NARUC Interconnection Resolution Supports Telecom Carriers Rights July 23rd, 2008

I’m happy to report that yesterday the NARUC Telecommunications Committee adopted some important amendments to its interconnection resolution (PDF, see page 36) that are very favorable to our member companies. The amendments reflect the spirited discussion on interconnection rights that USTelecom Vice President for Industry and State Affairs Robert Mayer participated in before the committee on Monday. During the debate, representatives from some CLEC and cable interests pushed to maintain language in the original resolution text that could be interpreted to expand interconnection rights under sections 251 and 252 of the Telecom Act, potentially allowing non-carriers to invoke the assistance of state commissions in obtaining direct interconnection with local carriers.

Robert was very pleased to report, however, that the amendments to the resolution as adopted added and eliminated language here and there that resulted in a resolution that serves only to affirm existing rights for telecom carriers. One critical addition to the resolution states, “[T]his resolution does not address the regulatory classification of telecommunications carriers nor is it intended to influence any proposals to change said classification.”

We’ll have more to report from the NARUC Summer Committee Meetings in Portland as the week continues. And for USTelecom members, be on the lookout Friday for a Crossroads Express In-Depth that will discuss in greater detail the outcome of the meetings and what they mean for your company.

Broadband takes Center Stage at NARUC February 19th, 2008

Broadband was definitely the theme of the afternoon for the telecom folks at NARUC’s winter meeting in D.C. today. USTelecom President and CEO Walter B. McCormick Jr. addressed the Telecom Committee and laid out the potential that broadband offers to consumers. He used some interesting comparisons to show the tremendous financial commitment that service providers have made to deploy broadband. While North American service providers invested nearly $70 billion in communications infrastructure last year alone, when President Kennedy vowed to put a man on the moon, the U.S. spent approximately $10 billion a year (in today’s dollars) in public funds to make that “giant leap for mankind” and complete six Apollo missions. When President Eisenhower set to build a new interstate highway system for the nation, the U.S. spent approximately $20 billion annually over 25 years. These were significant expenses to achieve major objectives for the nation. And today, broadband service providers have made an even larger commitment to deploy broadband across the nation to reach yet another critical goal.

Later in the afternoon, a panel discussion also looked at the benefits of broadband. USTelecom Executive Vice President Regina Hopper showed all that NextGenWeb.org, the association’s broadband site, has to offer. Appearing with Regina on the panel were Graham Richard, former mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who explained how the city used broadband to improve public safety and education; Ray Ramsey, CEO of One Economy, who talked about the group’s efforts to deploy broadband and encourage adoption in low-income, urban areas; and Michelle Robinson from Verizon, who highlighted the educational resources available at the company’s ThinkFinity.org.

Stay tuned for an upcoming vidcast on all of the NARUC highlights.

NARUC Comes to Washington, DC February 15th, 2008

Next week, February 17 – 20, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners will host its winter committee meetings in Washington, DC. The commissioners will be considering a number of resolutions, including forbearance, third-party verification (also known as “slamming”), and pole attachments. Jon Banks, senior vice president for law and policy at USTelecom, will speak on a panel Monday morning on the topic of pole attachments and the need for intermodal parity.On Tuesday at 1:30pm, USTelecom President and CEO Walter B. McCormick will deliver a keynote address to the Telecommunications Committee, underscoring the tremendous importance of encouraging ongoing investment in broadband. USTelecom Executive Vice President Regina Hopper will also appear before the committee on Tuesday afternoon, as part of a panel discussion on how states and localities can help spur broadband growth. Although much of the action in telecommunications law happens in Washington, it’s also important to keep sight of the role state and local governments play in creating a legal and regulatory climate where innovation, investment, and advancement can flourish.

We’ll bring you more information on the NARUC meeting next week.