Competitive telecom industry is ‘at a crossroads’ because decisio...
Competitive telecom industry is “at a crossroads” because decisions made by policymakers this year will determine its future, CompTel Pres. Russell Frisby said Thurs. at news briefing. There’s too much focus on Bell company investment and not enough on…
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real innovators, competitive telcos, Frisby said. CompTel has 5 policy objectives for year, he said: (1) Assuring CLECs have access to Bell networks is most important, with CompTel paying particular attention to FCC’s triennial review of policy for unbundled network elements (UNEs). CompTel wants increased availability of unbundled local switching and UNE combinations, he said. FCC’s proposals to set performance standards for UNEs and special access also are key to network access, as is defeat of Tauzin-Dingell bill, Frisby said. (2) Assuring cost-based pricing, with CompTel anxiously awaiting U.S. Supreme Court decision on legality of TELRIC (Total Element Long-Run Incremental Cost) pricing, which it supports. (3) Enforcing rules because without that, “the results of all procompetitive FCC proceedings will be moot.” (4) Providing “reasonable and nondiscriminatory access” to rights-of-way, following up on CompTel’s recommendation last year that uniform process be set. (5) Assuring international market access. CompTel is concerned that “growing number of countries” aren’t complying with trade agreements, he said.