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| Association
of Communications Enterprises |
1401 K
Street, N.W. Suite 600 Washington, D.C. 20005 |
Phone:(202)
835-9898 Fax:(202) 835-9893 | |
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Contact: Celeste Powers Director of Public Affairs (202) 835-9898, ext.3015 cpowers@ascent.org | ||
| ASCENT Says SWBT Kansas 271 Thin on
Facts |
| Washington, D.C., August 31, 2000 – The Association of
Communications Enterprises (ASCENT) in comments filed today with the
Kansas Corporation Commission warned that Staff Recommendations in
favor of Southwestern Bell Telephone's (SWBT) compliance with the
"competitive checklist" enable SWBT to sidestep its statutory
obligation to conclusively demonstrate actual compliance with
section 271(c)(2)(B) of the Act at the time it files its
application. ASCENT stated that Staff conclusions appear to rely
more on SWBT’s Texas compliance record, the standard Kansas 271
Agreement and anticipated future compliance, than on a fully factual
supported demonstration of actual compliance in Kansas.
Responding to Staff’s Recommendation on SWBT’s Kansas 271 Application, submitted August 21, 2000, ASCENT argued that Staff’s conclusions are seemingly based on a number of key underlying presumptions, which, in some instances, are only thinly supported by factual evidence. The major area of concern is that the approval is based on the similarity between SWBT’s Kansas and Texas operations and systems, despite limited performance data. In addition, ASCENT explained that the numerous unresolved issues raised by CLECs tell a far more compelling story of non-compliance and their concerns should be accorded substantial weight before any favorable recommendation is given by the Commission. “Until SWBT can rely on a fully factual supportable Kansas-specific compliance record and before a 271 recommendation is granted, SWBT’s “compliance” should be viewed as a work in process,” said David Gusky, ASCENT Executive Vice President. Adding, “SWBT needs to conclusively demonstrate through sustained, measurable performance, that it has complied with the Act.” |
 Association of Communications Enterprises (ASCENT) - http://www.ascent.org/ - is the leading trade organization of entrepreneurial communications firms and their suppliers. ASCENT member companies provide a full range of communications services utilizing narrowband, broadband and wireless technologies. They share a common desire for new business opportunities, technological innovation, managerial excellence, and adherence to high ethical standards. ASCENT's mission is to open all communications markets to full and fair competition and to help member companies design and implement successful business plans. Formerly the Telecommunications Resellers Association (TRA), ASCENT was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. |