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For Immediate Release Michigan Internet & Telecommunications Alliance Applauds FCC Action
Left to Right, Commissioner Clyburn, Commissioner Copps, Chairman Chairman Genachowski, Commissioner McDowell and Lansing – June 25, 2010 A recent decision by the FCC may start the pendulum of telecommunications regulation swinging in the direction of more competition. On Tuesday, June 22nd, the FCC released a benchmark decision that paves the way for more investment and competition in the commercial telecommunications marketplace. More competition in the telecom wholesale market will help keep costs down for businesses connecting to the Internet, according to John Liskey, spokesperson for the Michigan Internet & Telecommunications Alliance. In its ruling, the FCC found that there was no competition in the telecom business market in Phoenix. The agency set forth a detailed data-based analysis of market power that will help them keep a watchful eye over the incumbent carriers like AT&T and Verizon. Michigan’s competitive telecom companies are thrilled with the ruling because it articulates a realistic analysis to be used by the FCC in future decisions. Previously the FCC was inclined to count cell phone and cable phone competition in the residential market to conclude that meaningful competition existed in all markets, including the business to business (B2B) and high-capacity broadband markets. “This decision acknowledges that there is little competition for the wholesale services that only AT&T or Verizon can provide,” said Liskey, “hopefully policymakers in Michigan will follow suit and recognize that in order for telecom investment to thrive in Michigan, similar policies will need to be adopted.” “The FCC ruling and the agency’s commitment to using similar market-based analysis comes as welcome news for CLECs nationwide,” Liskey concluded. Contact: John Liskey, Michigan Internet & Telecommunications Alliance, 517-913-5109 |
| 915 N. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48906 517-913-5109 |
