1STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN Re: Numbering Policies for Modern Communications, WC Docket No. 13-97, IP-Enabled Services, WC Docket No. 04-36, Telephone Number Requirements for IP-Enabled Services Providers, WC Docket No. 07-243, Telephone Number Portability, CC Docket No. 95-116, Developing a Unified Intercarrier Compensation Regime, CC Docket No. 01-92, Connect America Fund, WC Docket No. 10-90, Numbering Resource Optimization, CC Docket No. 99-200. Protecting consumers while instituting simple, streamlined rules that promote competition and innovation based on data-driven processes are key aspects of good government. I submit that this Order embodies all of these principles. I have long advocated modernizing our rules in a way that promotes innovation and investment in the marketplace while holding true to the core values of the Act including competition, consumer protection, universal service, and public safety. All IP networks offer more redundancy and the introduction of new, innovative services; I support this item because I believe it satisfies all of these objectives. Before moving to a blanket Order authorizing interconnected VoIP providers to receive direct access to numbers, however, the Commission conducted a trial to determine if there were any technical concerns or issues relating to compliance with policies, such as intercarrier compensation. The Trial Report identified no such concerns. So, today, we are poised to adopt this Order and establish a permanent process for interconnected VoIP providers to receive direct access to numbers with actual data demonstrating that the process works. This will enable the Commission to proceed in a prudent and well- reasoned fashion. To me, this epitomizes good government and sound decision-making. I am also pleased that the Order includes sufficient checks in the authorization process, including certifying compliance with our numbering rules as well as contributions to universal service to help ensure that entities are in good standing before requesting numbers. The item also ensures that the Commission has full legal authority to take action if an entity violates our numbering rules. Additionally, the Order improves transparency of numbering allocation by clarifying when it is appropriate to designate a number as “assigned” to ensure it is being used by an end user rather than held by a provider. And I appreciate the recognition of the state role with respect to numbers and the continued federal-state partnership on this important issue. While I am supportive of this Order, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the elephant in the room – the classification of VoIP. For over a decade, this agency has punted on this issue and, unfortunately, we continue this trend by failing to make a decision. This must end. We should make a decision, and stand by it. I want to thank the Wireline Competition Bureau for their diligent work not only on this item, but also on the trial and Trial Report. Because of their tremendous work, we are able to move forward today. Finally, I want to recognize Matt DelNero in particular to congratulate and welcome him to his first meeting as Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau. Thank you.