FCC Workshop on Public Switched Telephone Network in Transition

Workshop on Public Switched Telephone Network in Transition

Federal Communications Commission
Tuesday December 6, 2011
AM
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db1110/DA-1...

The Federal Communications Commission is holding two workshops to examine the transition from the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to new technologies. Circuit-switched wireline voice technology has created a high standard for reliability, accessibility, and ubiquity. Consumers will continue to expect and demand these qualities, even as they shift from PSTN services to services provided over different networks. The transition away from the PSTN is already occurring, and is likely to accelerate. Through these workshops, the Commission will seek input on the technical, economic, and policy issues that must be addressed to minimize disruption during this transition, and to protect consumers, public safety, competition, and other important interests.

The first workshop will focus on what obstacles and opportunities the transition may create regarding public safety, accessibility, and ubiquitous service. The workshop will also attempt to identify and evaluate the types of non-carrier stranded assets (such as alarm monitoring systems) that would be left after the transition.

9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Welcome Remarks by Julius Genachowski, Chairman, FCC

9:10 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.
The Impact of Broadband Communications on Public Safety and Network Reliability
Participants include:
· Allan Sadowski, North Carolina State Highway Patrol
· Stagg Newman, McKinsey & Company
· Bill Price, State of Florida, Director of Broadband Programs
· Brian Fontes, National Emergency Number Association
· Jon Peha, Carnegie Mellon University
Moderator: Jennifer Manner, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, FCC

10:10 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Disability Access in Substitute Services
Participants include:
· Jenifer Simpson, Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT)
· Norman Williams, Gallaudet University
· Matthew Gerst, CTIA – The Wireless Association
Moderator: Gregory Hlibok, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, FCC

11:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Technical Capacity, Capabilities, and Challenges Facing Future Rural Networks
Participants include:
· Erwin C. Hudson, ViaSat, Inc.
· Steven K. Berry, Rural Cellular Association
· Jack Unger, Wireless Internet Service Providers Association
· Larry D. Thompson, Vantage Point Solutions
· Tom Simmons, Midcontinent Communications
· John T. McHugh, Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small
Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO)
Moderators: Jim Schlichting, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, FCC, and Commissioner Anne
C. Boyle, Nebraska Public Service Commission

12:10 p.m. – 1:10 p.m.
Identifying, Evaluating, and Transitioning Key PSTN Edge Functionalities (e.g., alarm monitoring,
medical devices, and consumer equipment)
Participants include:
· Brian Daly, AT&T
· Harold Feld, Public Knowledge
· Stephen Hudek, Vonage
· Bill Belt, Consumer Electronics Association
· Venkatesh Basapur, Telcordia Technologies
· Richard Hinkson, Honeywell Security
Moderator: Walter Johnston, Office of Engineering and Technology, FCC
· Paul Schroeder, American Foundation for the Blind
· Mark Uncapher, Telecommunications Industry Association