FCC Collects Comments on IP Transition

Pondering how to make the switch to all-IP world

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/25/2013 4:22:40 PM

Reply comments were being filed Monday on the transition to all-IP networks, including AT&T's request that it be allowed to test regulation-lite, all-IP zones and USTelecom's request that given the competition from those IP services, incumbent LECs should no longer be considered dominant as providers of switched-access service.

In both cases the idea is to reduce deregulation in the face of a changing technology.

The Internet Innovation Alliance, which comprises tech companies building and deploying broadband networks -- Corning, AT&T, Alcatel-Lucent -- not surprisingly said in its filing that AT&T should be permitted to beta test all-IP service. "To continue expanding the array of social and economic benefits for American business and consumers, the Commission should ignore the call of entities seeking to expand legacy regulations in an all-IP world," IIA says.

Public Knowledge does not join the call for light touch regulation. "[T]he FCC should remember that even though the technology is changing the needs of the American people do not," said senior VP Harold Feld. "A framework that serves the interests of consumers is the best way to evaluate proposals for the future of our communications infrastructure."

Public Knowledge also points out that while most commenters on both sides have suggested there be some regulatory backstop to an all-IP network, Comcast does not. Comcast warned about "regulatory slippage into oversight of IP interconnection....[R]equests for regulatory intervention into IP-to-IP interconnection agreements for voice services are premature and likely would prove harmful."

Even the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, of which Comcast is the largest member, does not go as far. "The Commission generally should maintain a light regulatory approach for IP-based retail voice service," NCTA said in its initial filing [it is not filing reply comments] but it should oversee interconnection for the exchange of voice traffic to ensure there is no harmful disruption to competitive providers and their customers as a result of the incumbent LECs' technological transition."