CompTel/ASCENT Calls on FCC to Preserve Access to DS-1 Loops

The CompTel/ASCENT alliance published a letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell asking the FCC to preserve access to DS-1 loops and DS-1 EELs as UNEs pending adoption of final rules. In the letter, CompTel/ASCENT notes that in the past, all 5 FCC commissioners supported continued availability of cost-based access to DS-1 loops because of overwhelming evidence of impairment. However, it is believed that the FCC is currently considering an automatic 15% price increase for existing DS-1 loops and DS-1 EELs that would go into effect in six months, even if the FCC has not issued final UNE-p rules in that timeframe. The CompTel/ASCENT alliance argues that such changes would be devastating for competitive carriers. http://www.comptelascent.org