Exploring ways to streamline current and conflicting telecommunication regulatory policies in the United States will be the focus of a conference at the University of Colorado at Boulder School of Law on Oct. 26.
Titled "Re-Examining the Role of State and Local Governments in Telecom Regulations," the conference will examine how the 1996 Telecommunications Act and the conflicting roles that state and local governments play in telecommunications regulation have hampered economic development in the telecommunications industry.
The law school's Silicon Flatirons Telecommunications Program is co-sponsoring the conference with The Progress & Freedom Foundation, a think tank devoted to the study of the digital world.
The conference will be in the Fleming Law Building from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"The Telecommunications Act of 1996 did not consider carefully the role that states and localities should play in telecommunications regulation -- roles that were defined under the original telecommunications act in 1934," said Professor Phil Weiser, Silicon Flatirons' executive director.
"Given the emerging technological landscape -- characterized by services provided over broadband and wireless networks -- it is important that policymakers begin developing a harmonious nationwide regulatory system," he said.
According to Raymond Gifford, president of The Progress & Freedom Foundation and former Colorado Public Utilities Commission chairman,
digital applications such as voice over internet protocol "are making a mockery of local, state and national boundaries."
"The erosion of these boundaries undermines economic regulation at the state and local level, but those regulators may possess expertise on the implementation of social policy," said Gifford. "What we need to do is to define roles for regulators at all levels that will allow digital technologies and services to continue their remarkable growth."
The conference will feature a presentation of the foundation's new report on how to modernize telecommunication regulations, as well as discussion by policymakers, academics and practitioners on future directions in telecommunications policy reform. Participants include Gifford, Arvada Mayor Ken Fellman and Tom Nathan, Comcast Cable general counsel.
For more information on the conference, visit the conference Web page at .
Because seating is limited, all attendees should register in advance at . A registration fee is required. Cost is $50 to the public and $25 for CU alumni, FCBA members and Denver telecommunications professionals. However, Silicon Flatirons program supporters, members of the press, CU students, faculty and staff will be admitted free of charge.
Continuing legal education credit is available for attendees.
For assistance, contact Travis Litman at (303) 735-5633 or travis.litman@colorado.edu.