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  5. Z-Tel Suggests '$20 Solution' To Solve Carrier Access Fee Problem: Page 2 of 2
Networking

Z-Tel Suggests '$20 Solution' To Solve Carrier Access Fee Problem: Page 2 of 2

Z-Tel Technologies Inc. is hoping that its "$20 Solution" to the multibillion-dollar access-fee problem will cool the battle between the local telephone monopolies and other telecommunications firms seeking access to
April 13, 2004

Z-Tel, with more than 500,000 subscribers to its local phone service, cited a report by investment banking firm UBS Warburg that cites average access charges as $15.91 per line, per month. In telephony jargon, the charges are referred to as "UNE-P"--unbundled network elements platform--and Z-Tel maintains that the $20 charge should be enough to fairly compensate the RBOCs.

As for the Court of Appeals decision, which was written by Judge Stephen Williams, a Reagan appointee, it divided the FCC in acrimonious rhetoric, and the three commissioners who saw their position on the issue overturned have vowed to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. Consumer groups said the Appeals Court decision will likely lead to higher charges for subscribers.

Z-Tel's Davis isn't overly optimistic about a quick resolution of the access-fee problem, but he hopes the $20 proposal will, at least, lead to preliminary negotiations of substance on the issue.

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