CALinnovates and California-Based Tech Groups Ask FCC to Speed Modernization of Nation's Communications Networks

Comment supports petition seeking national conversation on speeding up transition to all-IP based networks with beta trials to measure consumer benefits

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CALinnovates, a tech advocacy organization, along with eight other California-based tech groups -- Alphabird, Appallicious, At The Pool, Avetta, iSideWith, Lex Machina, MySocialCloud, and the Silicon Valley Italian Executive Council -- have jointly filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  expressing support for a petition currently pending at the Commission.

The petition, submitted last year by AT&T, asks the FCC to work with the private sector to begin geographically-limited beta tests to examine the complex technical and policy issues associated with the transition away from existing legacy voice networks to modern IP-based networks. The guidelines provided in the petition propose a framework that will allow the private sector and the government to address the operational, technical and policy issues related to the transition to new IP-based networks in an open and transparent process.  

"Startups in-and-around Silicon Valley need reliable, forward-looking high-speed networks to deliver for our customers," said Chase Norlin, CEO of Alphabird. "Supporting the rapid development of communications infrastructure will allow us to maintain a free and open Internet, encourage private investment, and support innovation and free flowing ideas."

"Existing regulations mandate continued investment in outdated, 20^th century networks that consumers are using less and less," said CALinnovates Executive Director Mike Montgomery.  "Old school networks can't offer the infrastructure needed for seamless communication of voice, data, video, and Internet applications among various devices." 

Montgomery continued, "This petition is a first step in determining how the FCC and the private sector can work together to upgrade the country's communications infrastructure beyond the limited capabilities of networks designed for voice-only communication.  The new communications ecosystem no longer operates solely through telephone companies.  This filing is about updating a regulatory environment that promotes access to new technologies, protects consumers, and enhances our economic productivity."

"The beta trials deploying IP-enabled networks will help accelerate the evolution of technology and drive increased connectivity and innovation, while fostering immense capital investment," said Montgomery.  "Investing in stronger and faster IP networks will provide substantial benefits to consumers and businesses nationwide ranging from job creation to greater access to education, healthcare, training, and public safety."

SOURCE CALinnovates