand your taxation footprint and work towards compliance - quickly; and
How outsourced solutions can streamline operations, reduce risk and maximize revenue and margins.

The FREE, live webinar will take place on August 26 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. To register, click here.

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.

August 11 Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting

2 p.m. Contact Karen Reidy

August 18 Regulatory/Legislative Committee Meeting

2 p.m. Contact Karen Reidy