Communications Crossroads - Winter 2007 - (Page 5)

up front with USTelecom Leadership Connecting the Countryside I’ve had the opportunity this fall to spend time in rural America talking about the broadband future. Everywhere, I’ve found dedicated policymakers, business leaders and private citizens working to bring the promise of broadband to all Americans. Even in these divisive times in Washington, there is agreement that we need policies that help America emerge as a broadband nation. Broadband is opening up so many opportunities—for our economy, for a better education for our children, for health care in rural areas, even a cleaner environment for us all. How do we make this promise of the opportunity of broadband real for every American? For me, the cornerstone of the answer is investment—policies that encourage the billions of dollars of private capital necessary to truly connect the country. We’re well on our way. Broadband service providers will invest some $70 billion this year in North American communications infrastructure. But we have the most work in rural areas, where delivery costs are much higher. Rural America is home to about 20% of the U.S. population—spread out across 80% of our nation’s land mass. That’s a real economic challenge. USTelecom has been supportive of public-private efforts that unite community leaders, infrastructure investors and public resources to craft comprehensive, constructive strategies. We’re working to include language in this year’s Farm Bill to improve the federal broadband loan program. We want priority given to pockets of the country with no service, and we want these loans to be more accessible to all companies that wish to bring broadband infrastructure to rural areas. So far, the rapid adoption of broadband throughout our country is an extraordinary success story. Consumer prices are coming down. Speeds are picking up. Innovation is driving new applications and services almost daily. Together, we can ensure that no American is left behind. Walter B. McCormick Jr., USTelecom CEO Building a Business Focus It’s an honor to serve as the new USTelecom Chair. After many years in this industry, I look forward to this opportunity to give back and to continue our memberdriven efforts to build a trade association of unique business value to our companies. This year, I had the opportunity to serve as Vice-Chair of the USTelecom Leadership Committee, created after the members’ decision to focus USTelecom on the core business needs of our companies. Under the leadership of Chair Bert Kramer of D&E Communications, the committee was tasked with developing business-oriented programming to complement USTelecom’s advocacy work in Washington. The Committee has had an extraordinary inaugural year, offering great value to our small, mid-size and rural company members. The September Executive Business Forum in San Jose, California, attracted 250 carrier executives and technology partners and examined our industry’s broadband future, from operational issues to evolving business models. The Committee has since hosted an executive Tax Summit, sponsored by Deloitte, and an Engineering Summit, both at USTelecom’s Washington, DC headquarters. An innovative ombudsman service also has been established to enhance communications between large companies and small- and mid-sized telecoms. Now, the committee has set its sights on developing the next generation of industry leaders. Under the experienced hand of Cisco, an exclusive gathering will be held in 2008— a week-long program aimed at helping up-and-coming executives gain a broad understanding of the business, regulatory and technology issues they will need to navigate in order to lead our companies in the future. We owe a debt of gratitude to our Leadership Committee Chairman Bert Kramer, and to all who are helping develop these member-driven initiatives. USTelecom members are standing together not only in Washington, but in sharing our diverse experiences and exploring this new industry landscape. Ron B. McCue, USTelecom Chair Winter 2007 COMMUNICATIONS CROSSROADS 5

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Communications Crossroads - Winter 2007

Communications Crossroads Winter 2007 Up Front Contents Cover Story: Billing Redux Business Advantages: Reaching Consumers with Special Needs Technology Today: Femtocells: The Jury’s Still Out Industry Calendar Index to Advertisers TELECOMPAC

Communications Crossroads - Winter 2007

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