DSL Prime: Politics

As an activist FCC prepares to stifle VoIP, industry innovators must continue to participate in trade groups and get in touch with the lobbyists who are trying to protect them from a $300 million pro-monopoly lobbying investment.

by Dave Burstein DSL Prime [February 21, 2003]

Public Service Announcement
The handful of public interest groups who make a difference in D.C. deserve your support. The telcos spend $300 million each year to buy influence; relevant public interest groups serving consumers and small businesses get less than 1 percent of that.

Rodey to Starr at DSL Forum
Pioneer to pioneer
Tom Starr was one of the first to see the potential of DSL, writing papers in 1991 and leading the crucial industry technical committee for a decade. He's also been a friend to everyone in the industry, helpful countless times explaining the issues. The DSL Forum brings the entire industry together in a neutral place, and has achieved remarkable results with its diplomacy.

Bill Rodey is also one of the founders, and now will continue working with the Forum as well as representing HyperEdge.

He writes, "I am very proud of the accomplishments that have been achieved by the DSL industry during my time on the DSL Forum Board and especially during my time as the Chairman of the Board. Since 1994 we have literally launched an industry. We have produced over 57 Technical Reports, written numerous white papers and produced thousands of pages of educational material. The DSL Forum will lead the charge to get this technology implemented in a way that is both scalable and cost effective. Two years ago the DSL Forum Board and I set a goal of 20 percent penetration of global telephone loops. If current growth rates are sustained we will achieve that goal and see more than 200 million DSL consumers in the next few years. I could not think of a better choice for President. Tom has been with the forum since its beginning. He is well known and respected throughout the industry. Many of this industry's advances are a direct result of Tom's efforts."

Don't cripple voice on the Internet
(Guest editorial from Jeff Pulver—equal space available next issue for an opposing view)

Those of us who care about IP communications need to work actively to prevent voice on the net being destroyed by political action. Here in the U.S., the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners has a strong anti-VOIP resolution moving to a vote Sunday. I've posted a draft copy at pulver.com

If the NARUC resolution passes it will create unnecessary taxes and crippling administrative burden on the Internet and in fact would mark a real dark day for IP Communications in the United States. Together we need to counter lobbyist scaremongering by explaining to state commissioners that Internet connections must not be burdened with crippling administration.

The commissioners are worried that an explosion of Internet calls could threaten the Universal Service Fund. The reality is that it will be many years before the volume of calls diverted is enough to affect service funds, giving plenty of time to find a well-thought out response. The move for immediate action is an attempt by some to stifle future Internet choices hidden in some legitimate concerns.

People can find their State Commissioners' e-mail here. I've posted a sample letter as a reference. Take from my draft letter, although you should use your own words and make sure they mention the state they live in to make this effort even more effective.

State commissioners play an important role, but few beyond the professional lobbyists contact them on issues. Even a few e-mails have the potential to sway them on an issue.

I'm hoping that people take the time to reach out to their respective State Commissioners this week and have their voices heard. Please feel free to copy me on your e-mails. Together I know we can make a difference. :-)

Jeff Pulver

Copyright 2003 Dave Burstein.
The DSL Prime Newsletter is reprinted with permission.

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