CompTel is the leading national industry association representing competitive telecommunications providers. CompTel member companies have done this in spite of the continued efforts by Verizon to thwart competitive entry by its refusal to comply with federal and state requirements to open its markets to competition. Unfortunately for the residents and businesses of Pennsylvania, Verizon has repeatedly refused to comply with the Commission's directive. Rather that comply with its legal obligations, Verizon had turned to the media in a last ditch effort to stop structural separation. Contrary to Verizon's claims, structural separation will save consumers money by creating the necessary conditions for local competition, resulting in additional choices and lower prices.
New providers entering the local market also mean new jobs and high-tech investment in Pennsylvania.
CompTel's members are committed to making the investment in new jobs and services necessary to bring widespread and robust competitive choice to Pennsylvanians, and in so doing, lay the foundation for Pennsylvania's economic growth and prosperity into the 21st century. Despite all Verizon's rhetoric, the truth remains that structural separation as ordered by the PUC would do nothing more than treat Verizon the same as all other competitors. Verizon claims that it wishes to be free to compete. If Verizon is true to their word, it has nothing to fear from structural separation. Because of the PUC's courageous resolve on this issue, Pennsylvania is viewed nationally as a leader in promoting open markets and advanced, high-speed data services, while at the same time ensuring the continued universal availability of affordable local telephone service.