*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 59534.doc* NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: September 8, 2006 Mark Wigfield at (202) 418- 0253 E- mail: Mark. Wigfield@ fcc. gov THOMAS M. KOUTSKY APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NUMBERING COUNCIL Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today announced the appointment of Thomas M. Koutsky as Chairman of the North American Numbering Council (NANC). The NANC advises the FCC on matters relating to the administration of numbering resources. Mr. Koutsky replaces Robert C. Atkinson, who resigned after serving for five years as the Chairman of the NANC. In a letter dated September 8, 2006, Wireline Competition Bureau Chief Thomas J. Navin accepted Mr. Atkinson’s resignation and thanked him for his dedicated service to the NANC over the past five years. Mr. Koutsky is a co- founder and Resident Scholar of the Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal & Economic Public Policy Studies in Washington D. C. He has extensive experience in both government and in private industry, and is an active speaker and writer on issues related to telecommunications competition. Mr. Koutsky was formerly a senior attorney with the FCC’s Office of General Counsel. “Tom Koutsky’s experience, demonstrated skill in telecommunications policy, and his prior work at the Commission will serve him well as the Chairman of the NANC,” said Mr. Navin. “I am certain that Tom will be a strong NANC Chairman and ensure that NANC’s recommendations serve the public interest,” Mr. Navin added. The Phoenix Center is an international, non- profit organization that studies broad public policy issues related to governance, social and economic conditions, with a particular emphasis on the law and economics of regulated industries. Before co- founding the Phoenix Center, Mr. Koutsky served as legal counsel and policy expert for two competitive local exchange companies, Covad Communications Company and Z- Tel Communications, Inc. -- FCC -- . 1