ABOUT THE COALITION

2011 Accomplishments : 2012 Objectives

2011 Accomplishments

  • Bill and keep adopted by FCC as part of intercarrier compensation reform.
  • Accessibility rulemaking – limited FCC interpretation of legislation; advocated deferral of certain issues to further rulemaking.
  • Major FCC filings on access charges, outage requirements, disabilities access legislation; also filed with USTR.
  • Worked with industry associations to address new outage reporting obligations; delayed release of order; narrowed decision.
  • Successful engagement with legislators in Maine, Michigan, Texas and Wisconsin th Texas PUC to forestall VoIP proceeding; also involved with proceedings in Maine (including major filing), Vermont and Wisconsin.
  • Helped forestall potentially harmful legislation in Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
  • Renewed relationships with key trade associations including CDT, CEA, CTIA, TechAmerica, TIA.
  • Revamped and updated website; negotiated purchase of von.org.
  • Coordinated election of new board and officers; Created non-voting membership tier.
  • Re-established relationships with newspapers and trade press.
  • Two successful strategy sessions.
  • Added Vonage and Broadvox as members.
  • Balanced budget.

2012 Objectives

  • FCC VoIP 911 proceeding – forestall application to non-interconnected VoIP and other IP services; engage with NENA.
  • USF reform (high cost/lifeline and link-up) – FCC and legislation -- advocate policies that will facilitate migration to next generation IP networks; limit new fees on VoIP.
  • Intercarrier compensation - minimize exposure of VoIP providers.
  • Work toward federal framework/classification for all forms of VoIP.
  • CALEA - to the extent that new legislation is proposed; forestall application to noninterconnected VoIP and other IP communications.
  • Implementation of disabilities access legislation – limit impact on non-interconnected VoIP and other IP communications.
  • Limit application of state regulations (including state USF) to VoIP in PUC proceedings in California, Wisconsin, Maine, and Vermont - possibly work with NARUC.
  • Increase involvement with state legislative initiatives concerning VoIP; possibly work with NCSL, Verizon.
  • Increase engagement with FCC and Hill staff; trade press and tech reporters.
  • Expand membership; increase group exposure through appearances at conferences, telecom events.
  • Expand website capabilities; gain control of editing functions.
  • Two strategy sessions.