August 8, 2005 - (HOSTSEARCH.COM) - ISP and hosting provider Covad Communications Group, today responded to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) announcement regarding competitive access to Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service in the upcoming Wireline Broadband Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).
The FCC's action intends to eliminate the Bell companies' obligation to provide broadband access services to independent Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The action comes in response to the Supreme Court's decision in the Brand X case, where the court affirmed the FCC's determination that cable modem services are an unregulated information service not subject to common carrier rules.
The following quote may be attributed to James A. Kirkland, Covad senior vice president and general counsel:
"While the full text of today's FCC order is not yet available, based on statements made at the meeting the order does not impact Covad's ability to provide broadband and VoIP services. Covad strongly believes that having open networks promotes broadband growth in the U.S., and that requiring broadband service access for independent ISPs has led to lower prices, more innovation and greater consumer choice.
"In light of this decision, it is clear that Covad offers the only national alternative broadband network to ISPs and VoIP providers. With the nation's largest DSL footprint, Covad is uniquely positioned to offer the ISPs an alternative for connections to their customers. That's what we do every day."
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