Further Industry Reaction to the FCC Decision

The High Tech Broadband Coalition (HTBC) applauded the FCC order, describing it as "a major triumph for consumers." The HTBC especially commended the FCC for setting "a sound and clear demarcation between legacy copper and packetized capacity."


The Consumer Electronics Association said the FCC "removes burdensome regulations that are key to new last-mile investments." Michael Petricone, CEA's Vice President of Technology Policy, described the FCC order as "a giant leap toward making universal adoption of broadband a reality."


Sprint said the FCC order recognizes the "current reality that competitive local phone companies can't fairly compete without continued use of UNE-P. The order appropriately gives competitors time to build their customer bases and create a sound financial structure before phasing out their use of UNE-P." Tom Gerke, Sprint's Executive Vice President - General Counsel and External Affairs, said "One element of the FCC's order that is disappointing to Sprint is the apparent decision to preclude wireless companies from purchasing transport from incumbent local companies at UNE prices." Also, Sprint is currently using UNE-P to provide its "Sprint Complete Sense," packages of local service bundled with long distance, wireless and other features, in 36 states and the District of Columbia. Once the order has been fully analyzed, the company will decide on the next steps for this offer.


Mpower Communications, a facilities-based CLEC, said the order confirms its belief that it is better to own a facilities-based network and not depend on the LEC for switching infrastructure. Mpower does not expect the order to have any impact on the prices or services it offers to its customers.