Monday, November 19, 6:00 – 8:15 p.m.
IP Interconnection: What Is It? What Does It Mean? And What Is the Law?

The FCBA Broadband Committee will hold a CLE on Monday, November 19, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:15 p.m. on IP Interconnection: What Is It? What Does It Mean? And What Is the Law?  This program will examine the broadband adoption challenge and discuss the several broadband adoption initiatives that already are underway, including commitments arising out of recent merger transactions and the FCC’s recently announced Connect to Compete program.  The CLE also will examine the recently adopted Lifeline broadband adoption program among other broadband adoption issues.  It will be held at Dow Lohnes PLLC, 1200 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Suite 800.

AGENDA

6:00 – 6:05 p.m.         Welcome and Introductions

6:05 – 6:35 p.m.         An Overview of IP Interconnection
Richard Shockey and other recognized experts in the field will kick off the event with an overview of Interconnection using Internet Protocol (IP).  Among other things, this panel will explain, among other things:

·         how IP Interconnection works (including bilateral arrangements);

·         how it is similar to and different from historical interconnection of telecommunications networks;

·         what technical issues, if any, must be overcome before widespread IP interconnection develops;

·         the economic implications of transitioning to IP Interconnection; and

·         the relationship between Internet peering and IP Interconnection dedicated to voice traffic.

Moderator:
Chris Savage, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

Speaker:
Richard Shockey
Others TBD

6:35 – 7:20 p.m.         The Policy Considerations of IP Interconnection
The second panel will explore the policy implications of IP Interconnection, including:

·         What are the consumer benefits from IP interconnection?

·         Are there implications for the intercarrier compensation reforms established in the USF/ICC Transformation Order?

·         Can market negotiation produce IP interconnection?

·         Is regulation necessary to produce the right outcomes?

·         If so, can the rules in sections 251-52 be adapted to produce efficient IP interconnection?

·         does section 251-52 apply to IP interconnection?

·         do any other federal statutory provisions or regulations potentially apply to IP interconnection?

·         how about state statutes and/or rules?

·         do generally applicable commercial laws and regulations provide any guidance?