Thursday, January 19, 6:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Understanding the Connect America Fund Order
The FCBA Wireline Committee will hold a CLE on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:15 p.m. on Understanding the Connect America Fund Order. It will be held at Dow Lohnes PLLC, 1200 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, DC.A group of industry experts will provide an overview of the recently released USF/ICC Reform Order and what it means for key industry segments now and in the years to come. Two panels, one focused on USF and one focused on ICC, will address the immediate consequence of the Order, remaining questions and upcoming proceedings. Bring your questions and leave the CLE with a better understanding of this critical and complex Order.
AGENDA
6:00 – 6:05 p.m. Welcome and Introduction
6:05 – 6:35 p.m. Understanding Connect America Fund Universal Service Reforms
The Federal Communications Commission’s recent Connect America Fund Order adopts wide ranging universal service reforms that will have far-reaching implications for recipients and contributors. Industry experts representing a number of key sectors will help explain what the Order’s reforms mean for the industry. In addition to discussing the immediate effects of the Order, remaining questions, upcoming proceedings, and pending appeals.
Moderator:
John T. Nakahata, Partner, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP
Speakers:
Scott Bergmann, Assistant Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, CTIA – The Wireless Association®
Steve Morris, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, National Cable & Telecommunications Association
Michael R. Romano, Senior Vice President – Policy, National Telecommunications Cooperative Association
6:35 – 6:45 p.m. Break
6:45 – 8:15 p.m. Understanding Connect America Fund Intercarrier Compensation Reforms
The Federal Communications Commission’s recent Connect America Fund Order charts a new path for intercarrier compensation, including a detailed, multi-step transition from existing intercarrier compensation mechanisms to the newly adopted regime. Industry experts representing a number of key sectors will help explain the changes, the transition, and the impact on industry now and for years to come. Panelists will also discuss the questions posed by in the CAF Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, ongoing proceedings, and pending appeals.
