Comptel’s “so-called ‘managerial framework'” for copper retirement and...

Comptel’s “so-called ‘managerial framework'” for copper retirement and IP interconnection would stand in the way of the “market-led progression to IP interconnection voice traffic” and would “prejudge” the FCC special access proceeding, Verizon told the agency in a filing posted Wednesday to docket 13-5 (http://bit.ly/1rhGGyj). Comptel’s framework (CD April 3 p18) would “harm consumers and impede the transition to IP-based networks,” Verizon said. Comptel’s “radical” request that the FCC suspend its copper retirement rules would reverse “long-settled policies” that have encouraged facilities-based broadband investment and competition, Verizon said. The telco is “at the forefront” of IP VoIP interconnection agreements, and “the only thing standing in the way” of such agreements is certain providers’ “unwillingness” to pursue arrangements on “commercially reasonable terms,” Verizon said. “The Commission should reject Comptel’s continuing unsupported and unsupportable claims, and it should let its proceedings follow their normal course in order to reach data-driven decisions that encourage investment in next generation IP-based broadband networks."