Each time you pass "Go," you may collect $200.<$>

Every game has rules – and the competitive arena of telecom is no different. Because of the onslaught of information regarding rules and regulations bombarding telecom companies and agents, the Channel Partners Conference & Expo is offering a Regulatory Workshop on Wednesday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Islander Room C, to discuss regulatory issues and clear up any misconceptions of the matter.

"The regulatory changes will impact the future of local competition, and understanding the dynamics both at the federal and state level will help agents to better anticipate trends and changes in the marketplace," says Peter Karoczkai, vice president of sales and marketing at InfoHighway Communications Corp. and moderator of the workshop.

One of the main discussion topics will be what has happened with the FCC’s Triennial Review Order (TRO) since its release in August 2003. There are nearly 50 state proceedings regarding the availability of UNE-P and the batch "hot cut" process for UNE-Loops that experts say will shape the competitive landscape of telecom for years to come. The analysis of TRO status will also involve the status of the CLEC joint appeal of the TRO and the FCC proceedings regarding pick-and-choose NPRM, ILEC forbearance petitions, and TELRIC or UNE pricing.

This two-hour look at regulatory issues also will include VoIP regulation. Andrew Isar, president of regulatory consultancy Miller Isar Inc. and guest speaker, plans to discuss why VoIP is gaining the attention of regulators, offer a brief history of VoIP regulation, as well as parties’ positions on the topic, state and federal action, prognosis for regulation and time frames.

Isar says this workshop will address two of the most important issues facing channel partners and would be an asset to any agent. "Because the telecommunications industry remains regulated, and in light of the significant implications of both the TRO and VoIP regulation on the future of competition, agents will gain an appreciation of the environment in which they operate, the challenges and opportunities available to the competitive industry," says Isar. "Moreover, an understanding of these issues will enable agents to develop strategies and identify opportunities for future success."

As customers ask an increasing amount of regulatory questions, this workshop will enable agents and VARs to provide informed and insightful answers. Channel partners need to arm themselves with the latest information regarding rules and regulations in this business. Remember — you must pass "Go" before you can ever think about buying a hotel on Park Place.

About the speakers:<$>

Peter Karoczkai,<$> senior vice president of sales and marketing of InfoHighway Communications Corp., was vice president of marketing and product management for Bell Atlantic Telecom Industry Services, Bell Atlantic’s wholesale division. He launched local resale services in 1995, and grew revenue to more than $1 billion in 1999. Karoczkai led the development of numerous wholesale product initiatives, including ADSL, unbundled extended loop, interconnection, interoffice facilities and local number portability.

Previously, Karoczkai directed NYNEX Mobile’s channel strategy managing NYNEX Mobile’s reseller, agent, direct and telemarketing distribution. Karoczkai began his career in developing and marketing computer networks and services for leading edge technology companies.

Karoczkai received a B.S. in marketing management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an M.B.A. in marketing and international management from New York University.

Andrew Isar,<$> president of Miller Isar Inc., has more than 20 years of telecommunications industry experience, including more than 15 years’ regulatory and government relations experience with AT&T and regional interexchange carriers. In 1991, Isar formed Miller Isar Inc. to assist in interexchange reseller clients in fulfilling regulatory requirements.

Isar directs the state regulatory program for the Association of Communications Enterprise and represents the association before state regulators.

Previously, Isar served as executive vice president for two regional interexchange carriers with responsibility for regulatory and industry affairs. He was with AT&T’s Washington Government Affairs group, responsible for representation of regulatory issues before the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. Isar’s professional career began in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, where he became post communications engineering officer of Fort Lewis, Wash., and went on to earn the rank of captain.

Isar holds a B.S. in business administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a M.S. in systems management from the University of Southern California.