Triennial Review

On February 20, 2003 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Triennial Review order, which recognizes that barriers to competition still exist, presumes impairment on switching for mass-market customers, preserves competitors' access to key UNEs (Unbundled Network Elements), and grants states meaningful decision-making authority.  The order also gives the Bell telephone companies' far-reaching broadband deregulation.
On August 21, 2003 the Commission released their final Order containing UNE (Unbundled Network Elements) language, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to competition. (UNE is used in provisioning telecommunications service sold or resold at an individual element level.) According to Robert Quinn, AT&T Vice President - Federal Regulatory Affairs, AT&T commends the FCC majorities, who have made a promise to consumers in February and have kept that pledge. "This Order helps AT&T to continue to serve our existing local customers and to follow through with our plans to expand to other markets.  As to voice telephone services, the FCC's Order promises lower prices, more choices, and better services for the Nation's residential and small business customers."  
Additionally, the Order ensures competitors access to essential network elements as long as impairments to competition continue. The Order also guarantees consumers a choice of local service providers wherever UNEs are accurately priced under the FCC's pricing rules.  Significantly, the Order relies heavily on the expertise of the individual State commissions not only to identify barriers to competition, but also to take the steps necessary to eliminate these barriers.  

Read the entire press release:  http://www.att.com/news/item/0,1847,12097,00.html   Kareem El-Heneidi
Connectivity Services, Inc.
15 West 26th Street, 7th Floor
NY  NY  10010
Tel: 212-689-8122
Fax: 212-689-7549