Public Knowledge Files PSTN Reply Comments

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Today Public Knowledge filed reply comments in the PSTN transition docket at the FCC. The filing urges the Commission to adopt a framework of fundamental principles to guide the transition to an all-IP phone network. PK's comments explain the importance of building a consumer-focused framework.

The following can be attributed to Harold Feld, Senior Vice President of Public Knowledge:

"The Commission must move forward with a principled framework to ensure that its decisions and actions are all part of one coherent plan and remain focused on achieving the most fundamental goals for our communications network. Instead of trying to arbitrate between various companies' shopping lists, the FCC should remember that even though the technology is changing the needs of the American people do not. A framework that serves the interests of consumers is the best way to evaluate proposals for the future of our communications infrastructure."

PK's comments also note that Comcast has thus far been the only party to propose complete deregulation of the phone network. In contrast, even dominant carriers like AT&T recognize that there must be some level of certainty that our communications system continues to provide a basic level of service and consumer protection.

"Comcast's dismissal of concerns regarding the impact of the transition on core principals underlying our phone network, like service to all Americans, as 'premature' takes the wrong approach to understanding and guiding the PSTN transition. This only emphasizes the need for the Commission to create a framework of fundamental principles to guide this process."

Our reply comments can be found here.