Pai Statement-Formation of Technology Transitions Policy Task Force

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.

See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

December

10,

2012

Matthew

Berry,

202-418-2005

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matthew.berry@fcc.gov

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER AJIT PAI

ON THE FORMATION OF A TECHNOLOGY TRANSITIONS POLICY TASK FORCE

The Internet Transformation is upon us. The analog, circuit-switched copper-wire

networks that dominated the 20th century communications marketplace are being replaced by

competitive fiber networks that digitally distribute voice, video, and data services. Yet our rules

continue to presume static domination by monopoly providers. We need a forward-looking

regulatory framework that will expedite the Internet Protocol (IP) transition and accommodate

indeed, encouragethe most important technological revolution of our time.

I first called for the FCC to establish a task force to tackle this problem almost five

months ago.1 Today, I commend the Chairman for doing just that with the announcement of the

Technology Transitions Policy Task Force's formation. The Task Force will help us address this

challenge in a comprehensive manner rather than handling issues on a piecemeal basis as they

happen to pop up.

Our judgments have a firmer foundation when we have the benefit of a broad range of

public perspectives. So I hope that the Task Force will solicit input from all interested parties.

And I hope that all Commissioners' offices will engage with the Task Force and have the

opportunity to participate in its work.

Our goal in this effort should be as simple as it is profound: to develop sound proposals

for hastening the IP transition and incentivizing investment in next-generation networks. In

developing those proposals, the Task Force should keep certain core principles in mind, such as

the need to preserve vital consumer protectionslike 911 emergency callingthat are still likely

to be needed in an all-IP world. Similarly, the Task Force should resist the urge to simply import

the rules of the old world into the new. Instead, it should scour the Code of Federal Regulations

to track down and remove obsolete legacy regulations, like the tariffs, the arcane cost studies,

and the hidden subsidies that distort competition for the benefit of companies, rather than

consumers.

The Technology Transitions Policy Task Force is a big deal. Without question, the legal

and policy challenges involved will be substantial, as will be the demands on our talented staff.

1 See Remarks of Commissioner Ajit Pai, Unlocking Investment and Innovation in the Digital Age: Toward a 21st-

Century FCC at 6-7 (July 18, 2012), available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-

315268A1.pdf.

But so too could be the rewards. If we get this rightif we can establish a modern, deregulatory

framework for the dynamic, competitive IP worldinnovation will flourish, infrastructure

investment will increase, and American consumers will benefit even more fully from the bounty

of the digital age.

LINK:	http://www.fcc.gov/document/pai-statement-formation-technology-transit...
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