文章基本信息

标题：Group Expected To File Formal Plan Within Two Weeks
期刊名称：Telecom Policy Report
印刷版ISSN：1544-3353
出版年度：2004
卷号：Sept 15, 2004
出版社：Access Intelligence, LLC

Group Expected To File Formal Plan Within Two Weeks

The Intercarrier Compensation Forum (ICF) is very close to having a finalized version of a formal proposal for reforming the interexchange access regime ready for review by the FCC, according to sources close to the group. In fact, one key source intimately involved with the ICF tells TPR a formal proposal could be forthcoming within the next couple of weeks.

Even so, the ICF's proposal, the gist of which was outlined by TPR in its Aug. 18 edition, is expected to generate a great deal of controversy, and probably a legal action by at least one Bell company -- Verizon -- challenging the FCC's authority to alter the intercarrier compensation regime without being directed to do so by Congress.

Even though the ICF's formal proposal isn't on the table yet, Verizon is wasting no time taking issue with it. Among other things, the Bell telco is pushing the FCC to rule that Internet service provider (ISP)-bound traffic is not covered by Section 251 of the 1996 Telecom Act and, therefore, is not subject to the intercarrier compensation rules. Such a ruling would certainly be a boon to Verizon and the other Bells in that the current rules force the Bells to compensate competitive carriers that help the incumbents' customers connect with their chosen ISPs.