UNBUNDLED
NETWORK ELEMENT PLATFORM
(UNE-P)
WHEREAS, the unbundled network element platform ("UNE-P")
is a seamless combination of the unbundled loop, unbundled local
switching and unbundled interoffice transport; and
WHEREAS, it is widely believed that the availability of the UNE-P
at total element long-run incremental cost ("TELRIC")
based rates is responsible for a significant portion of the current
level of local telephone service competition for residential and
small business customers; and
WHEREAS, the use of the UNE-P allows competitive carriers to provide
consumers with a flexible variety of telecommunications services,
as contrasted to the service-by-service capabilities of resale;
and
WHEREAS, even where competitive alternatives for local switching
are available, the current logistical and cost requirements for
the "hot cut" process mean that competitive carriers’
provisioning of local telephone service to residential and small
business customers could be impaired without access to the UNE-P;
and
WHEREAS, any analysis of the continued necessity of particular unbundled
network elements, or of competitive impairment absent availability
of particular unbundled network element is one that must take place
on a state-by-state, market-by-market basis, and can best be undertaken
by state commissions rather than the Federal Communications Commission;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association of State
Utility Consumer Advocates ("NASUCA") supports the continued
availability of the UNE-P at TELRIC rates;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if review of continued availability
of UNE-P is considered appropriate at some point in the future,
NASUCA supports such review being undertaken by state commissions;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NASUCA authorizes the NASUCA Executive
Committee and/or the Telecommunications Committee to take action
in support of this resolution.
DATE: November 12, 2002 ADOPTED BY THE FULL MEMBERSHIP
LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois
National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates
8380 Colesville Road, Suite 101, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 589-6313 Fax: 589-6380
e-mail: nasuca@nasuca.org |