Comptel backed the Michigan Public Service Commission decision Tuesday...
Comptel backed the Michigan Public Service Commission decision Tuesday (CD March 19 p19) requiring AT&T Michigan and Sprint to file an interconnection agreement with the agency. “By requiring IP interconnection agreements to be publicly filed and enabling others to simply…
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opt into them, the Michigan PSC is fulfilling its role under the Telecom Act, making it easier for carriers to focus on their core business of serving consumers and ensuring that AT&T cannot discriminate in the marketplace,” said Comptel CEO Chip Pickering in a statement Wednesday (http://tinyurl.com/pls5mda). “Simplifying and speeding the process of interconnection will save carriers time and money, and ultimately benefit consumers.” He called the ruling “a defining moment as the communications industry transitions to IP technology” that “sets a precedent for other states to follow.” The PSC rejected a proposed interconnection agreement between the companies to resolve an IP interconnection dispute (http://tinyurl.com/nmuglcw) in which Sprint had sought a ruling saying AT&T was obligated under the 1996 Telecom Act to interconnect to it. “Sprint appreciates the work conducted by the Michigan Public Service Commission on IP Interconnection issues,” is “closely reviewing” the decision and will respond shortly to the agency, said a spokesman in a statement Tuesday. An AT&T Michigan spokesman declined comment.