IP transition trials moving forward

At its December public meeting, the FCC revealed its plan to move forward on IP transition trials. In January, the commission will open a proceeding asking carriers to submit specific proposals to test consumer protections and public safety in an all-IP network. According to Broadcasting & Cable, “The commission will conduct trials, monitoring and measuring as it goes along. It will also enlist other agencies for their expertise, again with competition and the public interest squarely in its sights.”

The FCC’s Technology Transitions Policy Task Force outlines its plan at the December 12 meeting. In it, the FCC states that its goal is to “to understand the impact of  technology transitions on consumers through diverse experiments and open-data initiatives.” And, to “Protect Enduring Values: Public safety, Universal access, Competition, and Consumer protection.” Read the outline here.

The FCC’s enduring values look surprisingly like CWA’s six principles, which were presented to the FCC last July:

•    stimulate investment in high-speed networks
•    support quality jobs in the telecommunications industry
•    promote quality, affordable service to all Americans
•    ensure network reliability
•    promote public safety
•    protect consumers

The Benton Foundation reacted positively to the FCC's plans. Benton said, “We are glad to see the emphasis the FCC is placing on the universal deployment of broadband networks, promoting public safety, protecting consumers, and preserving and enhancing competition and interconnection.” But, it reminded the FCC to truly protect “crucial if vulnerable communities – children, seniors, low-income and minority households, and people and businesses in rural and remote areas,” if we “are to enjoy the full benefits of IP networks.”

FCC Outlines IP Trial Item (Broadcasting & Cable, Dec. 12, 2013)

Technology Transitions Policy Task Force (FCC paper, December 12, 2013)

CWA comments to the FCC (CWA, July 8, 2013)

Benton Foundation Welcomes FCC's IP Transition Presentation (Benton Foundation, Dec. 12, 2013)