MISSOULA PLAN WOULD BE COSTLY TO CONSUMERS, OPPONENTS SAY

摘要

The Missoula Plan to reform intercarrier compensation would cost consumers and the economy $39-$44 billion, said a study commissioned by the National Cable & Telecommunications Assn. and 7 competitive carriers. The study, produced by research consulting firm Economics & Technology Inc. (ETI), disputed an earlier AT&T study that said the plan would produce almost $54 billion in savings. ETI said the AT&T study was 揵ased on flawed assumptions and data.?For example, it 搖nrealistically assumes that 100% of access charge reductions envisioned in the Missoula Plan will be flowed through to consumers [and] relies upon price-elasticities of demand that were developed in the distant past.?The plan is designed to resolve intercarrier compensation disparities by reducing access charges and making up the difference with fixed consumer fees such as the subscriber line charge. The result would be revenue neutral, according to Missoula supporters, and the AT&T study said there would be consumer benefits. The study was submitted to the FCC on Wed., the deadline for reply comments on the Missoula Plan.