Verizon Urges FCC Action on Intercarrier Compensation

Verizon Communications is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt intercarrier compensation and universal-service reform this year. Verizon said the current "arcane system," which pays carriers for the exchange of traffic, is "an obstacle to the development and use of broadband and IP services." said in a speech prepared for delivery Saturday (Oct. 25).


"While this transition from the policies of the circuit-switched world is tough, we will all be better off when it is finished," Tauke said in his prepared remarks. "The longer policymakers and the industry try to sustain the old world, the more likely that the inevitable crash between old-world policies and new-world technology will wreak havoc on telecom carriers and their customers," said Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president of public affairs, policy and communications, speaking at the European Telecommunications Network Operators' Association conference in Venice, Italy.


Tauke urged the FCC to "forge ahead and get this across the finish line" this year. "There's a lot of work to do in a short time," he said. "But all the piece parts are there in the FCC's record to develop a viable plan."

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