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For Immediate Release
August 5, 2005 |
Media Contact: Jon Yarian
of the Pinkston Group
CompTel PR Representative
(202) 296-6650
(202) 296-7585 |
CompTel Comments on FCC Wireline Broadband NPRM
WASHINGTON, DC - August 5, 2005 - CompTel, the leading U.S. industry association representing competitive communications providers, commented on action taken today by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to no longer require local telephone operators to provide wireline broadband access services to independent Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The decision has no impact on Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) access to Unbundled Network Elements, special access or interconnection.
The following statement may be attributed to Earl W. Comstock, President and CEO of CompTel:
"Chairman Martin has demonstrated considerable skill and diplomacy in crafting a bipartisan consensus in this order."
"According to the FCC, today's action has no impact on CompTel's carrier members. CompTel appreciates in particular that the final order will include measures to ensure continued competitive access to facilities and provides a transition period for ISP access and USF funding. The Chairman and his Democratic colleagues worked hard to address issues of concern to CompTel members. While we look forward to working with Chairman Martin and the Commission to ensure the intent of this order is fulfilled, CompTel remains concerned that the regulatory classification decisions in this order will ultimately frustrate the Commission's stated goals and result in less innovation, higher prices, and fewer jobs for Americans."
"We look forward to release of the FCC's order, and we will have further comment when we can evaluate the full text."
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With more than 350 members, CompTel is the leading industry association representing competitive facilities-based telecommunications service providers, emerging VoIP providers, integrated communications companies, and their supplier partners. CompTel members are building and deploying IP and other packet based networks to provide competitive voice, data, and video services in the U.S. and around the world. The association, based in Washington, D.C., includes companies of all sizes and profiles, from next generation network operators to small, entrepreneurial companies. CompTel members share a common objective: to create and sustain true competition in the telecommunications industry. For more information, call CompTel at 202/296-6650.
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