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COMPTEL Commends FCC Chairman Wheeler for Focus on Improving Broadband Competition
[September 06, 2014]

COMPTEL Commends FCC Chairman Wheeler for Focus on Improving Broadband Competition


(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 -- The Competitive Telecommunications Association issued the following news release: Today FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler discussed the future of broadband during remarks at an event hosted by 1776, a start-up incubator based in Washington, D.C.



The following statement can be attributed to Chip Pickering, CEO of COMPTEL, the leading trade association for the competitive communications industry: COMPTEL applauds FCC Chairman Wheeler for again underscoring the importance of competition in the broadband market for connecting consumers, driving business and economic growth, spurring greater investments and encouraging continued innovation.

We agree with the Chairman that competition in the current broadband market is not sufficient and that, as the Chairman noted, 'the exercise of uncontrolled last mile power is not in the public interest. This has not changed as a result of new technology.' Whether the infrastructure is copper or fiber, or transmission is via TDM or IP, does not change the need for policies that promote competition and access to the customer via the last mile. Last mile access - regardless of the technology - is an absolute requirement for ensuring a competitive marketplace, and COMPTEL supports the Commission's efforts to address its last mile access policies so competition will flourish.


We also applaud the Chairman recognizing the need to ensure rural Americans are not caught in a new digital divide as broadband speeds increase.

COMPTEL and its members look forward to working with the Chairman and Commission staff to achieve the goals of promoting and protecting competition and ensuring that the U.S. has the most dynamic broadband ecosystem, which reaches every one of its citizens." [Category: Telecommunications] TNS 24HariCha-140906-30FurigayJane-4849583 30FurigayJane (c) 2014 Targeted News Service

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